What study were you a part of? About 7 years ago, my rheumatologist wanted to enroll me in a study but didn't tell me which study. She wasn't sure if I would qualify since I was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune conditions. I had been on prednisone about 10 years by then for PMR alone. I must have been excluded from the study but I'm pretty sure it was an Actemra study.

A few years later, when Actemra was offered to me, I wasn't part of any study. However, it seemed like an experiment to me.

My rheumatologist mentioned an ongoing study with Actemra and asked me if I wanted to try it. My rheumatologist said the study results were looking promising but an authorization request was needed to get it approved for me. I had no idea what Actemra was at the time but I felt like I committed myself to try it.

I asked another rheumatologist what the chances were that Actemra would be approved for me. He said there was "zero chance" because the ongoing study was for GCA patients and my diagnosis was chronic PMR.

The authorization request was approved. The recommendation was to treat my case of chronic PMR using the same guidelines established for GCA patients.

I don't think the guidelines were well established. At first, my rheumatologist was talking about a monthly infusion then switched and talked about a weekly injection. Then, almost as an afterthought, my rheumatologist decided on an injection every 2 weeks to "play it safe."

I was screened for any contraindications to Actemra. I didn't have any history of diverticulitis or anything else that would prevent me from getting Actemra. I started out with an injection every two weeks but later was switched to a weekly injections.

I just started doing a monthly infusion after 4 years of injections. I don't know if that is progress or not. I haven't needed any prednisone for more than 2 years.