Connect
Kevzara Side Effects?
I'm thinking of going off Prednisone and onto Kevzara. Having such bad side effects with Pred that I'm so wanting to stop taking it. The skin on my forearms and tops of my hands is paper thin and I'm covered in horrible blackish deep purple blotches, skin tears and bruises constantly. My hair is falling out. My eyes look like I have pinkeye. Plus I'm weak as a kitten.
So I'm wondering what sort of side effects those of you on Kevzara are having, if any?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.
Connect
Are you taking folic acid to prevent hair loss ? I’ve been prescribed 1 mg/day to prevent hair loss while on methotrexate 15 mg/weekly….works for me
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI have had PMR for 10 years. On and off prednisone during those 10 years. Now on 5mg prednisone and Kevzara. Have been on Kevzara 6 months. I don't feel the Kevzara is helping as I am experiencing a great deal of pain and stiffness in large muscles and arms. I had more relief when I was on 10mg prednisone. In the last month I have developed a nagging cough that can get so bad that I feel like I am gaging. I also have developed a runny nose. When reading the potential side effect of Kevzara, these are on the list. Note I have not been sick with a cold or any respiratory virus. Anyone else experience this?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHello @kemt8283, Welcome to Connect. You will notice that we merged your post into an existing discussion on the same topic so that you can connect with other members talking about possible side effects of Kevzara. If you click the link below it will take you to the top of the discussion where you can scan through the comments and read what others have shared.
-- Kevzara Side Effects?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/kevzara-side-effects/
Sorry to hear that you have struggled with PMR for 10 years. That seems like a long time. Have you had a chance to discuss your recent symptoms with your rheumatologist or doctor?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI was on Kevzara from October 23 til Feb 24. Worked great but had to go off because it lowered my WBC. A known side effect.
I have discussed this with my doctor/rheumatologist. He keeps saying give it time. It's been 10 months, and I am done giving it time. By mid-day I can hardly move, so I feel the Kevzara is not helping, and I am tired of the cough which seems to get worse after every dose.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction2 years into this PMR...Ups and downs. I started Kevsara in June attempting to lower my Prednisone, am now at 7/6 mg for 3 weeks. I am now experience greater pain in legs and hip girdle area. Have experienced sharp side ache pains affecting walking and sometimes JUST standing. My next move is another Dr appt.
I've gained 20 lbs since June and have grown very depressed .
I understand how you are feeling. I don't want to be on prednisone, but I don't feel like the Kevzara has helped at all. Weight gain has been an ongoing issue. Doc appointment tomorrow.
Hi kemt8283,
My first Kevzara gave me chest pain but really was a skin reaction…bumps and itching, which still haven’t disappeared. Rheum said to take antihistamine before next injection. Silly me, I had another injection but low fevers and headache. Had an ultrasound to rule out GCA but inconclusive. Both TM joints are incredibly sore and tight. Waiting for another referral for possible biopsy but sed rate has never been over 35. Rheum says labs are not high enough. I’ve read many blogs that symptoms are more important than labs. My relationship with PMR is almost 11 years. I do relate..hang in there.
Karo
Hi again,
Sounds like an allergic reaction, but I’m not a doctor. Is it worth it to be gagging? These meds are a crap shoot.
There doesn’t seem to be rule as to what works. I’m so sorry. I feel sometimes, since it affects an older age group, there doesn’t seem to be major research going on, just one new med after another with more side effects. Good luck! Keep in touch.
Karo89135