polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) relapse

Last reviewed 10/2023

relapse of polymyalgia rheumatica

Relapse is the recurrence of symptoms of PMR or onset of GCA, and not just unexplained raised ESR or CRP

Treatment of relapse:

  • if clinical features of GCA - treat as GCA (usually oral prednisolone 40-60mg daily) (see GCA guideline)

  • if clinical features of PMR - increase prednisolone to previous higher dose

    • single IM. injection of methylprednisolone (depomedrone) 120mg can also be used.
    • further relapses: consider introducing DMARD therapy after two relapses (1)

Reference: