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What was your experience on Kevzara?
I am curious about other’s experience with KEVZARA. I am currently taking 11 mg of Prednisone, down from 60 mg in April 2024. I am continuing to experience pain and stiffness daily, especially in the late evening and the morning. I am also fatigued most days. I am on an anti-inflammatory diet, walk daily and do a little restorative yoga. My Rheumatologist suggests going back up to 12.5 mg but I do not think that will be helpful as it will only lengthen the time I am on a drug that appears to not be helpful. She has suggested KEVZARA and we are now waiting on approval from my insurance company. My questions are: should I wait a bit and stay at 11 mg to see if anything changes (I have been on this dose for 4 weeks) before I start KEVZARA? Is it too soon in my treatment to start a biologic? It seems as tho my autoimmune system is not responding to the Prednisone or maybe I need more patience? My doctor was vague on these questions. Thank you in advance, I really appreciate this forum!
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@kjoed53
I understand what you are saying and I agree with you about informing our doctors. However, the information she provides is very credible in my opinion.
The product is what it is and and we can take it or leave it. It isn't like we have to buy her product to get the information. In my opinion, vitamin depletion for people on prednisone is well documented. If prednisone doesn't deplete nutrients then all the other medications we take to treat prednisone side effects will.
https://lumistry.com/blog/drug-induced-nutrient-depletion/
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I think a bigger problem with internet information comes from people who say doctors don't know how to treat PMR/GCA. They dole out medical advice without any medical license as if they are managing our conditions instead of our personal doctor. There tends to be an information void that gets filled when doctors don't provide information or when a patient doesn't like the information a doctor provides. My doctors were upfront with me and admitted there were many things about PMR/GCA and treating our conditions that nobody knows.
I'm more suspicious of people who are giving "medical advice" on the internet and don't stick to simply sharing their personal experiences. Their narrative gets repeated and pretty soon patients are treating themselves. Fortunately, I had access to doctors who I liked and trusted so I didn't need someone on the internet to manage my medical care. I had a period of time when I treated myself and I regret doing that.
Dr Megan has a doctorate degree in pharmacy so that counts for something. She took prednisone herself and has her own personal experience. She seems genuinely interested in PMR and GCA. She also says we should discuss everything with our personal doctor so she agrees with you on that point. I agree with you too.
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3 Reactions@dadcue
In my opinion, she is most interested in selling her products and that gives me pause for concern. She might be very knowledgeable of the depletion of vitamins and minerals when taking prednisone, have a doctorate in pharmacology and have firsthand experience in the effects of prednisone on herself, but there is a wide chasm between being a knowledgeable pharmacist and a knowledgeable physician. We are all adults here. We are all responsible for our own well being. As such, we are all capable of making our own decisions based on our own individual needs. All information is useful when taken in this context.
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2 Reactions@kjoed53
Agree. Very important.
I make certain that all of my doctors know all of my meds., supplements and diet. Also, exercise regimen and sleep schedule. Everything.
It’s a team effort with a purpose and everything to lose. js
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2 Reactions@eparnold0219
My Rheumatologist told me that after about a year and a half, I will taper off of it. It works very well for me!
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10 ReactionsI'll be starting the Kevzara adventure this week. Will wait and see how it goes for the next 3 months. Keeping my fingers crossed...
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3 ReactionsI’ve been Kevzara for a year now and love it. However, it has suppressed my immune system! I can’t seem to get over cold virus or bladder infection.
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3 ReactionsSorry to hear of your infection troubles. After 1 week on Kevzara, I am tired, but, so far so good
I took my first kevzara shot last Friday. I'm down to 5mg in my prednisone taper. Whether the effect is actual or just psychological, I'm feeling better than I did before the shot. I had a minor surgical procedure on Monday to remove a cyst from my right foot, so it's also possible that the residual pain from that has minimized the PMR pain that I feel.
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3 ReactionsI’ve been on Kevzara for two years and currently tapered from injections every 2 wks to every 4 wks. I too struggle with colds being more severe, but my PMR is well managed…very little residual pain. I believe my long term prednisone usage left residual issues…best to get off it if you hit a tapering barrier.
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4 Reactions@pjsquared I had one dise of Kevzara and reduced Prednisone to 9Mg, diwn from 10mg. A week later, more pain - more in my tendons, shoulders , hips. Looking forward to Kevzara dose 2 and next prednisone decrease but wondering if I need to Increase P or if it is causing the pain.