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Had Polymyositis And Having Weakness In Legs And Arms. Taking Prednisone And Methotrexate. Should I Continue The Medication?

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Posted on Fri, 29 Nov 2013
Question: I was diagnosed with polymyositis in 2011 and have had my ups and downs over these years. right now I have weakness in my legs and upper arms. was so much better but then came down with 7 blood clots in my lungs and I am on 24/7 oxygen for a year now. I am on 20 mg prednisone and 25 mg per week methotrexate. my ck level was 1425 last week and I receive IV IG once a month what can I do? Thanks XXXX
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Answered by Dr. Varanasi Pundarikaksha (2 hours later)
Brief Answer: Continue the treatment. Change to deflazacort... Detailed Answer: At the age is 66 yrs with history of Polymyositis, you are on appropriate medication - Prednisone 20 mg, Methotrexate 25 mg per week and also IVIG once a month. I would recommend you to continue the same treatment. Prednisone may be tapered in a period of 2 years. You will need complete blood count monitoring periodically to rule out the toxic effects of the drugs. To lessen the toxicity of Prednisone, it may be exchanged with Deflazacort with the advice of your Chest Physician. It is also essential that you watch your blood glucose level periodically. I will be glad to discuss further if you need clarifications. Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Dr. Varanasi Pundarikaksha

Pediatrician

Practicing since :1971

Answered : 219 Questions

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Had Polymyositis And Having Weakness In Legs And Arms. Taking Prednisone And Methotrexate. Should I Continue The Medication?

Brief Answer: Continue the treatment. Change to deflazacort... Detailed Answer: At the age is 66 yrs with history of Polymyositis, you are on appropriate medication - Prednisone 20 mg, Methotrexate 25 mg per week and also IVIG once a month. I would recommend you to continue the same treatment. Prednisone may be tapered in a period of 2 years. You will need complete blood count monitoring periodically to rule out the toxic effects of the drugs. To lessen the toxicity of Prednisone, it may be exchanged with Deflazacort with the advice of your Chest Physician. It is also essential that you watch your blood glucose level periodically. I will be glad to discuss further if you need clarifications. Regards