Reducing Prednisone with Actemra

First, let me say how easy it is to reduce prednisone using Actemra instead of methotrexate. I have reduced from 20 mg to 10 in three weeks without fatigue or pain.  Previously, using methotrexate  and the dead slow method, it took me 6 months to reduce from 20 mg to 10. I was bumped back up from 10 to 20 because of possible GCA. My doctor wanted me to increase to 60 mg, but I just couldn't do it given the fact that it took me 6 months to get to 10 mg.  

The drawbacks are that it's very expensive.  My primary insurance covers most of it, but it has a $750. monthly co-pay, which fortunately my secondary insurance covers. And secondly, it is a shot.  Originally, I thought this was going to be awful, but it's so easy and it doesn't hurt a bit.  I do not like needles, but doing it myself gives me a sense of control which is actually quite affirming.  The first one is the scariest, after that it's a breeze.

I know that reducing from 10 mg to 0 is going to be more difficult, but I'll keep you posted.

4 likes, 20 replies