1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
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How does Kevzara help with PMR symptoms and pain? I am being weaned

Posted by tsharkey01 @tsharkey01, Sep 8, 2023

I have had Pmr for 15 months now. It took forever to get diagnosed. I have been on 20 - 5 - 1 mg prednisone. My rheumatologist wants me to try kevzara. Is it worth it? I have been this way so long now I have forgotten what normal feels like.

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pb50 | @pb50 | Jan 13, 2024
In reply to @barracudacool "The cost of Kevzara is horrendous and the company really should be ashamed of itself for..." + (show)
Profile picture for barracudacool @barracudacool

The cost of Kevzara is horrendous and the company really should be ashamed of itself for pricing it this high. For me it would have been over a thousand a month for two injections. But there are a number of workarounds. The company does provide help. My insurance provides some help. The specialty pharmacy (accredo) Kevzara comes from helped me look at all the options. Provided nursing support, etc. I pay nothing. Additionally my doctor had a kind and thoughtful workaround with the drug being administered by transfusion in his office once a month If I wasn’t able to work out having injections shipped to my home For a fraction of the amount. It was a bit complicated but it all worked out. Do not let the cost deter you from trying it before looking at the options for covering the costs.

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Great advice!! Your description sounds as if you have private insurance and not Medicare?

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barracudacool | @barracudacool | Jan 13, 2024
In reply to @pb50 "Great advice!! Your description sounds as if you have private insurance and not Medicare?" + (show)
Profile picture for pb50 @pb50

Great advice!! Your description sounds as if you have private insurance and not Medicare?

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Yes private insurance. But the pharmacy went through all the options available including trying to go through Medicare. Also the doctor also mentioned the transfusion option as a workaround if the insurance wouldn’t cover it. So my advice would be just explore what options are available. Don’t let the initial price put you off from exploring the drug as an option.

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Mike | @dadcue | Jan 13, 2024

I don’t know if Kevzara is given via infusion. I now do an infusion of Actemra every month. I believe Medicare covers infusions because they are consider to be inpatient medications given in a hospital setting.

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pb50 | @pb50 | Jan 13, 2024

I absolutely agree. If it can be administered in the doc’s office it may be covered by part B as an office visit - As my biologic Remicade is. And in addition to Part B I have a plan G supplement that covers the copay.
In my case with now four rheumatologists from moving around in my career, they took the lead in terms of interacting with Medicare.

Anyone should run down all options. But if you are receiving social security or Medicare, odds are that the drug manufacturer cannot legally offer price reductions.

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david682e | @david682e | 22 hours ago
In reply to @tsharkey01 "Thanks 😊 I have taken 2 doses of kevzara now and seen no improvement so far...." + (show)
Profile picture for tsharkey01 @tsharkey01

Thanks 😊 I have taken 2 doses of kevzara now and seen no improvement so far. I actually had a flare at the beginning of the month when I was tapering my prednisone. I increased my prednisone back to 15. It’s all just a wait and see it seems.

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@tsharkey01 I have been on prednisone 10 msg but still not enough Then I went on kevzara shots and stayed on prednisone but after 2and a half months what a major difference cut down to 8 prednisone without any side effects. Really started working.Hope I can get off . David

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circlepfarm | @circlepfarm | 17 hours ago

I was diagnosed with PMR 12 months ago. My doctor started me on prednisone 20 mg. I finally got an appointment with the rheumatologist and she is weaning me off the prednisone. I am currently taking 15 mg and starting tomorrow I’ll go to 12.5 mg. I was approved for Kevzara And it is currently in the pharmaceutical pipeline, Plus, I need my rheumatologist permission and instructions prior to starting it. I must say weaning me off the prednisone my current 15 mg my PMR is extremely bad. I am walking with a cane. I have a lot of pain and I can’t wait to try something new.

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