How long will they be on steroids?
Usually one to two years, sometimes longer. The dose starts moderate and comes down in small steps, every few weeks at first and more slowly later.
The full answer, with the sources, is in the guide.
Sources
- NHS: Polymyalgia rheumatica, overview
- NHS: Polymyalgia rheumatica, treatment
- Arthritis UK (formerly Versus Arthritis): Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)
- Toyoda, Mackie, Yates et al.: The 2026 British Society for Rheumatology guideline for the treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica (Rheumatology 2026;65(10):keag502)
- American College of Rheumatology: Polymyalgia rheumatica (patient fact sheet)
Reviewed 2026-11-09 · next review 2027-11-09