← Return to Kevzara (sarilumab) to treat PMR

Discussion

Kevzara (sarilumab) to treat PMR

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Aug 24 6:34am | Replies (162)

Comment receiving replies
@dadcue

I think it would be a wise to try Kevzara. I only have experience with a similar medication called Actemra which works on the same inflammation pathway. Both of these medications inhibit the pro inflammatory mechanism of the cytokine IL-6.

Cytokines are complicated as the following link suggests.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24585-cytokines#:~:text=Cytokines%20are%20essential%20to%20having,can%20be%20harmful%20without%20treatment.
Never mind all the details because I don't understand it either.

In any case, Actemra worked for me but the research to get Actemra approved to treat PMR hasn't been done. The research has been done for Kevzara and that is why it has been FDA approved for PMR but not GCA.

Actemra is FDA approved for GCA but not PMR. There is now a biologic for either PMR or GCA so take your pick.

Something other than long term prednisone for PMR and GCA is a huge step forward! This is especially true for someone who doesn't tolerate the long term side effects of prednisone.

I would think there is a place for biologics to treat PMR and GCA. As I understand it, both Actemra and Kevzara don't stop the production of IL-6. This cytokine has certain benefits in the immune system. Both Kevzara and Actemra seem to stop the pro-inflammatory effects of IL-6. This inflammation mechanism has been implicated in PMR and GCA and were used in the past for other autoimmune disorders.

Credit to whoever found the following link but I think it is excellent.
https://www.pmrandil6.com/il-6-and-pmr/

Jump to this post


Replies to "I think it would be a wise to try Kevzara. I only have experience with a..."

Thank you very much for your comments and the link. It has been a long process and I do want to be well educated of pros/cons before starting treatment. Your help is much appreciated.

Thanks, I just saved this link and watched video featuring a rheumatologist.