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GCA (Giant Cell Arteritis) and PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica)
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Feb 12 11:08am | Replies (262)Comment receiving replies
I also belong to a group in the UK and they are hard pressed to get Actemra for GCA. I don't think they can get it for PMR. I believe if their Dr. says they have RA, they can get it. I'm not sure about here in the States but this is a good place to find out.
I've been taking it since October 2019 and it finally enabled me to taper my prednisone, although my case was misdiagnosed for about nine months...so it got a running start. One month, 4 injections costs about $5000....don't faint! I only pay $45.00 for the first month of the year and then 'extra help' kicks in. I pay nothing after that. I think it falls under 'catastrophic illness'...though I don't feel catastrophic. I'm 82, and have Medicare Advantage through Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
I hope that at least helps.💞
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I too have LCA , 80 years old and live in Australia. Don't know but reasonably sure that Actemra is not available. My rheumatologist has not mentioned it. At the moment I am coming down for 2nd time from 50mg to now 12mg. Am taking advice to take it very slowly . I don't want to go up again. My dr suggests 10 mg by next time I see him which is in 3 weeks. I'm not rushing. Too traumatic to have to go up again.