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What is the goal when tapering?

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (23)
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@jeff97

Thanks @ropnrose for your kind words. I have learned a lot from the people on this forum.

I was fortunate that my rheumatologist encouraged me from the start to take Actemra.

I haven't actually thought that much about getting off of Actemra. I assumed at some point, probably around 2 years, that I would taper down and stop needing it. But I have no idea if that's a realistic assumption. I'm seeing my rheumatologist tomorrow. I'll ask what he thinks is most likely.

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Replies to "Thanks @ropnrose for your kind words. I have learned a lot from the people on this..."
jeff97 | @jeff97 | 3 days ago

I saw the rheumatologist's PA today, and I asked her how long people with GCA usually take Actemra. She was definitely not encouraging about getting off of it. She said GCA isn't like PMR where the PMR burns itself out. She said the likelihood and risk of relapse on GCA is high enough that people have to keep taking Actemra long term. I just googled that question, and it says the typical duration of Actemra is one year. So I'm not sure which answer to believe.

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