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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I have pmr. I have been reducing my prednisone per my dr and am down to 6.5 mg daily for 17 days. I sm having a relapse of symptoms. The

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
NC

Problem is my rheumatologist retired suddenly day before yesterday. My records have been sent to a new dr but I’ve not seen him yet. I need to increase my prednisone back to 7.5 mg I would think. Is it safe to increase my a mg? Will that throw my system doing that?

October 2
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a question about safely adjusting prednisone during a PMR flare after a rheumatologist retired unexpectedly, with the... Read more

Members rallied around a question about safely adjusting prednisone during a PMR flare after a rheumatologist retired unexpectedly, with the most common advice being to contact a primary care provider right away for guidance. Several members shared their own experiences navigating prednisone tapers, including how difficult it can be to reduce doses, the importance of not rushing the process, and the need to monitor blood sugar since prednisone can cause spikes. A recurring theme was that PMR often requires longer-term prednisone use than other conditions, and members encouraged staying in close contact with any available doctor while waiting to see a new specialist.

A MyLupusTeam Member

Talking to your PCP is a good idea, Frankie, as AI is right that you should be guided by your doctors. That sounds like a reasonable plan, but they must approve it.

October 2
MyLupusTeam

What a stressful situation — losing your rheumatologist right in the middle of a taper is really tough timing. It's completely understandable to feel uncertain about what to do next.

Here's the important thing: any change to your prednisone dose — even a small increase of 1mg — really should be guided by a doctor. Even minor Show Full Answer

What a stressful situation — losing your rheumatologist right in the middle of a taper is really tough timing. It's completely understandable to feel uncertain about what to do next.

Here's the important thing: any change to your prednisone dose — even a small increase of 1mg — really should be guided by a doctor. Even minor adjustments can affect how your body responds, and without a doctor reviewing your full picture, it's hard to know the safest path forward. The most important step right now is to contact a doctor as soon as possible. Some options to consider:

- Call the retiring rheumatologist's office — even if they've retired, there is usually a covering physician or on-call doctor who can advise you temporarily
- Contact your new rheumatologist's office urgently and explain you're mid-taper with returning symptoms — they may be able to advise you by phone before your first appointment
- Reach out to your primary care doctor who may be able to bridge the gap with guidance

Please don't wait on this one. Returning symptoms during a taper deserve prompt medical attention.

October 2
A MyLupusTeam Member

Hello Frankie,I have a question ⁉️ I went to the Doctor and she put me on 300.00 mg of Hydroxychloroquine tablets. Have you ever heard of it

October 10
A MyLupusTeam Member

I would think your primary doctor will help you out. That's the same amount im on the past 20 years. Good luck!!

October 16
A MyLupusTeam Member

Frankie, I just read a recent New England Journal of Medicine article about a new biologic, sarilumab, that is now used for PMR and has shown effectiveness. You may want to ask your rheumatologist if this may be an option for you.

October 16

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