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Kevzara and Prednisone Tapering before and during Kevzara
I recently stated with Kevzara and I am interested in those who are currently on prednisone and Kevzara.
I would like to know...
1. What was your starting dosage of prednisone and how long have your been taking prednisone?
2. What was your daily dose of prednisone before Kevzara?
3. What was your prednisone tapering schedule before starting Kevzara?
4. What was your lowest dosage of prednisone before Kevzara and did you have difficulty dropping below that dose?
5. What is your tapering schedule now that you are on Kevzara?
6. How successful has this schedule been so far and have you had any flare ups?
7. What is your target date for stopping prednisone?
8. What changes have you noticed in your health, aches and energy level since starting Kevzara?
Please feel free to add any more information that might be helpful to those contemplating starting Kevzara or those currently on Kevzara
Thanks
Mike
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I was on Prednisone for 2 years and I developed adverse side effects. I had uncontrollable weight gain, high blood pressure, and swelling in my legs. I’ve been on Kevzara since February of 2024. YThis last month I had low white blood cell count, low platelet count, and low ANC. I went off Kevzara for 3 weeks and my ANC is back to normal and my white blood cell count and platelet count improved but still low. I have restarted Kevzara so will see what happens.
I found that my blood tests were similar... "low white blood cell count, low platelet count, and low ANC". which i believe is characteristic of kevzara working and tying up the IL6 which causes inflammation.
@mikeydee similar issues….my Dr had me chg injections from bi weekly to every 3 weeks…..maybe try that.
@tweetypie13 I have streched my shots to 19 days and found longer caused increased aches/pain.
@mikeydee bummer….try Tylenol for arthritis as a supplement…..helped me
@mikeydee
Kevzara does tie up IL-6 and reduces the type of inflammation that is the most responsible and implicated in PMR. It might not stop the type of inflammation that is implicated in other autoimmune disorders.
Inflammation gets a bad rap. You wouldn't want to stop any and all inflammation because it is a characteristic of a healthy immune system. Inflammation is our main defense against infections. Fortunately, Kevzara stops PMR inflammation but it doesn't seem to increase the risk of an infection.
Kevzara provides a more targeted relief of PMR inflammation without shutting down the entire immune system. Kevzara works differently ... unlike Prednisone, which broadly suppresses the entire immune system.
The following is a good YouTube video about Kevzara. The Vasculitis Foundation is also a great resource we have in the USA for patients with PMR and GCA.
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2 ReactionsIf you're still experiencing pain on kevzara instead of prednisone, it's because kevzara is only working to relieve the PMR pain. It doesn't do anything for arthritis or other inflammation. I'm tapering down on prednisone and waiting to start kevzara. My rheumatologist put me on LDN when I reached 10mg prednisone to relieve some of the returning arthritis pain and I think it works. I'm sleeping better. It might be worth discussing with your doctor.
1. 40mg/day
2. 30mg/day
3. 5mg/month
4. 30mg/day and No
5. 1mg/week
6. Good, no flares
7. August 31
8. Slight energy loss but rarely
I exercise a lot and push myself hard.
My diet is by choice very strict and started before PMR. Little to no sugar or salt. Vegan except fish and 4 times a year I treat myself to a steak, a burger, pulled pork or ribs. No dairy except plain high protein Greek yogurt and occasional cottage cheese. Lots of vegetables and vegetable protein powder 2x/day.
Also, 3 liters/quarts of water/day.