I have polymyalgic rumentica. sed rate went up when lowered to 8 mg. is there another medication. what are side effects with this other one.

Prednisone: Prednisone is the standard treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica. It is an inflammatory conditon and other medications just do not work as well as steroids. Sometimes people have to stay on prednisone for quite a long time. Please check with your rheumatologist and primary care physician.

Steroid therapy only: For polymyalgia rheumatica, steroid therapy is the only effective one available, and it looks like you are taking prednisone. The disease got worse when your prednisone dose was reduced. You will need monitoring for heart attack and stroke risk. And for prednisone you must be periodically monitored for stomach ulcer, osteoporosis, diabetes and infection (immunosuppression) risk.