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GCA prednisone vs. actemra infusion therapy
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (48)Comment receiving replies
Thank-you for the update.
Actemra infusions allow for dose adjustments. The injections are a "fixed dose" and only the time interval between injections can be adjusted.
Question: Does your doctor think MTX is needed? My rheumatologist debated on starting me on MTX to prevent anti-drug antibody formation which could decrease Actemra's efficacy.
https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article-abstract/55/2/210/1822054?redirectedFrom=fulltext
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Since 2 mg of Prednisone should be a low enough dose to check your cortisol level ... is this being considered? There isn't much that can be done for a low cortisol level but it does provide some information about when it might be safe to discontinue Prednisone.
Replies to "Thank-you for the update. Actemra infusions allow for dose adjustments. The injections are a "fixed dose"..."
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Dad cue, Thanks for the response, I know you are very well versed in this subject!
I didn’t include in my recent post, the history (in the Feb post) that preceded the decision to add MTX and increase Actemra dose. Relapsed on Actemra and prednisone, 2 mg) a year ago, had to increase to 35 mg prednisone to relieve symptoms.
I did approach my new rheumatologist (first appt with her) about checking for antibodies to Actemra…. She was not sure how available that testing was, and it was not pursued. The MTX was started to help control the GCA is my understanding, no discussion about it helping to prevent antibodies to Actemra, which I was unaware of. I always learn something from your posts!
Cortisol…. I did ask about checking the level, maybe D/C the prednisone based on the results. She wants me to continue the taper instead. I may ask again for a cortisol level in a month. Would be nice to know. I’m a retired medical lab scientist, love lab data!