You might want to mention Kevzara for PMR because it is FDA approved for PMR. Actemra still isn't FDA approved for PMR but it is for GCA.

When I was started on Actemra, my rheumatologist was excited about the GIACTA trial for GCA. He had to get authorization for me to get Actemra. There were some exceptions made for me in part because I had multiple autoimmune conditions. You may need to try methotrexate first because that was one criteria why Actemra was approved for me.

Things are rapidly changing in the realm of PMR/GCA. I think IL-6 levels, ultrasounds and the search for alternatives to Prednisone are all steps in the right direction. I hope your doctor will be receptive to your suggestions.

where do you live @spiker if you don't mind me asking. I think there is still enrollment in Novartis IL17 trials . Or some other clinical trial or study that might be out there. My friend's rheumatologist had doses of Kevzara for him " to try" . I hope you have enough time in your appointment to discuss all you wish to .

I guess depending on your relationship with your rheumatologist , you can ask what he/she thinks of this figure in this paper that shows the responses of PMR patients . Also, I never could get a word in , but I wanted to her to tell me how her other PMR patients were doing : ( - I call this to your attention because not only does this forum allow you to share and discuss PMR -progress, the image of the graphed data was enlightening to me. SO - turns out I was a " rapid responder and in sustained recovery " I tapered from 30 mg to ( May 2023) to zero Sept 2024. No return of active disease , fingers crossed !
But , however you are responding , you are not alone ! : )

There are other conditions that evidently mimic PMR, and may or may not respond to prednisone. Suggest you search this forum using keyword “mimic” to discover links to information that might be relevant to your situation. All pain is not PMR !