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DiscussionThere is a national shortage of rheumatologists.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jan 1 7:37am | Replies (33)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Thanks, I'll remember Actemra."
Remember Kevzara (Sarilumab) because it is FDA approved for PMR.
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20231025/Scientists-achieve-breakthrough-in-treating-neglected-polymyalgia-rheumatica.aspx#:~:text=%22Our%20findings%20show%20promise%20that,is%20common%20among%20older%20people.
Actemra (tociliumab) is only FDA approved for GCA.
I received Actemra when it was FDA approved for GCA because Kevzara wasn't approved for PMR yet.
My rheumatogist submitted a request to get Actemra approved for me even though I wasn't diagnosed with GCA. My rheumatologist made the case and received authorization to prescribe Actemra to me.
Both Kevzara and Actemra work basically the same.
Since GCA and PMR are closely associated with each other, the recommendation by the approval board was to treat my case of PMR with Actemra and to follow the GCA guidelines.
An excerpt from the link above says:
"Earlier this year, a review paper published in the journal Nature Reviews by Professor Dasgupta and colleagues highlighted the emerging view that relapsing PMR patients also have underlying Giant Cell Arteritis, where the main blood vessel aorta and its branches become inflamed. Researchers suggested the two should be treated as linked conditions under the term GCA-PMR Spectrum disease (GPSD)."