The Kevzara injection

Hello @kerriihart, Sorry to hear you are experiencing what you are thinking may be side effects of the Kevzara injections. There are a few other discussions and member comments on Kevzara side effects that you might want to scan through. Here's a link to the search results - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=KEVZARA%20side%20effects.

It sounds like you may have already discussed the symptoms with your doctor or care team. Did they provide any suggestions on what may be causing the new symptoms?

Hi Kerri,

I had my first Kevzara injection about 3 months ago and had immediate chest pain. It was truly a skin burning sensation with skin eruptions on my chest and breasts. They are still present and seem to be peeling off. Rheumatologist said to take antihistamine and Tylenol as I had fevers of 99.8. I had one more injection and horrible headaches followed. Of course, I’m absolutely done with this medication as well as the methotrexate. I do feel both helped the terrible hand pain but the side effects are definitely not worth it to me. Will see if the hip, shoulder and neck pain returns. Also went back up to 10mg prednisone. Still waiting for rheumatologist appointment in November. It’s extremely difficult to get specialized care here in Vegas. Anyone know of a good one here?
Forgot to mention recent extreme jaw pain and am concerned about GCA. The ophthalmologist I just saw accused me of doctor shopping! I was treated for it 7 years ago but until I read these blogs, didn’t realize it could return. Labs have never come back over 36 sed rate and not sure about the CRP.
Good luck to you and thank you for your input!
Karo

PMR came into my life two months ago. Formally diagnosed last week. I saw two Rhuematologists who were very thorough in their examinations and testing. They also asked about very painful headaches at the temples, jaw pain, and taking a long time chewing your food. No to all those symptoms. They explained that the GCA is very serious, could cause blindness if untreated and to get myself to the ER if I experienced any of them. Not meant to alarm you, but I would push back on the scheduler to get in sooner or go to the ER if they are not helpful. It helps to let them know this is possibly an acute need, not just a follow up. Good luck.

Hi Ms Debbi,

Thank you for your concern. Left another message about my tmj’s and vision.
The ophthalmologist accused me of doctor shopping! There’s a lot of turnover here. My optician kept sending me to retina specialists. The best doctor retired, actually sold his practice to monopoly business buyers. Good grief. I do have floaters but to fix them I risk more…also have small secondary cataracts from the 2020 cataract surgery. I see fairly well in a room but outside with glare, it’s really terrible. The last ophthalmologist did say he saw no evidence of arteritis and to keep track of blood markers. I’m pushing back ! Thank you for your encouragement.
Karo