My husband was diagnosed in early June. He had been on different doses of prednisone but inflammation markers kept increasing as prednisone decreased. So then Doctor added methotrexate and has had to increase prednisone and methotrexate still not under control. Next step is actemra but not covered and would cost $30K a year. We cannot afford that so we will have to plead our case to government and pharmaceutical company. So I am very interested so see how your experience will be and get some insight as to what benefits we can hope for. Prednisone has taken a toll on my husband. He had moon face, bloated belly, thinning of skin and bruises and bleeds easily despite not being on blood thinners. I wish you well and hope it works for you

I have been on it Actemra for4 months. It has helped. No side effects. Theresa

I have been on Actemra for about 6 months IV. No problem. It helps. Theresa

I started with Actemra injections 5 years ago and was later switched to infusions. I prefer the monthly infusion but the injections probably worked equally as well. I have done Actemra infusions for the last 2 years. My rheumatologist controls my infusion dose but it is a lower dose than when I first started. I have gone longer than 4 weeks between infusions but my inflammation markers "gradually increase" and I have "subtle increases" in my pain level. I haven't experienced any complete relapse or a sudden flare of PMR since being on Actemra. PMR and some other autoimmune disorders are all well controlled.

I don't seem to have any side effects that I can attribute to Actemra. Relative to my 13 years on Prednisone, my overall health has dramatically improved. I have discontinued Prednisone and many additional medications that were treating Prednisone side effects.

I still see an endocrinologist who originally treated me for prednisone induced adrenal insufficiency. He says my hormone imbalances and metabolic syndrome are improving. Diet and exercise and staying off Prednisone is the treatment. My endocrinologist mostly encourages me to keep doing what I'm doing with diet and exercise.

Thank. Very helpful.

Thank you.