Prednisone isn't the only option anymore but it is still the least expensive. There are other options. Actemra was the alternative that worked for me and allowed me to taper off prednisone.

Examples of conventional medications used to treat PMR and GCA are methotrexate and leflunomide.

Examples of biologic medications are the following:

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/
--------------------------
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
----------------------------------
FDA-approved biosimilars to Actemra (tocilizumab) are available for treating Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA).

Avtozma (tocilizumab-anoh) from Celltrion
Tofidence (tocilizumab-bavi) from Biogen
Tyenne (tocilizumab-aazg) from Fresenius Kabi
------------------------
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
---------------------
The following speaks to the effort that is underway to find alternatives to long term Prednisone for the treatment of PMR and GCA.
https://www.healio.com/news/rheumatology/20250220/tsunami-of-effortbrings-biologics-to-the-forefront-in-giant-cell-arteritis-pmr