Should I try Actemra (Tocilizumab)
Posted , 17 users are following.
My rheumy is suggesting that I should try Actemra. Situation: PMR and GCA diagnosis in September 2016. Started at 60mg after some eye problems. Got down to 30mg in 8 weeks, flare-up at attempt to go to 25mg. Back to 60mg now slower, got down to 17.5 in 9 months. New flare-up, back up to 20, then 30 and then 50mg to get symptoms back under control. Then in 7 months DSNS method down to 12.5.mg. Now I have another flare-up and my rheumy suggests that I should try Actemra. I live in the US and am on Medicare, but it is going to be very expensive for me due to the copay. I have seen good double blind test reports, that suggest it is more effective than just prednisone.
I have no problems with the Pred: no weight gain, no high sugar, sleep well etc.
What do you think? Should I go for the Actemra or make sure the next DSNS "run" gets me below 10mg and then go even slower?
0 likes, 26 replies
mary_ann42677 koen1
Posted
mary_ann42677 koen1
Posted
mary_ann42677 koen1
Posted
Michdonn mary_ann42677
Posted
Mary Ann, I have using DSNS taper method to reduce Prednisone, here is a link: https://patient.info/forums/discuss/reducing-pred-dead-slow-and-nearly-stop-method-531439
I have been successfully using this method for about a year, it is a slow method of tapering. Last year following my doctor's direction I had a bad flare and need 30 mg to get relief. Try the DSNS method good luck, be positive and try smiling. ??
Anhaga mary_ann42677
Posted
I've used the DSNS method as well. It successfully got me to about 2 mg, although this seems to be a level I need to remain at for now, I think the PMR is still active although I've been on pred for nearly three years. Thanks to DSNS I've been below 5 mg for two of those three years.