MEDICATION SIDE-EFFECTS
Q
I was recently diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica and started prednisolone tablets, but these are causing side-effects. Are there any alternatives?
A
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a chronic inflammatory disease that tends to affect women over the age of 50. Symptoms include pain and stiffness in the arms, shoulders, buttocks and legs which is worse in the morning, as well as fatigue. It is thought to be an autoimmune reaction, but the exact cause is not fully understood. On the plus side, symptoms tend to disappear within two years; until then, it is treated with an prednisolone (a corticosteroid) which usually improves symptoms within a few days. If prednisolone is causing intolerable side-effects, your GP can refer you to a specialist who may recommend an anti-rheumatic drug, such as methotrexate. Also, contact the polymyalgia self-help group (pmrgca.org.uk).