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Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Dec 28, 2024 | Replies (25)
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I've been on Actemra for 5 months along with prednisone to treat GCA. The only side effect I've had from the Actemra is a big increase in cholesterol. My cholesterol was low when I was diagnosed with GCA 6 months ago, but now my primary care doctor wants me to start taking a statin to treat high cholesterol.
Replies to "I've been on Actemra for 5 months along with prednisone to treat GCA. The only side..."
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Both Prednisone and Actemra can cause increased cholesterol levels. I took a atorvastatin for years when I was being treated with Prednisone. After Actemra was started, I was able to taper off Prednisone.
My cholesterol level dropped to below normal when I stayed on atorvastin. A low cholesterol level combined with a newly elevated CK level raised a concern for statin induced myopathy so atorvastatin was stopped. Currently, I'm off prednisone, atorvastatin and all three of my blood pressure medications while I remain on Actemra without Prednisone.
Cholesterol levels should be routinely monitored while you are on Prednisone and Actemra. If you are able to taper off prednisone it would be interesting to see what your cholesterol level is on Actemra alone.