Donna
Tom: No, there is no other med that will work with PMR than Prednisone. That is one of the ways they diagnose PMR. If you have PMR, the Prednisone will work within hours usually. The side effects are nothing compared to the terrible pain and aching. Just take the dosage and live each day like you are the luckiest person in the world!!Enjoy being pain free and wait till your trusted rheumatologist says "lets try lowering the dosage" My Dr. only allows me to lower mine 1/2mg per month. Any faster and the pain returns and then you are on a higher dosage to relieve it. Take care and have patience. Donna