1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
Profile picture for margedoc

Kevzara experiences?

Posted by margedoc @margedoc, Sep 25 10:34am

I have been on a combination of prednisone and methotrexate for PMR and because of relapses when I get to 5 mg. of prednisone plus methotrexate side effects (fatigue, hair loss), I am being started on Kevzara with the goal of tapering off the other drugs. I'd be interested in others' experiences with Kevzara.
Marge

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

Profile picture for tweetypie13
tweetypie13 | @tweetypie13 | Dec 12 8:26pm
In reply to @jfannarbor "I started Kevzara a year ago October. I was on 15 mg of prednisone (P) and..." + (show)
Profile picture for jfannarbor @jfannarbor

I started Kevzara a year ago October. I was on 15 mg of prednisone (P) and got down to 2.5 a year later without any problem. When I went to 2mg P I had some pain and then on to 1 mg P I had a lot of pain and rheumatologist put me back on 2.5 mg P. Not sure if I will ever be off P

Jump to this post

@jfannarbor
Breathe…..Taper…..have you tried to alternate your dose when tapering at the low levels?
I.e., day 1 =2.5, day 2=2.0, day 3=2.5, day 4=2.0…etc. For a week to 2 weeks or 3 weeks etc. Tapering 2.5-2.0 maybe too big a drop.
Are you tapering your dose too quickly?

REPLY
Profile picture for aussiedogmom
aussiedogmom | @aussiedogmom | Dec 13 9:09am

Kevzara has been a huge help for me. I actually had a much stronger response to Kevzara than Prednisone - maybe because Kevzara targets a different inflammation pathway. Im down to 2.5 mg Prednisone daily and holding here because I have been able to return to exercising and this doing let's me continue to build my Pilates and weight and walking program with mild to moderate, transient, stiffness and pain which I manage with extra strength Tylenol and Turmeric, about 3 weeks out of the month. Kevzara is a miracle to me.

REPLY
Profile picture for nrrchachi
nrrchachi | @nrrchachi | Dec 13 1:25pm

I am interested too.
My doctor says if I cannot get off Prednisone without pain she wants me on
Kevzara. After reviewing all the side affects I am not sure that is a good solution.

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for tweetypie13
tweetypie13 | @tweetypie13 | Dec 13 2:15pm
In reply to @nrrchachi "I am interested too. My doctor says if I cannot get off Prednisone without pain she..." + (show)
Profile picture for nrrchachi @nrrchachi

I am interested too.
My doctor says if I cannot get off Prednisone without pain she wants me on
Kevzara. After reviewing all the side affects I am not sure that is a good solution.

Jump to this post

@nrrchachi
What does your PCP say? Mine has been my guiding light and outside level head, (and my hubby) for these decisions.
I have been on Kevzara for 38 weeks, no side effects to speak of with 5 wks off Prednisone. Recently a low WBC, so we have switched to a Kevzara shot every 3 wks(from every 2. ) and blood work at 6 wks to review. Again, no noticeable side effects .
As background, I lead a total outdoor life style (79yo) super healthy diet and lifestyle that limits exposure to infections.
Sometimes you have to take a chance, and your support group is your best source.

REPLY
Profile picture for tweetypie13
tweetypie13 | @tweetypie13 | Dec 13 2:16pm

Correction…typo…I’m 5 MONTHS off prednisone.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.