Cosentyx

I’ve had diagnosed PMR since July. I had tapered down to 3mgs from 15mgs over 5 months and was doing great except for one relapse when I went from 5 to 2.5. Too drastic a change. Back up to 5mgs with a slower taper solve the problem.
Then came the holidays! Has anyone else experienced a relapse from “holiday diet”?

Cosentyx is a viable option to Kevzara.
https://creakyjoints.org/education/treatments/non-tnfi-biologics/
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Sorry, I don't have any personal experience with Cosentyx ... only Actemra (tocilizumab).

Even though Cosentrx doesn't target IL-6 like Kevzara it might still reduce IL-6 levels.

Studies have shown that while Cosentyx (secukinumab) primarily targets IL-17A -- it can simultaneously decrease the expression of other pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6.

There is a misconception that biologics need to be targeted at a specific cytokine implicated in PMR which is IL-6. This isn't true because these cytokines operate as a "network of cytokines. There is a lot of "crosstalk" on the network of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

The bottom line with any biologic treatment is the following:

You won't know if it will work or not unless you try it to see if it works or not. My rheumatologist said that there was no way of knowing if Actemra would work for me -- he only took credit for an "educated guess."

I will also be forced to change as Kevzara was removed from the formulary. I did a search and I believe it was removed from Medicare Part D at least here in Northern California. Initially I tried Tyenne (tocilizumab-aazg) which is a biosimilar to Actemra (tocilizumab). (Actemra also is no longer on my formulary list) I had some side effects from Tyenne which is why I am taking Kevzara. I am hoping my doc can get an exception for me. Otherwise I guess I will be trying alternatives like Cosentrx. I am interested in how Cosentrx works for you.

I’d like to know why these biologicals are being cut from our formularies. I’ve seen some saying cosentrx is a possibility for us. I’m still on methotrexate 🙄 but wondering if my rheumatologist will make any changes this coming year.

@kare1 My guess, is that it's all about the cost of the medication. My Part D doesn't cover Kevzara and Actemra Self Injecting. I'm on Actemra infusions, which is covered by Medicare.

@ropnrose
Oh good to know. I’ll check my part D for infusions. I’ll have to find out if I can do an infusion locally rather than driving 1.5 hrs to where rheumatologist is! Etc.

@kare1 The infusions aren't covered under Part D. Either A or B. I can't recall which one, at the moment.

Oh. Thanks!!