KEVZARA approved 9/29, side effects or positive info?

@boomermeg I also have asleep apnea.

Congrats again in the Kevzara addition.

As you already know, it can lower your white blood cells. In particular Absolute Neutrophils (anc), Platelet Count, and Absolute Lymphocytes.

Be good about having this bloodwork done routinely.
CBC with Platelet & Differential.

@eparnold0219
I'm very tired of CPAP and mask but it really helps. Don't really want an implanted device.
Thanks for sharing. We have that in common also!! Blessings.

@stonewheel
Thanks for mentioning this. I have a Telehealth appt in am with my Rheumatologist about all my questions before I start Kevzara and this is perfect timing. She's really good, but this info gives me one more question to be sure to ask about. Thanks again for every bit of input. Blessings.

@boomermeg instructions are to alternate sites. I keep track of which leg I inject on my calendar so I know to inject the opposite one the next time. It’s pretty easy.

I can't help you with any medical questions, as others have mentioned, those should be directed to your doctor. What I can tell you is that I have been on Kevzara for over 2 years and it was a life changer. I had been on prednisone and my ESP & CRP were still extremely high. Once on Kevzara I was able to taper off quickly. My levels are as low as possible now. In the beginning I was very tired the day after injecting & made sure to keep my work load light & WFH. I inject at night. Now I rarely feel tired. I occasionally itch at the injection site, a little OTC cortisone cream helps that. I learned from other members to ice the site for 15 minutes prior to & after injecting. It works & I keep doing it. I also take my pen out hours before using it. (OK on K instructions). I alternate between abdomen & thigh, inject every 2 weeks. I am very thankful my doctor suggested this and don't look back. I am able to function again. Good luck!

I started Kevzara when I was unable to get off prednisone. I was off prednisone within a couple of months and have felt really great for over a year now. Kevzara is excellent. No side effects for me.

I inject kevzara alternating on each side of my belly button 2 inches from my belly button. I pinch my skin at the area using both hands, so i have a small roll and that ensures the kevzara is injected into my body fat and not my muscle. My wife injects the kevzara and holds the needle in after the click for a couple of extra seconds. That way the kevzara does not come out when the needle is removed. I can feel a small bump from the kevzara under my skin usually to the outside of the shot site. The bump disappears within an hour. I uses an alcohol wipe before and after the shot to cleanse the area. After 3 years, I have had no issues at the injection site area. I keep a record of the date, the side injected into, the amount and number of days between injections. I also record other pertinent information like illnesses, operations, medication changes,etc with date in my record.

@marci516
Thank you so much for all these tips that have helped you. It's these kinds of practical actual use tips that can make the whole process easier for the person new to Kevzara. All the information people share is helpful, each bit of it.
I will probably try it during the day because of my sleep apnea and need to be sure how it affects me and if it affects or slows my breathing at all. Probably not but need to be sure.
Do you mind if I ask how many injections did it take before you didn't feel tired the next day? Did taking it at night stop the tiredness?
Thank you again for sharing all your experience and tips to help make it easier.
Blessings.

@elizterrel
Thanks so much for letting me know your experience. It really helps. Glad to hear you're doing so well.
Blessings.