Anyone tried Kevzara for PMR?

Posted by kass8174 @kass8174, Mar 12 12:20pm

I am 72 yo dx with PMR 1 1/2 years ago on Prednisone for treatment. It helped but threw me into diabetes! Since then wanted to get off Pred and went down 1mg per 2weeks. Finally off on March but symptoms so much worse. Tried 3 different prescription nsaids and not helping( but off diabetes meds!!) Anyone tried Kevzara? My family Doc told me to ask Rheumatologist about this med.

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

jsteck | @jsteck | 5 hours ago

In reply to @kass8174 "On medicare and so far payed a bit at first now 0!!" + (show)

How much does it cost you if I can ask?

tweetypie13 | @tweetypie13 | 4 hours ago

In reply to @dlhouck "Yes, started Kevzara at Thanksgiving when I struggled getting below 10mg of Pred. I’m 59 and..." + (show)

I’ve been on Kevzara for 14 weeks and have dropped Pred to 2.5. (Was at 8 when I started K) It’s been smooth sailing. Now dropping .5 a week. I feel so good, but resisting faster taper.

jeff97 | @jeff97 | 4 hours ago

In reply to @tweetypie13 "I’ve been on Kevzara for 14 weeks and have dropped Pred to 2.5. (Was at 8..." + (show)

.5 a week is very fast. I'm on Actemra and my rheumatologist wants me to drop 1 mg per month, and that is actually pretty fast. Good luck with your taper.

Mike | @dadcue | 2 hours ago

In reply to @tweetypie13 "I’ve been on Kevzara for 14 weeks and have dropped Pred to 2.5. (Was at 8..." + (show)

It just depends on how fast your adrenals recover. Assuming that Actemra is controlling the inflammation part then it is more about how long it takes for your cortisol level to rebound. I’m not telling anyone what to do. Actemra was a game changer for me. I tapered by 1 mg per week from 7 mg to 3 mg. When my cortisol level was low I stayed on 3 mg for 6 months before tapering of prednisone completely.