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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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@marmak

Thank you so much! I have an appointment this morning with my rheumatologist and want to discuss further treatment plans. He had been confident I could wean off prednisone and hasn't mentioned any biological. Was thinking I had to be on a lower dose before they started? Will approach it today.

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DadCue | @dadcue | Sep 5, 2023

Kevzara (sarilumab) is FDA approved for PMR

Actemra (tocilizumab) is FDA approved for GCA

Both of these biologic medications have been used in the past for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
https://www.rheumatologyadvisor.com/howtotreat/role-of-il6-receptor-antagonists-for-ra-management/
A biologic is considered when a patient is unable to taper down to a lower dose of prednisone. A biologic is also appropriate when a patient has serious side from prednisone.

If you have been on higher doses of prednisone and have side effects from prednisone then either one of these biologic medications would be worth a try.

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