In short, YES.  I don't take methotrexate any longer, I switched to Arava which is a similar (DMARD) medication along with injectable Humira.  I  was taking 10mg of Prednisone every OTHER day.  According to my PCP and Rheum, the every other day schedule helps to avoid the side effects. People prone to being hyper/emotional can get very hyper - I myself, just felt "normal" again.  In addition, there is the increased blood sugar, weight gain, puffy face (very unattractive) and potential for diabetes.  I was recently diagnosed with prednisone induced diabetes.  Because of the diabetes, I've tapered my prednisone to 5mg every other day, the minimum needed to allow me to drag my body in to work each day.  For me it is a quality of life (QOL) issue, I accept the weight gain, unattractively puffy face and diabetes for the ability to feel a little more normal each day. 

 

I hope this helps..

 

Liz

In short, YES.  I don't take methotrexate any longer, I switched to Arava which is a similar (DMARD) medication along with injectable Humira.  I  was taking 10mg of Prednisone every OTHER day.  According to my PCP and Rheum, the every other day schedule helps to avoid the side effects. People prone to being hyper/emotional can get very hyper - I myself, just felt "normal" again.  In addition, there is the increased blood sugar, weight gain, puffy face (very unattractive) and potential for diabetes.  I was recently diagnosed with prednisone induced diabetes.  Because of the diabetes, I've tapered my prednisone to 5mg every other day, the minimum needed to allow me to drag my body in to work each day.  For me it is a quality of life (QOL) issue, I accept the weight gain, unattractively puffy face and diabetes for the ability to feel a little more normal each day. 

 

I hope this helps..

 

Liz

Yes you can, it does include risks though. I was on 40mg a day of pred, recently stepped down to 30. I took Arava for months, and am now on Plangueil instead. I also inject Humira weekly. The pred has made my face swell, and caused wieght gain and diabetes. Like the last person said, it is a Quality of Life issue. So far the Humira has done little for me, I start Rituxen soon, and when one of the bilogics kicks in I will taper way down on pred and hopefully lose the diabetes with it. Depends on your pain, I cannot imagine life without the pred and vicodin at the moment. Hope you feel better.

 

Brad

Like the others said, yes you can. I took prednisone for 18 yrs and methotrexate for 14 yrs. Once you get over 4 to 5 MG pred. the side effects seem to begin. I gained 40 lbs and my stomach looked like I was 8 months pregnant. If you are able to be on less pred, I would. Pred also sucks the calcium out of your bones so taking calcium is important. No one told me that when I was on it so now I have Osteo....