I started 60mg prednisone Jan 2025, and monthly infusions of Actemra since February. The point of Actemra is to reduce GCA inflammation and to enventually get prednisone down to 0. At present, I am down to 15 mg prednisone, reducing 2.5 each month. I am 77 with controlled blood pressure. I have had 6 monthly Actemra infusion so far, with no side effects at all. Very easy before, during, and after the infusion, with no effect on blood pressure, no fatigue, nothing. On the other hand, the side effects of prednisone are numerous and unpleasant. So,for me, Actemra is great. Good luck to your mom.