← Return to Methotrexate to wean off long term Prednisone for PMR

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@linda7

I'm not sure what drug your doctor is referring to but Kevzara is also known as sarilumab. Actemra is not specifically approved for PMR but is approved for the related disease giant cell arthritis. Its "other" name is tocilizumab. I will pass along what I have learned about cost for Kevzara. I have Medicare, a supplement and part D for drugs. My copay for Kevzara would be $300/month. I called the drug company and was told that people on Medicare do not qualify for a copay card but they have another program called patient assistance. I have applied and was told that that there is an income cap for that program. At first she told me that I could earn up to $100,000 but then she said 5 times the federal poverty level which would be around $75,000. I am waiting to hear if I will get help with the cost and how much. My doctor said that most of his patients on Kevzara are getting assistance with the co-pay.

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Replies to "I'm not sure what drug your doctor is referring to but Kevzara is also known as..."

Yes, Kevzara is the drug. I checked on cost, around $3k/month. I have been on prednisone since September 2020 at varying dosages, currently at 8 mg. I am seeing a Rheumatologist. I went on methotrexate in November 2023, but have not experienced any good from it. About two weeks ago I started hydroxychloroquine, but my doctor still wants me to continue taking eight 2.5mg methotrexate weekly. I do not know why, as it does nothing and has lots of risks. Maybe it is time t see another doctor?