Tapering prednisone while on Kevzara

I have had PMR for 6 months now. I started Kezvara in August and by the end of October I was completely prednisone free. My "hard" to taper point was at 7.5 mg. I used the knowledge from this group to get off prednisone. I am an 65 active female. I have no Kezvara side effects.

@lsa22
That is encouraging. Thank you.
I tapered from 7.5 to 5 last week and experiencing nausea and high blood pressure. I’m assuming my body is having trouble adjusting with cortisol issues. I do not have any muscle pain though so hopefully it will adjust.
Had to increase my blood pressure meds and took famotidine for my stomach distress.
How much did you taper under the 5 milligram mark?
My doctor recommended 1 mg every 15 days.

@caroljeand
I only had 5 mg tablets and was able to use a pill splitter to make 4 - 1.25mg pieces. I stayed at 5 mg for 2 weeks where I split the dose with 2.5 am and 2.5 pm. During that time I "tested" at 3.75mg several times. I was able to feel ok at 3.75 for 10 days ( 2.5 mg am 1.25 mg pm). I again "tested" by removing the 1.25 mg pm dose. I was able to move to 2.5 mg am only. I stayed here for 3 weeks with many "tests" into 1.25 mg. At this time I was 6 weeks with Kevzara and did many tests at 0 mg. My goal was to be off prednisone by Nov 1, Oct 30 was my last 1.25 mg dose. During the prednisone taper from 7.5 to 0 I had many hard days with most during the 5.0 mg to 1.25 mg time. I had neck pain, ear pain, headaches, toothaches, and fatigue. I kept up my physical activates and tried my best to stay positive. My notes show that it was hard. I thought I was having GCA symptoms, my blood was checked each month, by the time I was totally off prednisone all of the strange pains were gone. I am not sure how long I will be on Kevzara. I do know that it was dropped from the formulary for next year so I will try for an exception or see if I can get off of it also. The best of luck on your taper.

@lsa22
Glad it all worked out for you. I have 1 mg tablets so hopefully I can taper with the recommended 1 mg drop every 15 days. I’m currently at 5 mg so in about 10 days I’ll be down to 4.
Best wishes for us we don’t relapse🙏🏻!

I was diagnosed with PMR in early June and started on 15 mg prednisone after completing a medrol dose pack. On July 24th I took my first 100 mg Kevzara injection. I have tapered to 5 mg of prednisone. I plan to reduce my dose by 1 mg every month. I still have mild muscle aches in thighs and upper arms. I haven't been able to identify any side effects of Kevzara either. However I still have fatigue and intermittent headaches. I'm 79 and I'm not sure if my age contributes to fatigue. I don't take naps, but I sleep at least 8 hours at night. I'm not very excited about Christmas. I'd rather be bustling and joyful. Maybe next year.