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Real members of myRAteam 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.

Prednisone

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Esperance, AU

I find prednisone is the only drug that makes me pain free . I'm on methotrexate 15mgs and voltarin. How low a dose is safe to take as a maintenance dose ?

October 5, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members shared their personal experiences with prednisone as a maintenance treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, with daily doses ranging from... Read more

Members shared their personal experiences with prednisone as a maintenance treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, with daily doses ranging from as low as 1mg to 10mg, though many found themselves unable to taper below 5-7.5mg without triggering painful flares. Several members described combining prednisone with other medications like methotrexate, Plaquenil, Humira, or newly added biologics such as Orencia and Leflunomide in hopes of eventually reducing steroid dependence. A recurring theme was the difficult trade-off between the drug's effectiveness for pain relief and its harsh long-term side effects, including extreme skin thinning, easy bruising, slow wound healing, and swelling, with strong encouragement from the community to work closely with a rheumatologist on any dosage adjustments.

A myRAteam Member

I'm on long term low dose (5mg) Prednisolone. I feel so much better on it.

April 21, 2017
A myRAteam Member

Talk to your rheumy about adding a biologic. You then might be able to get off the steroid.

October 7, 2016
A myRAteam Member

You bet I take prednisone. I take 4mg. daily for those so-so days, and 15mg. on those really bad flare days.
My general p[physician told me that 5mg. is an okay dose daily. I am on MTX (Methotrexate) 15mg weekly along with Hydoxychlor 200 mg. and newly added one called Leflunomide once daily and I am finding some relief with that. I agree that the prednisone is so helpful with the pain.

October 5, 2016
A myRAteam Member

It's difficult to say 'cos we are all different and all react differently. I am on 1mg alternating with 1/2mg daily of the Prednisilone and 2x10mg MTX once a week plus 1x200mg Plaquenil daily and take supplements. Seems to control my RA except for the Flares that pop up with NO warning!

October 9, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Yes, I feel like I have answered this question already but I take Prednisone daily. Sometimes I can increase it for a few days with the approval of my doc during a flare but lately he has me come in for a shot.

June 15, 2017

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