My experience has been very similar to yours. I was diagnosed with GCA and PMR in late June 2024. I started with 60 mg prednisone, and started weekly injections of Actemra in early August. I'm at 5 mg prednisone now, and I have a rheumatologist appointment tomorrow to discuss further tapering. I haven't had any pain or symptoms of PMR or GCA since starting treatment.

I would say I am definitely back to pre-PMR in regards to energy level and quality of life. I still have occasional days where I'm tired, but they don't happen very often. I don't have any drop off of energy between Actemra injections.

I have a Medicare Advantage plan that pays for most of the Actemra. There is a limit this year of $2000 for all Part D medications combined, so that's not too bad. I pretty much met that limit with my first refill of 4 Actemra injections, so for the rest of year I won't have any copays for medications.

My goal is zero pred too. I'm already seeing a big difference at 5 mg. I've lost the small amount of weight I gained from the pred. I'm running as much as 45 minutes several times a week. And my moon face is fading away.