Anyone tried Kevzara for PMR?

I was diagnosed with PMR about 35 years ago and have been on and off prednisone all that time, mostly on. In October after trying hydroxychloroquine and then sulfasalazine I started Kevzara every two weeks. I was on 15 mg prednisone at the time now I am on 2.5 mg. An interesting thing happened the last time I injected Kevzara. The next day I felt especially pain free. The pain is a little more a couple of days later. Not clear when my rheumatologist will reduce my prednisone from 2.5 mg per day.

I had my 1st shot yesterday and had terrible chills and body aches all night...still pretty miserable!

I’m on shot 9. Side effect for first two shots were minor abdominal rash and upset stomach for a day. I’m now down from 10mg to 3mg of prednisone. Each reduction was not pain free but manageable. Hoping this positive trend continues.

I started Kevzara a week ago no better maybe worse. I know it can take 2 weeks to help so I am staying the line.🙏

I was on Kevzara for 8 months, until Jan. '25. I have been on prednisone for PMR for 3 1/2 years, though I also have had some GCA symptoms all along and that diagnosis has recently been added. I have no elevation of inflammation markers since I've been on prednisone. The Kevzara allowed me to feel better but only drop 1.5 mg on the prednisone, from 6.5 to 5 mg. I couldn't get below 5 and then I was cut off patient assistance from the drug company at the end of the year and could no longer afford it. I'm glad the decision was made for me because I had some worrying side effects on the Kevzara. My cholesterol and LDL went up 50 points and my rheumatologist thought I should go on a statin. That would mean adding a drug and more side effects. Also my white blood cells and neutrophils dropped below normal, indicating that my immune system was being suppressed too much and I was at risk for infections, though I have not gotten any. My rheumatologist has offered to get me on Actemra with the assumption that I also have GCA but I decided to wait and try to get my labs back to normal and see how low I can get the prednisone. Also, I would have to do some research on cost for the Actemra. I don't regret going on the Kevzara. I'm thinking the side effects will be reversible. I am open to trying the Actemra, a similar drug, but will do so with caution.

Hello @froggyone, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @tuckerp and others. You will notice that we merged your post into an existing discussion on the same topic here:
-- Anyone tried Kevzara for PMR?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/kevzara-3/

If you click the link above it will take you to the beginning of the discussion where you can learn what others have shared. The Dr. Megan video referenced by @tuckerp can be viewed in a post by @dadcue here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1201428/.

I am now 2 week into Kevzara Rx. I am no better maybe worse! How long must I wait for relief? Not on anything but Med Marajuana to help with pain which helps some. Getting very impatient!