The Dr. said at least a year. I was in pain for so long. My PCP kept saying it was just a part of aging so I took things into my own hands and made an appointment with a very reputable rheumatologist in my area and that was the first thing out of his mouth. Oh you have PMR. Never heard of it. Of course they did all the blood tests and xrays. I am definitly feeling much better. Blood test are getting better and better as far a inflamation goes. My Dr. says it is safer to be on Actemra than Medro.