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Update on diagnoses-now

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jul 23 10:03am | Replies (12)

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@kjoed53

Yes ... Actemra and Kevzara were both originally FDA approved for RA. However, IL-6 inhibitors probably aren't used as often as other classes of biologics to treat RA.

" IL-6 blockers historically have not been used as first-line treatments for RA (because they were developed later). They’re usually tried after other treatments such as methotrexate and anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs have failed to relieve symptoms and/or adequately control disease activity."
https://www.arthritis.org/news/fda-approves-new-rheumatoid-arthritis-biologic-sar
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There has been extensive amounts of research done to find alternative uses for both Actemra and Kevzara. The cost of doing the research to get FDA approval is prohibitive. Being the "first" to get FDA approval for a diagnosis has a competitive advantage. Even though a biologic doesn't have FDA approval that doesn't mean it won't work. It usually only means the research hasn't been done to know if it works or not.

Imagine the wasted time and money when a medication doesn't work for a particular diagnosis. I was involved in some research studies which were suddenly terminated because the preliminary data wasn't looking very good.

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Replies to "@kjoed53 Yes ... Actemra and Kevzara were both originally FDA approved for RA. However, IL-6 inhibitors..."

@dadcue
I was hopeful the Orencia was going to work for me. My joint pain was already feeling better but first bladder issues had me concerned and now bowel issues are starting. I don't know how many people react like I do but obviously this medication is not going to work either.
Very depressing!