The goal will be to raise the safer drug doses and decrease the prednisone. Most will be able to reduce the prednisone dose but some will have a very contrary fire that just needs it.

To answer your question, I think you are asking why they add more meds does it mean you need more than just prednisone? Actually Prednisone is often used to put the FIRE OUT or take it back to managable flames. Next comes the refinement of the treatment that will be individualized to your special needs and will be part of long term management Methotrexate and Cellcept are just two of the weapons available. Some of them will target fire prevention - Methotrexate. Be patient while you go through a process of trial and error to find your best fit. The goal is to do the least harm but get the best results. Glad your doctor is going week by week!🙂 Much safer. When i called he told me to go back up to last dose, wait a week then tried to reduce slower. Finally you see where the line is and level to that dose for more extended time. You may not get to 5 or 10. It justs depends on you. 🤗

One thing- its the Adrenal function that is compromised by steroid use. The adrenal gland makes cortisol. Adrenal 'fatigue' affects Thyroid function. 'Thought I'd better clarify the Genesis. 😋Prednisone also comes in 7, 5 & 1(smallest dose) now. The hardest is going below 10 so do take your time. Good luck.

Marilyn, I agree with you that the best course no prednisone. It has been over used indescrimently. Years ago it was really prescribed to us in high doses that many people continued on for yesrs. But until they find more new drugs that are prednisone sparing some of us will survive only with it’s help. Im already on Maximum does of CellCept plus Methotrexate. I look forward to the day i will have the good fortune to lose weight. I hate how i look and feel but right now i just want to live. This is my time of “chemo” - get throgh it and hopefully get better. I worry that we scare people who really need it’s help into refusing a treatment that might help them. That is why i try to ease their fears with my experience. No diabetes, no osteoporosis - lucky. I found your answer very encouraging and not fear producing like many are so please don’t see this as a personal attack. I have just wanted to bring up the other side of the issue. Like you, I will be very frightened to go off but I think for now that it is improbable Thanks 🤗

I was on prednisone for numerous years, even with Rituxin,Relafen etc. he retired and my new one made me come off of it, I was terrified,it took me a long time to wean off of it, do I feel better? I have lost a hundred lbs, that I had gained. I have had back surgery so my back and some muscles are better. My fatique level is still high at times, with more symptoms,I miss my prednisone but it is not in my best interests at this time to take it daily.
Your doctor is trying to save your bones from osteoporosis,the development of Type 2 diabetes,etc. I hope you find the right combination that works for you.