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  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

PMR, Prednisone

Posted , 2 users are following.

kathy67492
kathy67492

Sorry, I guess Actemra is not recommended for GCA at this time, as stated in my previous posting.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • JanSP
    JanSP kathy67492

    Posted

    My rheumy at Mayo Clinic was the doc who recommended the Actemra. Mayo did a very small trial with it for GCA with good results. My local rheumy who oversees my disease with labs and a visit every 4 weeks thinks Actemra could help me reduce the pred.
    • kathy67492
      kathy67492 JanSP

      Posted

      Did your rheumy say anything about side effects of Actemra vs prednisone? Would you let us know if you try it. I see my rheumy in a week and will discuss Acemtra with him..Thank you!
    • JanSP
      JanSP kathy67492

      Posted

      Kathy, I've been on Actemra for 4 1/2 months. The side effects of the drug could be very bad but the pred is turning my bones and muscles to "mush." That was the medical term the Mayo rheumy used! I received info about side effects and it's also online. Please let me know what your rheumy says.
    • kathy67492
      kathy67492 JanSP

      Posted

      Are you tapering the prednisone? If you don't mind my asking, do you feel better on the Actemra? Seems there is always a trade-off with medications...just have to pick the best poison! Thanks.
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