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GCA (Giant Cell Arteritis) and PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica)

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Oct 25 10:20am | Replies (277)
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@khmc

I started Actemra 3 months after starting Prednisone. Gradually decreased Prednisone down to 0 after 6 months.I have now decreased Actemra to 14 days and I hope eventually to once every 30days.
There are many options besides Prednisone once the initial pain is under control. Why are Rheumatologists not suggesting this??

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krueg | @krueg | Apr 19, 2023

Hi, I was diagnosed with PMR May 5th 2021. In September diagnosed with GCA. My Rheumy wanted me to start ACTEMRA which I did on October via infusion. I did not have any bad reactions to it and my labs have been coming back normal until my last labs, which we tested m cholesteral and A1C in April. My Cholesteral went way up to 301. Now he wants me to start a statin and keep going with the Actemra. I too was at 60 mg of pred and am currently now on 10mg. I don't know if I really want to continue the ACTEMRA now that this problem has come up and add another medication to my already long list. I had a DEXA scan In may and I do have osteoporosis so I started a fosomax in September. It is crucial that i get off prednisone but I just don't want to keep taking more medications with all the side effects. Not sure what to do??

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