Actemra (tocilizumab) was FDA approved to treat GCA back in 2017. I was started on Actemra in 2019 to treat PMR. That was long before Kevzara was FDA approved for PMR in 2023.

My rheumatologist believed in 2019 that Actemra "should work" for PMR since there is a close association between PMR and GCA. There was a special request made on my behalf to get Actemra approved for me. Actemra was approved for me mostly because I was unable to taper off prednisone for 12 years and all other treatment options had failed. My quality of life was at a low ebb after 12 years of Prednisone. Things have improved dramatically since I started taking Actemra. I have now taken Actemra for 6 years. Actemra continues to work well for me with minimal side effects.

My rheumatologist and I agree that I'm much better being on Actemra compared with taking Prednisone for the rest of my life. I would like to stop Actemra sometime in the future but my rheumatologist doesn't think that will be possible for various reasons.

Kevzara will be tried if Actemra stops working. Having other options besides Prednisone is a good thing!