Hi,At the moment I am taking two Hydroxy,two Naproxen and two Omeprazole each day but the past two weeks I've been in a painful flare,and I was hoping the rheumy nurse would ask the consultant if I can go on a short course of steroids just to get over this painful time. I rang her today and left a message but have not yet had a reply.Last year I was on steroid tablets for a month and they worked wonders for me,however,I wasn't on the Hydroxy then just the Naproxen and Omeprazole.So does anyone know if steroids can be taken while on Hydroxy?My GP gave me a steroid injection in the shoulder two weeks ago but it didn't work whereas I found the tablet form very good.For some reason my GP didn't seem keen to prescribe me the steroid tablets and I wondered if that was because the consultant has more or less taken over my medication,although it was my GP who prescribed the Naproxen due to this recent flare.When painful flares occur is it best to see your GP or talk to the rheumy dept?I have both RA and OA but assume this flare is due to the RA.It all gets very confusing!! Brenda

Hi Brenda,

Personally, I'd always contact my Rheumy's Secretary for an "SOS" clinic appointment in your circumstances. Prednisolone steroids can be very effective but Docs don't like you being on them too often, if it can be avoided.

Many of us take Omeprazole stomach protector and a NSAID, i.e. Naproxen or Indometacin to reduce inflammation plus a combination of DMARD's, i.e. Hydroxychloroquine, Methotrexate, Leflunomide etc. to fight the disease plus steroids on top until the disease is better controlled by the DMARD's.

Good luck!

Hi Brenda, you sure can, been on them myself for a few years as I have problems with taking other rheumy drugs. Only a low dose though as long term they thin your bones, Your GP would be very reluctant to add to the drugs prescribed by the consultant. I manage to get an increase in my prednisolone as I have colitis and when that is acting up the best treatment for me is a large boost of steroids and then a gradual withdrawal. I would ring the rheumy nurse again and tell them how much pain you are in.

John.

Hi Lyn,At the moment I take 400mg Hydroxy,1000mg Naproxen and one Omeprazole daily.Last year my GP put me on steroid tablets for a month starting at 40mg a day and then tapering them off gradually.They really did work for me and I've not taken then since. Did have the steroid injection in the shoulder two weeks ago for shoulder pain but that didn't work at all.Spoke to rheumy nurse on the phone and she thinks I may need something else added to my meds but didn't say what.I did tell her how well the steroid tablets worked for me but she said she would try and have a word with one of the rheumy doctors to see about a steroid jab in the bottom!Apparently my consultant is away on holiday and even my own GP won't be available for a while as he's going into hospital for an op. No idea when she will get back to me.Strange thing is my blood tests and Das score have been fine so why I'm in all this pain is beyond me.After I had the steroid tabs last year I went almost 6 months with hardly any pain just very slight stiffness in the hands.Then at Christmas the pain returned,this time in neck,shoulders,arms,hands,wrists and knees.So fingers crossed I can have another quick fix of the tabs. Oh for a good nights sleep!! Brenda.x