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Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: 12 hours ago | Replies (18)
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My Rheumolotologist just recommended 2 years on Actemra for Ploymiangic Rheumothica as well. I’m very concerned about this. So I’m glad that you’re asking the same question that I have. I see a comment from. Another person stating that he has no side effects. So hopefully it will be effective for us without side effects. Best of luck!
Replies to "My Rheumolotologist just recommended 2 years on Actemra for Ploymiangic Rheumothica as well. I’m very concerned..."
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@laurenand
Seven years on Actemra for me. Some mild side effects for me initially but nothing that warranted stopping Actemra. I have been off prednisone for 5 years and I would never trade those 5 years for the 12 years I was on Prednisone. At this stage, even if something bad happened I would still be grateful to have had 5 years off of Prednisone.
So many things improved after Prednisone was stopped even if the improvement didn't happen as soon as I tapered off Prednisone like I was told. My endocrinologist said some of my Prednisone side effects might be irreversible but everything seems to be gradually improving. Most of may labs are either normal or improving but I still have some abnormal ones that aren't related to Actemra.
I have stopped Actemra a couple of times. My"relapses" were only a gradual return of symptoms. Actemra was restarted before my symptoms got out of control. Actemra has some "staying power" which Prednisone lacks.
Actemra doesn't suppress my adrenal function so my adrenals produce cortisol again which helps to regulate inflammation too. I'm not Prednisone dependent anymore.