1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

2022 Update on the science behind PMR and drug therapies

Posted by mtr2601 @mtr2601, Mar 7 6:12pm

Lundberg IE, Sharma A, Turesson C, Mohammad AJ. An update on polymyalgia rheumatica. J Intern Med. 2022 Nov;292(5):717-732. doi: 10.1111/joim.13525. Epub 2022 Jun 11. PMID: 35612524; PMCID: PMC9796644.
While this article might be too much jargon for those without a medical background, there are some key points. There are things we can do to help ourselves to lower the circulating levels of IL-6 pro-inflammatory cytokines. The usefulness of Vitamin C supplements was interesting. The newer generation drugs offer a glimmer of hope for getting off Prednisone and having longer remission periods (even though access is currently restricted). None of the current drugs are a great option in terms of side effects and GCA is an underdiagnosed potential threat that can pop up at any time in the course of PMR and we need to be alert for it.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

DadCue | @dadcue | Apr 8 3:10pm

Is this the link to the article you referenced?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9796644/
I need to read it because I'm taking a biologic that blocks the pro-inflammatory effects of IL-6. I was able to taper off prednisone after 12 years of PMR treatment with prednisone. So far I haven't been able to stop the biologic that is blocking the pro-inflammatory effects of the IL-6. I need to try something to help me lower my circulating levels of IL-6 so I can stop the biologic. If I can get off prednisone after 12 years, maybe I will be able to eventually stop the biologic without having a relapse.

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1 reply
mtr2601 | @mtr2601 | Apr 9 1:55pm
In reply to @dadcue "Is this the link to the article you referenced? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9796644/ I need to read it because..." + (show)
@dadcue

Is this the link to the article you referenced?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9796644/
I need to read it because I'm taking a biologic that blocks the pro-inflammatory effects of IL-6. I was able to taper off prednisone after 12 years of PMR treatment with prednisone. So far I haven't been able to stop the biologic that is blocking the pro-inflammatory effects of the IL-6. I need to try something to help me lower my circulating levels of IL-6 so I can stop the biologic. If I can get off prednisone after 12 years, maybe I will be able to eventually stop the biologic without having a relapse.

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Yes that is the article.

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seniormed | @seniormed | Apr 9 8:55pm

Some supplements that have potential to mitigate
IL-6 in addition to vitamin C include vitamin D,
turmeric, stevia and melatonin. Statins also are anti-
inflammatory and may inhibit cytokines. I had elevated IL-6 with my PMR. DHEA also moderates interleukin 6.
I found it useful in weaning off prednisone. Statins are
indicated for lowering major cardiovascular events with
our systemic inflammation.

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