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Flareups, Prednisone, Tapering
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Aug 13 10:38pm | Replies (21)Comment receiving replies
The following link is a good place to start.
https://www.pmrandil6.com/il-6-and-pmr/
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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.
Replies to "The following link is a good place to start. https://www.pmrandil6.com/il-6-and-pmr/ --------------------------------------------- IL-6 is a cytokine (protein..."
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Artificial intelligence says the following:
"Actemra (tocilizumab) is a prescription medicine that blocks interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptors. IL-6 is a protein that's believed to play a role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and giant cell arteritis (GCA). When IL-6 connects to a cell, it tells the cell to activate, which may contribute to symptoms of these diseases. Actemra prevents IL-6 from connecting to the cell, which can help improve symptoms and normalize acute-phase proteins."
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The company that makes Actemra says this:
"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."