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Home / Ask the Expert / long term prednisone vs methotrexate for GCA

long term prednisone vs methotrexate for GCA

April 5, 2007 By Arthritis Center

Question

Have any clinical trials been done done for GCA using low dose Prednisone alone without Methotrexate? I do not want the side effects of Methotrexate and am able to do fine on low dose Prednisone.

Answer

There have been trials with mixed results. If your prednisone can be tapered below 10 mg daily and if you are tolerating it without side effects, then I agree that there is likely no need to look for another drug. Discuss with your doctor.

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