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Kevzara and Prednisone Tapering before and during Kevzara
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Aug 9 9:16pm | Replies (37)Comment receiving replies
I recently started Kevzara 11/23
I was diagnosed with PMR 7/22 my Pred dose was 20mg at diagnosis. I have tapered to 5mg which is the lowest dose I can tolerate to date. However I still am experiencing joint pain. I keep to this dose to ward off more weight gain. I have gained 30 lbs since 7/22. In 8/23 I accidentally lowered to a 1 mg dose mixing my pill containers for a week and had a Flare up that lasted a month+
I was at 5mg prednisone when starting Kevzara. I am still experiencing pain in my shoulders,
hips and knees joints. I am managing but not 💯 by any means.
I am going to see my Rheumatologist for my taper scheduled today. I am at 6weeks for both meds. I am a bit concerned about the taper due to my current pain level on both meds we shall see how it progresses and I will share. I did have one injection site issue a week or so after injection. No other notable side effects at this time.
I would be interested to hear what others experience and I will share what my doctor says as I go.
Replies to "I recently started Kevzara 11/23 I was diagnosed with PMR 7/22 my Pred dose was 20mg..."
To update: I had to stop the kevzara due to allergic reactions at the injection site that were increasing with each injection. I got 5 shots in with only one not being an issue. My blood work looked great levels low and I was 3/4mg prednisone on my taper when stopping. My Rheumatologist is trying to get actemera but it is off label so the insurance company denied. I continue to attempt the taper and hope to get off prednisone someday! I am curious if anyone else has seen this issue. It is the prominent side effect but I typically don’t have allergies.
Hopefully research will expand for PMR and we will have better options available to us.
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Hi; the Wilmingtonemperor here. I was diagnosed nearly a year ago with PMR. The highest dose for me was 20mg. I was put on a 12 week taper when I started Kevzara in October 23. I tapered down to 2.5 as my Kevzara injections built up.
Last Tuesday, Jan 9, I came off prednisone entirely. I have had 6 injections of Kevzara and I feel fine. Due for my 7th on Tuesday. I do not expect a flare since prednisone was such a low dose. But, always a but, you are immuno compromised on Kevzara and so make sure you have had all your vaccines, work out, eat right and stay out of unfamiliar crowds or wear a mask. I am 82 1/2 and hope not to ever take prednisone again. PMR is chronic.
Good luck