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Questions for people taking Actemra and Kevzara injections

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Aug 11 8:03am | Replies (42)
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Profile picture for kathren @kathren

Wow! That's a great co-pay and it is great that you are doing so well.
I wonder if rheumatologists bypass that biopsy nowadays since there are these new drugs when GCA is suspected.
Thanks for sharing your situation and experience.

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Replies to "Wow! That's a great co-pay and it is great that you are doing so well. I..."
jeff97 | @jeff97 | Aug 8 9:31am

I don't think they bypass the biopsy if the person hasn't already been taking prednisone. The biopsy is usually valid if it is done within 2 weeks of starting prednisone, but sooner is better. I had a biopsy the second day I was in the hospital for temporary vision loss, and it was positive. Plus the new drugs take time to take effect. They can take long as 3 months to reach full effect. Prednisone has to be used until the drugs take effect, and then you have to taper off of the prednisone.

MRI scans are being used more to diagnose GCA, and hopefully they will replace biopsies eventually.

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