1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
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Rheum wants Kevzara but Methotrexate much cheaper, work as well?

Posted by boomermeg @boomermeg, 5 days ago

Appreciate any input. I'm newly diagnosed 7/31/26. Started at 15mg, had to go to 20mg, then to 25mg for 2 weeks to get all pain and symptoms under control. Saw my Rheumatologist today, 1st follow-up. I tapered to 22.5mg 7 days ago. She's concerned re flares for me because I had to step up twice just to get under control initially. She wants me to start Kevzara to help me taper over time, hopefully without flares. The Kevzara & Methotrexate both require prior authorization to even get covered by my insurance. Kevzara shows 4,000.00+ price without insurance, while Methotrexate shows 200.00+without insurance. It's a no brainer for me as I've had way too much health expenses already this year. Anyone have experience they can relate about Kevzara, any side effects, or Methotrexate and any side effects? Or any other drug that can help bridge the Prednisone tapers? I appreciate any help at all. Thank you all.

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boomermeg | @boomermeg | 4 days ago
In reply to @n1234 "@boomermeg I was diagnosed with PMR in March 2026. I responded extremely well to Prednisone, but..." + (show)
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@boomermeg

I was diagnosed with PMR in March 2026. I responded extremely well to Prednisone, but asked the rheumatologist to taper me off of it after researching and learning about the side effects of long term use of Prednisone.
She started me on Methotrexate (20 mgs) one per week. Fortunately, I have not experienced any major side effects beside being tired the day after I take it.

The PMR symptoms are under control, but I do have some stiffness, but I’m functioning considerably well.

Good luck to you as you navigate this part of your journey.

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@n1234 thank you for letting me know your experience. It's so different for each one of us. We have no idea how we'll respond to each drug until we take it. That's scary with some of these types of drugs because the side effects can be so serious. Thanks again and glad you're doing well. Blessings.

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boomermeg | @boomermeg | 4 days ago
In reply to @n1234 "@boomermeg I was diagnosed with PMR in March 2026. I responded extremely well to Prednisone, but..." + (show)
Profile picture for n1234 @n1234

@boomermeg

I was diagnosed with PMR in March 2026. I responded extremely well to Prednisone, but asked the rheumatologist to taper me off of it after researching and learning about the side effects of long term use of Prednisone.
She started me on Methotrexate (20 mgs) one per week. Fortunately, I have not experienced any major side effects beside being tired the day after I take it.

The PMR symptoms are under control, but I do have some stiffness, but I’m functioning considerably well.

Good luck to you as you navigate this part of your journey.

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@n1234 I just thought of 2 questions. How long on methotrexate and are you completely off of Prednisone?
Thanks.

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n1234 | @n1234 | 4 days ago
In reply to @boomermeg "@n1234 I just thought of 2 questions. How long on methotrexate and are you completely off..." + (show)
Profile picture for boomermeg @boomermeg

@n1234 I just thought of 2 questions. How long on methotrexate and are you completely off of Prednisone?
Thanks.

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@boomermeg

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n1234 | @n1234 | 4 days ago
In reply to @boomermeg "@n1234 I just thought of 2 questions. How long on methotrexate and are you completely off..." + (show)
Profile picture for boomermeg @boomermeg

@n1234 I just thought of 2 questions. How long on methotrexate and are you completely off of Prednisone?
Thanks.

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@boomermeg

Yes, I am no longer taken prednisone ( I took it for about 5 weeks). I started Methotrexate about three months ago. It takes several weeks to kick in, but I feel 85%-95% better. It really depends on the day. I also take folic acid ((1mg) every day to offset any possible side effects from the Methotrexate.

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boomermeg | @boomermeg | 3 days ago
In reply to @n1234 "@boomermeg Yes, I am no longer taken prednisone ( I took it for about 5 weeks)...." + (show)
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@boomermeg

Yes, I am no longer taken prednisone ( I took it for about 5 weeks). I started Methotrexate about three months ago. It takes several weeks to kick in, but I feel 85%-95% better. It really depends on the day. I also take folic acid ((1mg) every day to offset any possible side effects from the Methotrexate.

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@n1234
Thanks so much for letting me know. I'm 73 with sleep apnea, chronic pain and breast cancer (had lumpectomy) but very concerned about all the things I read about Methotrexate. Breathing issues are a big concern for me because of sleep apnea. I use C-PAP but still want to be cautious with any meds. I read te Folic acid. Thanks again, I appreciate your help. Glad you're doing so well.
Blessings

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2 replies
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n1234 | @n1234 | 3 days ago
In reply to @boomermeg "@n1234 Thanks so much for letting me know. I'm 73 with sleep apnea, chronic pain and..." + (show)
Profile picture for boomermeg @boomermeg

@n1234
Thanks so much for letting me know. I'm 73 with sleep apnea, chronic pain and breast cancer (had lumpectomy) but very concerned about all the things I read about Methotrexate. Breathing issues are a big concern for me because of sleep apnea. I use C-PAP but still want to be cautious with any meds. I read te Folic acid. Thanks again, I appreciate your help. Glad you're doing so well.
Blessings

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@boomermeg

I’m so sorry you are navigating other issues as well. I am 56 and have no other health issues besides mild anemia. I do go to the rheumatologist to have my blood checked regularly ( one a month and now every three months). Methotrexate can affect the liver and kidneys. So far I am doing fine.

I will pray for you and a treatment plan you can tolerate physically and financially.

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boomermeg | @boomermeg | 3 days ago
In reply to @n1234 "@boomermeg I’m so sorry you are navigating other issues as well. I am 56 and have..." + (show)
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@boomermeg

I’m so sorry you are navigating other issues as well. I am 56 and have no other health issues besides mild anemia. I do go to the rheumatologist to have my blood checked regularly ( one a month and now every three months). Methotrexate can affect the liver and kidneys. So far I am doing fine.

I will pray for you and a treatment plan you can tolerate physically and financially.

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@n1234
Thank you so much for your kindness. Prayers are always appreciated!!
I let my Rheumatologist know re can't afford the expensive Rxs and asked re any other alternatives. We'll see. Thank you again for your thoughts, prayers and sharing your experience. I appreciate all. Blessings.

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p0rtia | @p0rtia | 3 days ago
In reply to @boomermeg "@n1234 Thanks so much for letting me know. I'm 73 with sleep apnea, chronic pain and..." + (show)
Profile picture for boomermeg @boomermeg

@n1234
Thanks so much for letting me know. I'm 73 with sleep apnea, chronic pain and breast cancer (had lumpectomy) but very concerned about all the things I read about Methotrexate. Breathing issues are a big concern for me because of sleep apnea. I use C-PAP but still want to be cautious with any meds. I read te Folic acid. Thanks again, I appreciate your help. Glad you're doing so well.
Blessings

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@boomermeg "I'm 73 with sleep apnea, chronic pain and breast cancer (had lumpectomy)" Sister!!!

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abd | @abd | 3 days ago
In reply to @kjoed53 "@abd I've only had four doses of kevzara so far. I get a small welt at..." + (show)
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@abd
I've only had four doses of kevzara so far. I get a small welt at the injection site that goes away within an hour. I think it has more to do with my injection skills than the kevzara itself.

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@kjoed53 good to hear.
I wondered that also since a nurse demonstrated and gave me the first one and no welt. The second one the welt was larger than a flat egg but raised and remained after the third one (two weeks later) and the third created another. My doctor appointment was a week after the third injection and the first welt was still there but reduced along with the new welt. The doctor did look at both and decided I should not continue.
Guess everyone’s reaction is different.

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1 reply
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kjoed53 | @kjoed53 | 3 days ago
In reply to @abd "@kjoed53 good to hear. I wondered that also since a nurse demonstrated and gave me the..." + (show)
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@kjoed53 good to hear.
I wondered that also since a nurse demonstrated and gave me the first one and no welt. The second one the welt was larger than a flat egg but raised and remained after the third one (two weeks later) and the third created another. My doctor appointment was a week after the third injection and the first welt was still there but reduced along with the new welt. The doctor did look at both and decided I should not continue.
Guess everyone’s reaction is different.

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@abd
Mine are usually an inch or less and feels like the shot didn't all make it all the way through the layers of my ample belly. I changed the angle slightly last shot and the welt was about the size of a dime. I guess I'm getting better...lol

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