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GCA prednisone vs. actemra infusion therapy

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: 5 hours ago | Replies (27)
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@susang222

Thank you for your information. Why did you decide to switch? Did your doctor encourage you to change?
Sorry you got shingles; I have heard it is painful. Are you glad you did?
It is encouraging to know that you are free of GCA. I am not sure what to do about switching. I am on 20 mg of prednisone now, and I hate the side effects. The side effects of Actemra sound serious. Thanks again.

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Replies to "Thank you for your information. Why did you decide to switch? Did your doctor encourage you..."
iaff801 | @iaff801 | Jan 10 6:42pm

Two reasons why I switched, both came from my doctor. First, I already had Osteopenia. Continuing Pred would have just made it worse. Second, I had a relapse on Pred and the doctor believed that Actemra was better at keeping things stable. As I am sure you read on here many people who are tapering off Pred have relaspses or reoccurences. I didnt have that on Actemra. Luckily my cases of shingles werent too bad, but eight times was not fun.
Anyway, as far as switching, you just have to pick the devil you can deal with because they both certainly have their drawbacks.

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susang222 | @susang222 | Jan 12 7:37am

I have one more question. Do you know what the lower lever of prednisone you were on before you switched and did you relapse on the prednisone? I am on 25 mg now and don't know how low I can go.

Thank you.

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