What was your experience on Kevzara?

I started my PMR journey in July started on 20mg. Rheumatologist started me on Kevzara when I reach 12.5 mg. Decreasing at 2.5mg every two weeks and started Kevzara injection every 2weeks when I decreased the Pred. I am now on Kevzara only and no Pred. Feel fabulous. So side effects and happy to not have the side effects I was suffering from the Pred.

@laurelfagan

It is incredible that you were able to get off Prednisone so quickly after Kevzara was started. So many people are told to "expect" to take Prednisone for a couple of years and do an ultra slow taper when they are diagnosed with PMR.

I took Prednisone for 12 years after I was diagnosed. I was encouraged to remain on Prednisone for the rest of my life instead of taking a biologic. Fortunately, I elected to try the biologic for PMR instead of Prednisone for the rest of my life. It still took me a year to taper off Prednisone. I think it took me longer because my body was dependent on me taking Prednisone because of adrenal insufficiency.

“Corticosteroids have been the primary treatment to date, but many patients do not adequately respond to steroids or cannot be tapered off steroids, which puts such patients at risk of complications from long-term steroid therapy,”

The following link explains why you were so fortunate.
https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatic-diseases/fda-approves-steroid-free-treatment-for-polymyalgia-rheumatica/

I’m on 10 prednisone and not happy just got kevzara shots Dr tells me it is the best then cut back on prednisone.

@david682e

Is "kenxzana" a creative way to spell Kevzara?

@dadcue Sorry about the spelling.

I contracted PMR about a year ago. Started with 15 mm prednisone. Tapered to 4mm. After on Kevzara 2 months ago down to 2mm. Tried 1mm but too painful. Kevzara makes my life a lot easier. Morning stiffness recedes rapidly. With Dr. recommendation, Regence Med Advantage Insurance covers all but copay. Now no cost.

@laurelfagan First, glad to hear you’re progress. Thank you for sharing.
I have to ask:
(it is now January 2026)
Are you still on the Kevzara?
Do you expect to terminate Kevzara at some point?
If so, when? Or, have you?

Kevzara attacks a different inflammatory pathway than Prednisone.

I had very rapid relief from Kevzara, my quality of life improved greatly (which isn't hard because my QOL was awful, mostly often having days where walking around the house was painful and required a cane - forget about going anywhere), and I was able to make a steady progress dropping my Prednisone dose to below 3 mg/day. Now I exercise - Pilates, Egym weights and walking.

I conclude that my PMR was more concentrated in the inflammation pathway treated by Kevzara, and less by the pathway attacked by Prednisone. However this is beyond my understanding of immunology so is mostly guesswork.

Nevertheless, Kevzara has given my life back to me.

@stonewheel
I am really pleased and happy with my progress.
I weaned off prednisone, last dose on 11/27. I took my 11th shot of Kevzara on 12/24. My labs look good. Inflammation markers normal. I had complete blood panel done and looks good. My Rhumatologist said I will be on Kevzara for a year before I wean off that. I have had no breakout pain. Just my age related osteoporosis arthritis in shoulders, hip and finger pain that I deal with.
I am healthy but I am careful where I go and avoid large crowds.

I am in Sacramento CA. My Rhumatologist had me start Kevzara when I was on about 12.5 mg of Pred. I have weaned off prednisone It takes several injections of Kevzara before you have full coverage. About three months so I would start it as soon as possible as you are tapering off Pred. I was really tired close to my next injection. Not having that side effect anymore. I do my shot before I go to bed. I have had 11 injections now. No side effects, no breakthrough pain and so far labs and inflammation is normal. My doctor said I will be on Kevzara a year then wean off.