PMR AND BIPHOSPONATES

1. LABRADOR LOVER 2 July 2012 at 20:39PM
   • 4 replies
   • Rate this discussion. This discussion has been recommended 0 times.

   Hello Everyone out there with the dreaded PMR. I have been back to see my GP today after taking 4mgs of pred for 3 months and now having to increase again. Can't seem to get under this 5mg dose! Just wondered if anyone has been given Methotrexate and Biphosponates?

   GP has mentioned these today but I am not keen. Have got to have blood tests tomorrow.

   Can anyone shed any light please. I am feeling fed up with myself and now have got a tooth playing up so dentist tomorrow too!

   Hope you are having a pain free day.

   King Regards from Labrador Lover.

   • Reply to this discussion
   • Follow this discussion
   • Report
2. mrs k 3 July 2012 at 13:58PM

   Labrodor Lover, at the top of the page where you posted there are two pinned messages. They direct you to a website where you can read all about it.

   Methotextrate is a steroid sparing agent when used for PMR. It is a brilliant medication for RA.

   However, it is a personal decision whether you go down that route or not.. Neither pred not metho cure, there is no cure at present and no cause either.

   Have you had a bone density scan, called a Dexa. This shows whether there is bone loss and whether you need Biophosponates. If you do, avoid Alendronic Acid. There is a thread on here which discusses the use of AA, use the search eninge in the top right hand corner.

   • Report
3. carolk 5 July 2012 at 06:21AM

   hi not in a position to tcomment on metho but others have had so i am sure they will post ,did take aa for a very short time it was horrendous and found out later what a dreadfull drug it is so glad i stopped it .agree with mrs k they should confirm the need for biphos not to be taken lightly good luck carolk

   • Report
4. LABRADOR LOVER 5 July 2012 at 19:33PM

   Thankyou Mrs. K and Carol for your help. I have got to go for a Dexa scan so it will be interesting to see how the scan compares to 2 years ago. I am struggling at the moment and to add to this my GP has had to take early retirement, she was very good with PMR as she has a few patients with it. Also the Rheumy was quite happy for her to monitor me. Anyway we will wait and see what happens and will keep you posted. Its so nice to have this support group. I wish you well.

   • Report
5. mollycoo 2 January 2013 at 16:16PM

   Hi Labrador Lover,

   incidentally I'm a border collie lover!! I know nothing about Methotrexate, but I was offered AA even though my Dexa scan was normal, I refused to take it because of the potential horrendous side effects. I looked up all the information about it on the internet, and decided it wasn't for me. I do have a very high calcium diet, and take Calcium and Vitamin D twice daily. My GP tried very hard to persuade me to take AA but in the end respected my decision to decline. Read all the information available about it before making your decision.

   Good luck,

   Molly.

   • Report