hair loss | Arthritis Information

I was dx'd with PMR 10 months ago. put on 15 mgs. of prednisone which worked like magic. Was able to start reducing the dosage with the help of Arthrotec (50 mg. once a day). I stopped the Arthrotec awhile back. Currently I take 6.5mg. in a divided dose and am fairly comfortable. (I found I was really sensitive to reduction in dose, and have tapered down 1/4 mg. at a time.) I have stiffness after sitting, mild hip soreness, but not bad enough for me to increase the prednisone.

Besides the usual, i.e. weight gain, fat face, fat pad on my upper back, sweating, fatigue, I am losing hair at an alarming rate. Has this happened to any of you? Also, has anyone had significantly higher blood pressure problems?

Hi Kiva

I too had the hair loss and also thinning of the skin and nails. I used 300 mgs biotin and 400 mcg folic acid. Had great sucess. I was given a diuretic for the high blood pressure and that got things under control. My PMR is gone but I still had to taper the pred. 1 mg every three weeks so will be down to 1 mg next week, The only problem I have had tapering is sweating profusely. Will be glad when it is over but then I have to try to get the Fibromyalgia under control

Good luck to you.