Connect
← Return to Flareups, Prednisone, Tapering
Discussion
Flareups, Prednisone, Tapering
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Aug 13 10:38pm | Replies (21)Comment receiving replies
I was hoping someone could explain to me how Actemra works as an IL 6 inhibitor…does it bind with what ever that causes inflammation there by not allowing an inflammatory response ? If it does that , does one need to not be in an inflammatory state for best results when a flare happens ? I wonder this because I’m curious if I should be taking enough prednisone to feel nothing while taking the Actemra …or just enough prednisone to get through the day ?
Replies to "I was hoping someone could explain to me how Actemra works as an IL 6 inhibitor…does..."
The following link is a good place to start.
https://www.pmrandil6.com/il-6-and-pmr/
---------------------------------------------
IL-6 is a cytokine (protein molecule) that binds with receptors in cells and triggers inflammation.
Actemra is a protein molecule that is chemically similar to the IL-6 cytokine. An Actemra molecule is able to attach to the IL-6 receptors. When the Actemra molecule rather than the IL-6 cytokine attaches to the receptor it prevents the inflammatory response.
The reason for taking Actemra is to decrease the inflammation so that you can taper off Prednisone. With any luck you won't need Prednisone after Actemra is started. However, you still need to taper slowly off prednisone to give your adrenals a chance to recover from the effects Prednisone.
The exact mechanism of how Actemra works in the body isn't well understood. I have been on Actemra for 5 years. My response to Actemra has been nothing short of remarkable. My quality of life has dramatically improved compared to the 12 years I was on Prednisone to treat PMR.
PMR has been in remission thanks to Actemra. I have been completely off Prednisone for the past 3 years. I still do monthly infusions of Actemra.
Connect
this would be just my take on it./ IL-6 has been found to be active in cases of PMR and GCA. Kevzara is the PMR drug and Actemra works better on GCA. The idea is that these two biologics can prevent an inflammatory response while trying to taper prednisone. Prednisone also fights inflammation but in addition it takes over control of your cortisol production. You might not have any inflammation from IL-6 but still have inflammation from trying to stop prednisone. Your pain may all be prednisone related. So the biologics will have no effect. The biologics can also take 6-10 weeks to start working. Prednisone is the only one that is controlling your cortisol. Here was a comment from the Actemra web site . /"When your body produces too much IL-6, it causes the immune system to attack healthy cells. This may contribute to the signs and symptoms of GCA. In other words, IL-6 is believed to be a key source of inflammation. ACTEMRA is designed to block IL-6 from activating the immune system to attack your healthy cells."/