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Anyone tried Actemra (Tocilizumab) to treat PMR? FDA approved for GCA
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: May 21 8:50pm | Replies (107)Comment receiving replies
Has anyone in the US been prescribed Actemra just for PMR with no diagnosis of GCA? If so, how did you get it approved by your insurance?
I've had PMR for 3 1/2 years and I am unable to get under 10 mg of prednisone daily. I am currently back up to 15 mg. I have already tried Methotrexate with some success in reducing the prednisone but was unable to continue taking because of the side effects.
Trying to figure out how to get my insurance to approve Actemra. Thanks for any help.
Replies to "Has anyone in the US been prescribed Actemra just for PMR with no diagnosis of GCA?..."
My rheumatologist took care of approval for me on Medicare. Not sure how she accomplished it, but very grateful!
My Drs. office got the approval for me. I have no copay. I am on medicare.
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Hello @pmrhater, Welcome to Connect. I've never taken Actemra for PMR but earlier in this discussion @cadi posted about Actemra and may have some suggestions. Also, the manufacturer's website has some financial assistance information that may help you work with your insurance company even though it mentions it's for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
-- Financial Support for RA Patients | ACTEMRA® (tocilizumab):
https://www.actemra.com/ra/tools/financial-assistance.html
Have you talked with your insurance company?