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GCA (Giant Cell Arteritis) and PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica)

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: May 21 11:02am | Replies (314)
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@randersonccc

Thank you again. I was wondering how long I could stay on Actemra but I guess it depends on various levels they measure. I’m just glad they seem to be treating this condition now whereas when I went to Mayo over 3 years ago it was only prednisone that they prescribed which becomes a viscous circle. So I have hope. 👍🏻☺️

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Replies to "Thank you again. I was wondering how long I could stay on Actemra but I guess..."
Mike | @dadcue | May 20 5:40pm

Prednisone isn't the only option anymore but it is still the least expensive. There are other options.

Kevzara was FDA approved for PMR on Feb 28th 2023.
https://www.the-rheumatologist.org/article/fda-approves-sarilumab-for-the-treatment-of-adults-with-glucocorticoid-resistant-pmr/
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Actemra was FDA approved for GCA back in May 2017
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-specifically-treat-giant-cell-arteritis
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"Several FDA-approved biosimilars to Actemra (tocilizumab) are available for treating Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). These include AVTOZMA (tocilizumab-anoh) from Celltrion, Tofidence (tocilizumab-bavi) from Biogen, and Tyenne (tocilizumab-aazg) from Fresenius Kabi. All three are indicated for adult patients with GCA."
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Rinvoq was FDA approved for GCA about a month ago!
https://news.abbvie.com/2025-04-29-RINVOQ-R-upadacitinib-Receives-U-S-FDA-Approval-for-Giant-Cell-Arteritis-GCA

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