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GCA Biopsy while on prednisone

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Oct 22, 2023 | Replies (14)
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@dbyrne

I had a biopsy for GCA while on 60 mg. of prednisone. I had just been released from the hospital and had to go to an outpatient facility to get the biopsy, they said it was the only way to confirm GCA for sure. The biopsy did confirm it, I had no issues with getting the biopsy while on prednisone. I am now being weaned off prednisone (down to 9 mg) and have started 80 mg of Actemra by injection every two weeks, so far doing ok.

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Replies to "I had a biopsy for GCA while on 60 mg. of prednisone. I had just been..."
DadCue | @dadcue | Oct 21, 2023

I hope Actemra works for you.

Your Actemra injection dose is probably 162 mg. As far as I know, that is the only dose available by injection.

For GCA, 162 mg administered subcutaneously every other week followed by an increase to every week based on clinical response.

I do a monthly infusion. When Actemra is given by an IV infusion any dose can be given up to 800 mg every 4 weeks. Doses exceeding 800 mg per infusion are not recommended.

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