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Kevzara and Prednisone Tapering before and during Kevzara
I recently stated with Kevzara and I am interested in those who are currently on prednisone and Kevzara.
I would like to know...
1. What was your starting dosage of prednisone and how long have your been taking prednisone?
2. What was your daily dose of prednisone before Kevzara?
3. What was your prednisone tapering schedule before starting Kevzara?
4. What was your lowest dosage of prednisone before Kevzara and did you have difficulty dropping below that dose?
5. What is your tapering schedule now that you are on Kevzara?
6. How successful has this schedule been so far and have you had any flare ups?
7. What is your target date for stopping prednisone?
8. What changes have you noticed in your health, aches and energy level since starting Kevzara?
Please feel free to add any more information that might be helpful to those contemplating starting Kevzara or those currently on Kevzara
Thanks
Mike
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Still doing Kevara injection every other weeks. This month I’m down to 2 mg Prednisone one day and 1 mg the next, hopefully down to 1 mg next month. My white blood cell and absolute neutrophil counts have decreased significantly. I’m due for additional blood tests in about a week and we’ll see if they decrease further. I’ll see my rheumatologist in about 2 weeks and we’ll discuss the course of treatment.
@richardab
Sounds familiar.
Was at Rehumy yesterday. 7 months Kevzara and the low WBC and neutrafils caught up with me too. Have been off prednisone for 3+ months.
Dr has me stretching out the Kevzara shots to every 3 wks and more blood test in 6wks. 🤞
Meantime I use/have used Tylenol for Arthritis as a bandaid when needed.
Hope this helps you.
Good luck
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2 Reactions" the low WBC and neutrafils caught up with me too."
what do you mean by this?
if the kevzara is working these 2 should be very low along with crp results.
please explain...
I appreciate you taking the time to provide this info.
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1 Reaction@mikeydee
Clarification……hope this makes sense
One of the side effects of Kevzara is low WBC and neutrafils.
WBC range is 4-11 and I’m at 3
Neutrafils are also below range
SED and CRP are very good.
This effects my immunity and stamina.
I have read on this site from others where they had similar problems.
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1 Reaction@tweetypie13 This is what kevzara does...it ties up IL6, an immune protein that is responsible for causing inflammation... like when you get a skin cut and the fluid loss is limited by inflammation which causes swelling a necessary immune action to preserving one's life... so kevzara is responsible for wbc, neutrophils and crp being next to zero... and yes as a result we have to be more aware of potential infections...
Inflammation is a major concern for people with PMR and other immune disorders causing PAIN...
To me the potential infection issue is much easier to handle than PAIN and prednisone side effects...
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1 Reaction@mikeydee
Thx for clarification
@mikeydee
PS: does it affect stamina too?
@tweetypie13 I think it does affect stamina... I find that I now welcome a rest after strenuous activity which I think is mainly due to increased soft tissue aches particularly in my legs... a regular massage has really helped reduce the severity of the aches as well as improved flexibility...
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2 ReactionsI am currently on 4mgs of prednisone and discontinued methotrexate 4 weeks ago. Pain every morning 5 to an 8 pain wise. Tylenol is a big relief . Also using a message full body pad.
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