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← Return to Kevzara (sarilumab) to treat PMR
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Kevzara (sarilumab) to treat PMR
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jun 22 10:17am | Replies (206)Comment receiving replies
@dadcue Whoa - not sure how I led you to believe that I had a history of diverticulitis.
I was told the same thing you were told. I had not previously had diverticulitis, so I passed that hurdle, as well as the TB blood test and all the other showstopper concerns. My doctors were very straight arrow on "do you qualify?". I say "doctors" because I have my treating Rheumy and a consulting Rheumy at a leading teaching hospital. The hospital system has stellar credentials with treating Vasculitis (GCA) and PMR. Their GCA Vasculitis clinic is possibly the best in the US.
I even pinged my GI doctor and he green lighted it before I started my injections. Actually, when I had the diverticulitis, he was of the opinion that I really did not need to stop the Tyenne but my Rx Rheumy was not swayed at all!
Bowel perforation is a real risk of the IL-6 inhibitors and it is clear to me that Rheumy's don't want it on their watch. As the patient, I certainly don't want it as the result of treating anything!
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@jabrown0407
You wrote:
"I had diverticulitis while on Tyenne and my Rheumy now wants me to take Kevzara."
I thought you meant you were going to switch from Tyenne to Kevzara after having diverticulitis.
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There seems to be some people who are started in IL-6 inhibitors who don't know if they have diverticulosis or maybe have had a bout of diverticulitis in the past.
I was asked about "any GI history" when I was started on Actemra. I was never told that I did but I certainly had an intestinal infection which triggered reactive arthritis. I also had a long 30 year history of corticosteroids and/or NSAIDs which are also known to increase risk of GI perforation. My rheumatologist only looked at my most recent colonoscopy and took my word for it that I didn't have any GI issues. Otherwise it is highly recommended to have a thorough GI evaluation prior to starting IL-6 inhibitors.