The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Flu Vaccines and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Posted by Peggy (California) on 11/29/2017
Yes, I came down with PMR (or so they think) one week after getting a Prolia injection. I went from excellent health to almost disabled by joint and muscle pain. I refused to go on Prednisone. I will be trying the suggestions from this site.
Flu Vaccines and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Posted by Lyn (Texas) on 01/31/2016
WARNING!
In addition to the flu vaccine,
beware of bone density drugs. My PMR began following the start of my taking Actonel. I had such a severe reaction to Actonel, my doctor took me off that and started me on Boniva, which had even more severe side effects than Actonel. I then stopped Boniva, but the symptoms continued and worsened. Finally I was diagnosed with PMR. Like you, the only thing that worked for me was prednisone. I had to take it for almost 5 years, as the PMR returned without it.
Beware of the bone density drugs, as they have other serious side effects as well. My doctor says that although they may make bones denser, they also can make them more brittle and easier to break.
Flu Vaccines and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Posted by Sheila (Minneapolis, Mn) on 01/18/2015
I was diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) a month after I had the Flu Shot. My doctor said that is not the cause of it, but I'm pretty sure it was. I've never had any of the symptoms until after the shot. What didn't make sense is I'm 40 and that's very rare to have it so the doc was leary about diagnosing it PMR but all my symptoms led to the conclusion. The pain got so bad where I couldn't get out of bed, couldn't sit on and off the toilet and I could barely walk. I have never heard of this sickness and now that I've seen and read that so many other people have them makes me feel better for the support but also scared about side effects due to me being on Prednisone. It seemed to be the only thing that helped with my pain and now I'm weening off it with a stronger ibuprofen. I've been ok for about a month now but it seems the pain is returning. I'm trying everything as far as eating healthier yet it seems to still be flaring up. Thanks everyone for all the suggestions of drinks and proper vitamin intakes. I'll try those.
Flu Vaccines and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Posted by Melody (Brisbane) on 01/06/2015
I read your article and was very interested in your comments. My mother suffers from polymyalgia and she said the symptoms related from a flu injection. Please contact me 33710793 Brisbane.
Flu Vaccines and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Posted by Neralie (Toowoomba, Australia) on 05/28/2013
I have had PMR for just over two years and it is slowly starting to ease off at long last. I now take 3 and 2.5 mg Prednisone alternately. It is harder to lower the dose as it gets down because you have to do it so slowly. I developed my symptoms two days after my flu vaccine. My doctor thinks the vaccine is definitely the culprit and says I am never to have another vaccine. I also take Rehmannia Complex, a herbal tablet that has definitely helped, but other than that, you just have to be patient. There is some great information on PMR on the patient.co.uk site that has helped me.
