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How hard is it to get on Actemra (Tocilizumab) with PMR?

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Apr 2, 2023 | Replies (51)
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@jcb007

I was dx with PMR and GCA,. Then had biopsies test for GCA and didn't have it. Was taking 60mg of prednisone and started taking Actemra when I was feeling better. Weekly injections. Two years later and now tapering back on Actemra. They have a co-pay program to help $. My insurance is Medicare and Blue cross.

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Replies to "I was dx with PMR and GCA,. Then had biopsies test for GCA and didn't have..."
nanamichaela | @nanamichaela | Mar 21, 2023

I was on Actemra for several months a couple of years ago. My doctor’s office had to do quite a bit of work to get the insurance company to ok it. I had the injections monthly and everything was going great until it wasn’t. I had tapered off the prednisone and I was only on the Actemra when I got diverticulitis. The doctor took me off the Actemra, and for three months I was on no medication. Then I got GCA which started the prednisone journey all over again! I then wen on Xeljanz which was working and I, once again, went off prednisone for eight months until I had GCA again. Now back on 60 milligrams and waiting for the next medication to replace the prednisone.

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