Thank you, Rap, Vashta & Acme. More info. from me required. I was diagnosed with PMR (Polymyalgia Rheumatica) in 2010 & started on Prednisolone (UK spelling). Over time, I've tapered Pred. to 3mg once a day, with very low inflammation markers. I've also recently undergone comprehensive ultrasound scans of the temporal arteries, ruling out GCA (Giant Cell Arteritis). With the recent diagnosis of LVV, Pred. was immediately increased to 7mg once a day. The treatment plan is to take Pred. & Lef. in tandem, slowly tapering Pred. over many months (VERY slow tapering of Pred. is ESSENTIAL), ultimately to be replaced by Lef. Called my rheumatologist & agreed to remain on 7mg of Pred. only, for two weeks & then begin taking Lef. again, but 10mg, on alternate days & monitor side effects. The prospect does not fill me with glee, but If I don't, my case for stopping Lef. for good is weakened.

          Acme, treatment options are limited to DMARD drugs like Methotrexate (already tried with different, but equally distressing side effects) & Leflunomide or Prednisolone, which comes with it's own bunch of problems. Suppressing the body's immune system is the route taken. PMR, GCA & LVV are all auto-immune conditions.

         My apologies for the lengthy post...v.diff. to cover ne othr way!
                                                                                                                Nigel.