I have tried Actemra via injection the results were impressive for pain reduction however I previously had diverticulitis and it is a contradiction to actemra i did have a diverticulitis episode so needed to stop taking it.
I have also tried Leflunomide again results were quite impressive however one of the side effects is peripheral neuropathy i developed neuropathy in both my hands and feet it has been confirmed on EMG study so that medication was stopped.
I was them prescribed methotrexate injections again great results, i did not have any of the documented side effects however i did become infected with COVID during treatment. I ceased the first week i was sick with COVID as instructed. Six weeks later i was still quite sick and simply could not recover from COVID symptoms so the medication was stopped and i eventually recovered.
My rhuemy now wants to try Rinvoq she is not happy with me as i have refused this treatment for now, i would rather stay with prednisone as it is the devil i know type situation. Rinvoq has some serious side effects and after some serious research and contemplation i have decided to battle it through with prednisone. This is my 4th year with PMR and GCA and i have only managed to cease prednisone once in those 4 yrs and the remission only lasted 3 weeks.