Kevzara experiences?

@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?

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.

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.

@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.

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

I’m tapering off Prednisone like we all desire. I understood Kevzara is the only approved bio similar for us. My rehmmy does not recommend it as one of the exceptions for use is for people that have had Diverticulitis as ruptured bowels have been reported, less than 5%. Is anyone outweighing the remote risk of ruptured bowels over the benefits of getting off prednisone? Kevzara is the only tool we have to get off Prednisone. Anyone?

@graydude

"A rare complication seen with Kevzara (sarilumab) use in clinical trials was bowel perforation, or a hole in the bowel wall. If you have a history of diverticulitis or develop abdominal pain or bloody bowel movements while taking Kevzara (sarilumab), you should notify your doctor immediately."
https://rheumatology.org/patients/sarilumab-kevzara
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I'm not going to downplay this risk because it happens.

What isn't reported very often is that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and prednisone also increase the risk of a bowel perforation. The risk is significantly higher if you have a history of diverticulitis.
https://www.drugtopics.com/view/steroids-increase-bowel-perforation-risk-ra.
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My opinion is if you have any history of diverticulitis coupled with a history of chronic prednisone use and then toss in a biologic like Kevzara --- it creates a perfect storm for a bowel perforation.

I know of a sad case where a patient on corticosteroids had a bowel perforation and then suffered an adrenal crisis on top of that. She was in a coma for months but eventually woke up. She shared her story with me.

No medication is safe for everyone.

@dadcue

Very helpful. I only had one instance of Diverticulitis 10 years ago but I had it. I've been on Prednisone for 2 months and am down to 10 MG from 20 MG originally. Had one flair at 9 MG so back up to 15. Currently at 10 and will go to 9 on Jan 12. Hair loss, muscle lose are my biggest complications. Just trying to weigh the risk of a Bowel issue vs getting of Prednisone. Thanks for the feedback.

@graydude
It’s really hard to know what to do. I’m taking my chances on Kevzara because prednisone is messing with my stomach along with other issues. Although to my knowledge I have not had diverticulitis I guess anything can happen.
Best wishes to you!

@aussiedogmom Hi, and thanks for the share. I was taking turmeric for osteoarthritis before PMR, then stopped all supplements and OTC’s after being diagnosed.
Did you first talk with your doctor before taking Turmeric? Or, did your doctor suggest it?