Anyone tried Kevzara for PMR?

Posted by kass8174 @kass8174, Mar 12 12:20pm

I am 72 yo dx with PMR 1 1/2 years ago on Prednisone for treatment. It helped but threw me into diabetes! Since then wanted to get off Pred and went down 1mg per 2weeks. Finally off on March but symptoms so much worse. Tried 3 different prescription nsaids and not helping( but off diabetes meds!!) Anyone tried Kevzara? My family Doc told me to ask Rheumatologist about this med.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

kass8174 | @kass8174 | Mar 16 8:42am

In reply to @navymom154 "Bummer, I'm on Medicare so I'm not eligible." + (show)

You can get financial help through your Md and Kevzara web site!

ropnrose | @ropnrose | Mar 16 9:21am

In reply to @linda7 "Unfortunately the $2000 cap is meaningless if no Medicare Part D plan in your area will..." + (show)

My rheumatologist had suggested Kevzara for my PMR late last year. I was in the same situation as you with Medicare Part D, not covering it. When I began to have a recurrance of my GCA symptoms, she prescribed Actemra infusions. I get them every 4 weeks. I'll get my third, this coming Wednesday. So far, they've been a game changer for me. I'm down to 9 mg. of prednisone. I don't know how long I'll be getting infusions, but as long as I can reduce/eliminate prednisone, I don't care. Good luck.

linda7 | @linda7 | Mar 16 10:50am

For me Kevzara allowed a reduction in my prednisone dose but did not allow me to get off it completely. I was only on it for 8 months, though, due to insurance non-coverage. It did raise my cholesterol which is a known side effect. If I had stayed on it I would have needed to take a statin and those drugs have their own side effects. It seems like a good idea to ask your doctor about it. From what I have read on this group it has helped a lot of people.

grumpa | @grumpa | Mar 16 5:13pm

In reply to @navymom154 "Bummer, I'm on Medicare so I'm not eligible." + (show)

navymom54, I am on Medicare, started KEVZARA in December. I am fortunate, I only pay $100/28 days. I have been on prednisone since 2011 when diagnosed with PMR.

dlhouck | @dlhouck | Mar 17 11:30am

In reply to @navymom154 "Bummer, I'm on Medicare so I'm not eligible." + (show)

You might also find benefit from the article named, "How to save money on prescription medication"
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/save-money-on-prescriptions

navymom154 | @navymom154 | Mar 18 8:34am

In reply to @linda7 "Unfortunately the $2000 cap is meaningless if no Medicare Part D plan in your area will..." + (show)

Yikes!!!

linda7 | @linda7 | Mar 18 11:20am

Part D drug coverage and advantage plans are for-profit. Drug and insurance companies are allowed to make unlimited contributions to legislators. I chose straight Medicare over an advantage plan because of this but am still required to use private plans for my supplement and part D. I apologize to anyone who views this as a political statement.

harelover | @harelover | Mar 22 11:11am

I have been off of Kevzara for 5 weeks with no flair of PMR and no other symptoms. Fingers crossed that I am truly in remission.

groksvaag | @groksvaag | Mar 23 4:44pm

Just started Kevzara a week ago becaue I have not been able to get below 20 mg of prednisone per day. Too early to tell how it will work, biut no side dffects yet. I am concerned with side effects but my rheumy comvinced me was better than higher dose prednisone.

dlhouck | @dlhouck | Mar 24 9:11am

In reply to @groksvaag "Just started Kevzara a week ago becaue I have not been able to get below 20..." + (show)

I was unable to get below 10 mg of prednisone after a year on it. Now, 4 months into Kevzara, I'm down to 3 mg. Hopefully, this trend will continue. Best of luck to you!