My immunologist wants me off the prednisone or at least to cut the dose in half. I have been trying to taper the past couple of years without any luck. I was dropping 1 mgm a month per my neuro's orders.
I am on 20 mgm daily now and I am to do 20 mgm every other day and 15 every other day for 2 weeks and then drop the 15 to 10 mgm every other day and 20 mgm every other day for 2 weeks. The 20 mgm and 5 mgm and then 20 mgm every other day and nothing in between.
At this point the 20 mgm can be decreased at a more slow rate. Drop that dose by 2.5 mgm and stay at the decreased rate for 2 weeks or 4 weeks. The idea is that by dropping that one every other dose you are shocking the body into producing cortisone again. The tapering is adjusted as needed and any changes in health status needs to be relayed to the doctor.
I was told that if I got down to 20 mgm every other day they would be thrilled as that would be 1/2 of what I am on now. They will be even more happy if I can get down to 10 mgm every other day. Just thought that this might be helpful info for someone. Irish
OK--I will try again! 20-15 times 2 weeks 20-10 times 2 weeks 20-5 times 2 weeks and then to 20 mgm for 2 weeks. Then 17 1/2 mgm every other day times 2 - 4 weeks whatever works the best. Slower at this taper is in order. Then 15 mgm every other day 2-4 weeks. Is that more clear.Shheeesh!!!!I have trouble with this!
Good luck Irish! It can be hard tapering off something you are used to taking. Post us on how you get on.
Take care - Scottie :)
Dearest Irish, I confess I didn't quite understand the taper process you are on. The exact numbers, that is. The concept is rather like what I am doing, to stimulate the adrenasl to produce corticosteroids by dropping the dose in alternating amounts.
However, my top dose is only 2.5 mg of medrol, which is slightly stronger than prednisone. I am convinced that 2.5 mg of Medrol is fine on an ongoing basis, and that I don't need to do anything at all.
Last week, when I was on the lowest alternating day doses, I had a flare, which ended when I went back to the full daily dose.
I will keep following my Immunologist's plan, keeping track of how I feel, and then ask to stay on 2.5 mg, which isn't really enough, either, but I don't have flares on it, so I'll settle for that!
By June we will meet to reconsider the entire plan.
Ain't we got fun?!!!
Hugs, Elaine