Newly diagnosed with PMR taking prednisone 15 mg. Working well. Dr wan

I can't promise you that Actemra will work for you but I'm impressed that your doctor wants to try Actemra so soon after being diagnosed.

My personal experience with Actemra has been extremely positive. Maybe if you could explain why you are scared I could tell you more. You should try to learn as much as you can about any medication including prednisone. Prednisone is how everyone who is newly diagnosed with PMR starts out. What did your doctor tell you about Actemra?

If you continue to test with a high level of CRP that would suggest a trial of Actemra. Do you have other conditions that make prednisone more of a
problem with side effects.? Disease modifying biologics can mitigate some
of the other problems resulting from systemic inflammation.

I never was prescribed actemra, but started at 20 mg, and tapered off it took a year. I been on 200 mg Hydroxychloroquine to hep with the prednisone withdrawal. So far no returning symptoms. Good Luck with the treatment

I understand nanniepie's hesitancy. I'm also scared to start Actmra too. Methotrexate and Kevzara were terrible for me. Suppose I have nothing to lose. The thought of serious infections and abnormal labs is scary, plus, I had to ask for the medication. It was never offered as a treatment option. Finally was able to schedule a temporal biopsy with a plastic surgeon in March. The opthamolologist was first referral but was fired and doesn't do them at his new location.
I see the dentist Monday for extreme tooth pain with heat or cold. GCA??
Anyone else had jaw and tooth pain?
Thank you.
Karo89135

How did u afford kevzara

Anyone know of an insurance that covers kevzara

I am not on Kevzara. My Medicare Part D does not cover Kevzara. I checked on the manufacturer's web site, to see if I qualified for assistance in paying for it. Since, I have Medicare, I do not qualify.

Hi daroberts73,

I have additional insurance through United Airlines. It was covered once last year by previous rheumatologist, then
NOT covered for
2025 but Actemra was substituted for 2025. No doctor can give a conclusive diagnosis for me so basically making decisions myself.

I was getting Kevzara for free from the drug company but was just cut off. A letter informed me that they had changed the patient assistance program and I no longer qualified. No Medicare part D drug plan will cover it. My rheumatologist is trying to find any evidence that I might have GCA so he can get me on Actemra. Sounds like "creative documentation" but Medicare has approved Kevzara for PMR and their drug plans should cover it. I spent hours on the computer and phone researching how to get it covered. Patients should not have to go through this!

I thought Medicare would only cover Kevzara if it was given in a dr office or infusion center. Moot point as it can cause colon rupture and diverticulitis disqualifies one. DV probably caused by 2 years of prednisone weakening colon tissues.