1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
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KEVZARA approved 9/29, side effects or positive info?

Posted by boomermeg @boomermeg, Sep 29 2:57pm

Kevzara
Today (9/29/26) I got the news my Insurance approved the prior authorization for Kevzara for me. I asked the Dr's office to let me know the schedule, how the RX is written. I have no idea how often etc she wants me to take it. I'm really concerned about side effects, especially after hearing people mention their skin felt like it was burning. Some said not sure if it was Kevzara or not. My skin is super thin and sensitive. I can't use any pain patch or anything that irritates it. Concerned re injection site issues for this reason.
I did have IL6 blood test and it was high 21.4 on 8/14/26 and had just started Prednisone 7/31/26 @ 15mg, had to go up to 20mg and was on 20mg 8/14.
Still had to go up to 25mg on 8/15 because pain still present. So, if my IL6 high result means anything to anyone re "should I try Kevzara", please let me know.
I've since tapered down to 17.5mg Prednisone currently (started Sat. 9/26 -17.5mg for 14 days). Will continue to taper 2.5mg every 14 days until next Rheumatologist appt in early November.
Any input appreciated It's so hard to decide because I have many concerns about RXs in general and especially biologic type that "target" a specific protein or anything.
I posted a previous Discussion titled "Wait for flare before starting Kevzara?
Thank you to everyone who answered there. My Prednisone dose has changed and I've read more re Kevzara side effects so appreciate any further input.
The cost this year is another issue.
Thanks very much.
Blessings.

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marci516 | @marci516 | Oct 2 11:29am
In reply to @boomermeg "@marci516 Thank you so much for all these tips that have helped you. It's these kinds..." + (show)
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@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.

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@boomermeg I followed the advice of many others who had started Kevzara before me and were kind enough to post, it's good to pay it forward. I honestly don't recall how long it was, probably several months. I didn't need to sleep all day, only cut my day a little short and rest. I inject at night so I am able to put in a full day in my office before doing so, no other reason.
You are very wise to follow what you think is best for your health, perhaps seek your doctors opinion. I hope this works out for you.

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2 replies
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boomermeg | @boomermeg | Oct 2 11:37am
In reply to @kjoed53 "@mikeydee I've only taken 6 injections so far but I have the same small bump after..." + (show)
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@mikeydee
I've only taken 6 injections so far but I have the same small bump after the shot that goes away within the hour. I also count to 10 after the click just to be sure.

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@kjoed53
Thanks for posting this. Is the count to 10 to be sure the medication has completely emptied out of the injector? Makes sense.
Thanks. Blessings.

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1 reply
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boomermeg | @boomermeg | Oct 2 12:11pm
In reply to @marci516 "@boomermeg I followed the advice of many others who had started Kevzara before me and were..." + (show)
Profile picture for marci516 @marci516

@boomermeg I followed the advice of many others who had started Kevzara before me and were kind enough to post, it's good to pay it forward. I honestly don't recall how long it was, probably several months. I didn't need to sleep all day, only cut my day a little short and rest. I inject at night so I am able to put in a full day in my office before doing so, no other reason.
You are very wise to follow what you think is best for your health, perhaps seek your doctors opinion. I hope this works out for you.

Jump to this post

@marci516
Thanks. I had a telehealth with my Rheumatologist yesterday and ordered Kevzara. I'll be starting it this weekend. I'm printing out everyone's suggestions and will try them and see what works for me. Maybe part of what feels so foreign is injecting something. Never done it before.
Hopefully, it won't make me too tired or other but only way to know is to try it. I'll try it during day first to see my reaction so my husband will be here and awake....lol! Also need to be sure if it affects my breathing in any way due to my sleep apnea. I use C-PAP so it should compensate but want to be cautious at first. Thanks again for sharing. It all helps. Blessings.

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boomermeg | @boomermeg | Oct 2 12:31pm
In reply to @marci516 "@boomermeg I followed the advice of many others who had started Kevzara before me and were..." + (show)
Profile picture for marci516 @marci516

@boomermeg I followed the advice of many others who had started Kevzara before me and were kind enough to post, it's good to pay it forward. I honestly don't recall how long it was, probably several months. I didn't need to sleep all day, only cut my day a little short and rest. I inject at night so I am able to put in a full day in my office before doing so, no other reason.
You are very wise to follow what you think is best for your health, perhaps seek your doctors opinion. I hope this works out for you.

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@marci516
Would you please tell me how many hours ahead you take the pen out of the refrigerator? I ordered it yesterday and will start this weekend. I want to do what you suggested and I'll ice too. Thanks again for all your input. It's all very helpful. I can imagine it wouldn't feel too good cold!!! Blessings

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1 reply
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boomermeg | @boomermeg | Oct 2 12:35pm

Saw my Rheumatologist yesterday and ordered Kevzara. Will start it this weekend. I've printed out your suggestions/tips on how to use it and really appreciate it. If there's anything else you can think of about tips/suggestions or anything, I welcome them all. Can't thank you all enough for responding and helping me.
At 17.5mg now for one more week so I have a ways to go. Blessings.

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kjoed53 | @kjoed53 | Oct 2 12:56pm
In reply to @boomermeg "@kjoed53 Thanks for posting this. Is the count to 10 to be sure the medication has..." + (show)
Profile picture for boomermeg @boomermeg

@kjoed53
Thanks for posting this. Is the count to 10 to be sure the medication has completely emptied out of the injector? Makes sense.
Thanks. Blessings.

Jump to this post

@boomermeg
Yes, on my first shot I wasn't sure the whole pen emptied because of how they explained it to me, so I held it in for a little longer and I just kept doing that.

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boomermeg | @boomermeg | Oct 2 1:33pm
In reply to @kjoed53 "@boomermeg Yes, on my first shot I wasn't sure the whole pen emptied because of how..." + (show)
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@boomermeg
Yes, on my first shot I wasn't sure the whole pen emptied because of how they explained it to me, so I held it in for a little longer and I just kept doing that.

Jump to this post

@kjoed53
Thanks! That makes sense. Blessings.

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marci516 | @marci516 | Oct 2 2:20pm
In reply to @boomermeg "@marci516 Would you please tell me how many hours ahead you take the pen out of..." + (show)
Profile picture for boomermeg @boomermeg

@marci516
Would you please tell me how many hours ahead you take the pen out of the refrigerator? I ordered it yesterday and will start this weekend. I want to do what you suggested and I'll ice too. Thanks again for all your input. It's all very helpful. I can imagine it wouldn't feel too good cold!!! Blessings

Jump to this post

@boomermeg
I believe they suggest at least 1 hour prior, but it is able to stay out for much longer. I take mine out in the morning approx. 9:00 and inject approx. 7:00 PM. I have asked the specialty pharmacy that provides mine if this is acceptable and they approved it. Always best to check with your doctor, pharmacy or even the Kevzara site. They may have a phone #.

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2 replies
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boomermeg | @boomermeg | Oct 2 3:24pm
In reply to @marci516 "@boomermeg I believe they suggest at least 1 hour prior, but it is able to stay..." + (show)
Profile picture for marci516 @marci516

@boomermeg
I believe they suggest at least 1 hour prior, but it is able to stay out for much longer. I take mine out in the morning approx. 9:00 and inject approx. 7:00 PM. I have asked the specialty pharmacy that provides mine if this is acceptable and they approved it. Always best to check with your doctor, pharmacy or even the Kevzara site. They may have a phone #.

Jump to this post

@marci516
Thanks again. Good to know. Yes the specialty Pharmacy gave me a number to call for consultation and questions.
Appreciate your reply. Blessings.

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tweetypie13 | @tweetypie13 | Oct 2 6:45pm
In reply to @marci516 "@boomermeg I believe they suggest at least 1 hour prior, but it is able to stay..." + (show)
Profile picture for marci516 @marci516

@boomermeg
I believe they suggest at least 1 hour prior, but it is able to stay out for much longer. I take mine out in the morning approx. 9:00 and inject approx. 7:00 PM. I have asked the specialty pharmacy that provides mine if this is acceptable and they approved it. Always best to check with your doctor, pharmacy or even the Kevzara site. They may have a phone #.

Jump to this post

@marci516 there is no need to take out for so long.
Instructions say 1 hour prior!
Why would you want it sitting out for so long?
I take with breakfast.

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