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@papas

Has anyone experience with Tocilizumab for GCA. I have been journeying with PMR for 2.5 years was at 1mg every other day. Over the course of 2 weeks the following happen - Retina specialist discovered 10% sight loss left eye, COVID 19 Booster 2 days later PMR neck/shoulder/hips pain returns. Rheumatologist prescribes methylprednisolone 48mg/day, starting 4/26 ,Bilateral Biopsy 5/15/24. Blood marks do not present serve numbers (has been the case for me) .
The plan after the Biopsy is to use Tocilizumab to wean me off methylprednisolone. The methylprednisolone was prescribed to try and reduce the bad mood swings I had with the 20-40mg dose of Predinsone 2.5 years ago (my wife states much improved) Any comment about Tocilizumab much appreciated.

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Replies to "Has anyone experience with Tocilizumab for GCA. I have been journeying with PMR for 2.5 years..."

Hello @papas, You will notice that we merged your discussion into an existing discussion on the same topic so that you can learn what other members have shared. If you click the link below, it will take you to the beginning of the discussion.
--- Anyone tried Actemra (Tocilizumab) to treat PMR? FDA approved for GCA: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/actemra-tocilizumab-to-treat-pmr/

@dadcue, @suzorand, @lmoross and others may have some experience or suggestions for you.

I have had Polymyalgia and GCA since Dec 2020.Started Actemra 03/21 ended Prednisone 11/21.I have also had multiple surgeries neck fusion 01/21 and complete right shoulder replacement 01/24. I am now down to one dose of Actemra every 29 days. I am free of pain and feel much better with the lower dose.