Can Prednisone Be Taken On A Lower Dosage To Treat Arthritis?
I will start with 5mg and titrate up!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.
Because of the long term effects of using high doses of prednisolone, it is recommended to use the smallest dose needed for treatment. If your doctor chooses to continue with it, I will suggest he titrates from 5mg daily and only increases if this fails to address your symptoms. However, he could also use other medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that do not have a similar side profile as prednisolone yet effective for long term use. Prednisolone remains the main drug when acute flare ups are observed.
I hope this helps and guides. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me for more information and clarifications if need be.
Very minimal!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The side effects profile of a smaller dose would be less likely to develop and might take a longer time. If they however develop, they would be practically the same. They often include fluid retention and weight gain, think of the skin, bone loss, poor sugar control, etc.
I will recommend Tylenol and Ibuprofen at regular doses for first line management. I will revert to steroids in the event of an acute flare.
I wish you well and open for further discussions as you please.
Surgery is only as last resort!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
How much works varies. The plan is to use the minimum dose that works. We start low and increase progressively until we get that magic dose that works best to address your symptoms. Surgery is not the way to go and most especially for smaller joints. I will not be leaning much towards that at this time.
In all, no one can say what magic minimum dose works for you. While it is pretty sure giving highest possible dose will work perfect, we must make a balance between the side effects and the benefits.
Are you currently of prednisone? If no, I will recommend you start with 5mg and increase to 10mg in a week if symptoms fail to improve significantly.
I wish you well and always available for further exchanges.
Difficult to replace small joints!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is so difficult to replace small joints and maintain their functions and dexterity. Of course they can be replaced but they would be less useful than if not replaced. Hopefully, research would be able to make this better in future.
I think 5mg of prednisone over a long time would be able to address your symptoms. I will not suggest that he stops it so soon.
Arthritis will not shorten your life. It might only limit the quality of life by causing pain and maybe limiting the use of your joints.
I hope this helps. I wish you well.
Prednisone wouldn't shorten your life!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
There is no evidence to suggest that prednisone reduces the number of live years. Be calm and get your symptoms controlled. Do not get anxious as you will never walk alone. We would be here, all the way on to support and provide the best available evidence based opportunities.
I wish you well. Always a pleasure hearing from you!