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← Return to PMR with normal blood markers
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It would have been interesting if my IL-6 level was checked before starting a biologic medication which blocked my IL-6 receptors. The medication was called Actemra (tocilizumab).
https://www.actemra.com/gca/considerations/how-it-works.html
After 12 years of taking prednisone for PMR, I assume my IL-6 level was elevated. After starting Actemra, I was able to reduce my prednisone dose to zero. On the other hand, my ESR and CRP levels were almost always elevated even when I was on prednisone. I guess there was no question about me having systemic inflammation so there wasn't much need to check IL-6.
Since our treatment is currently dictated by the diagnosis we get ... maybe it would be better to target the inflammation pathway rather than the diagnosis.
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I’m about to be put on Actrema. Unfortunately along with a year long journey with PMR I was just diagnosed with GCA last week. I was put on 60 mg of prednisone and will be starting at trauma before long. I’m nervous about all of it. They are doing MRIs and MRAs of my head and neck on Thursday and then I will be having CT scans of my chest and abdomen to check those arteries for inflammation.