How is polymyalgia rheumatica treated?
The treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica is directed toward reducing inflammation. While some patients with mild symptoms can improve with nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), most patients respond best to low doses of cortisone medications such as prednisone or prednisolone. Not infrequently, a single day’s cortisone medication eases many of the symptoms! In fact, the rapid, gratifying results with low dose cortisone medications is characteristic of polymyalgia rheumatica. The dose of prednisone is gradually reduced while the doctor monitors the symptoms and normalization of the blood ESR. Reactivation of symptoms can require periodic adjustments in the prednisone dosage. Most patients are able to completely wean from prednisone within several years. Some patients require longer term treatment. Occasionally, patients have a recurrence years after the symptoms have resolved. The ideal prednisone dosing regimen continues to be sought by research
