Polymyalgia Rheumatica - is prednisone the only drug of choice for this condition?

I too have pmr and the doctor has startes me on Acterma. It comes in an infusion or shot once a month. They told me that it could tak a couple months before i see inprovement. You might check on it. Hope this helps you.

Generally the prednisone is first because it works quickly and last long. Methotrexate can be contraindicated if there are any lung or organ problems. Prednisone is then preferred. If condition is under control and the flare is subsiding, generally a prednisone sparing drug is used. Methotrexate is the first. There are plenty of other sparing drugs. The Rheumy will go through the list until the right one for this person is found. Each one has its own toxicity. Prednisone for short term like under a year does not do a lot of harm. It is the years of it that the problems build up. Most of its effects reverse once stopped.

I was diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica in 2009, prescribed Prednisone and Methotrexate as a steroid sparer. In 2012 I had tapered the Prednisone down to zero as I was doing very well on the Methotrexate. Since then I haven't had to take Prednisone again. Maybe your husband could ask his Rheumatologist about other options to the Prednisone, as there are a lot of side effects associated with it and Methotrexate is a well recognised treatment for this condition.

Some people respond to methotrexate.