Background: Studies of polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis have shown that a low initial dose of oral corticosteroids should be preferred. It is, however, uncertain whether or not the suggested recommendations have been implemented by practising physicians.

Methods: Questionnaires were mailed to members of the Norwegian association for patients with polymyalgia rheumatica or temporal arteritis.

Results: The average initial dose of prednisolone in polymyalgia rheumatica was 35 mg; 51 of 62 patients were given a starting dose exceeding 15 mg.

Conclusions: The recommended low initial dose of prednisolone has still been not implemented by the majority of general practitioners and rheumatologists.