Taking Prednisone for PMR &!actemra to wean off prednisone?

I was diagnosed with PMR and GCA in late June of 2024. I started on 60 mg prednisone per day then, and started taking weekly Actemra injections in early August 2024. I've taken 34 injections so far, and I haven't had any side effects. It has allowed me to taper down to 5 mg prednisone. I'll taper again in a couple of weeks. I'm 71 years old. It took a few weeks to get used to injecting myself, but it's easy now.

Thank you for the information. Makes me feel much better, as I will be starting the Actemera this week! Good luck to you and thanks again for responding.

I'm 70 now but I was diagnosed with PMR back in 2007 at the age of 52. I took prednisone for 12 years until Actemra injections were started on January 1st, 2019. By the time 2020 rolled around, I was off prednisone. I would be more afraid of long term prednisone side effects because I had many of those.

Fortunately Actemra allowed me to taper off prednisone in a year. Since 2019 I have went from Actemra injections to a monthly Actemra infusion currently. I haven't had a single side effect from Actemra that was considered serious. Actemra has been fantastic for me.

There are some potential side effects from Actemra. My rheumatologist believed that Actemra was safer than prednisone. Just make sure your doctor screens you before starting Actemra.

Absolute contraindications are reasons for not starting Actemra.
Relative contraindications means it should be evaluated before starting Actemra.

Absolute Contraindications:
1) Known hypersensitivity to Actemra (tocilizumab)
2) Active, untreated infection
3) Active or suspected tuberculosis

Relative Contraindications & Precautions
1) Low Blood Counts
2) Decreased Liver Function
3) Gastrointestinal Issues (including history of diverticulitis)
4) History of Demyelinating Nerve Disorders

You seem to be weaning off prednisone at a good rate. Especially considering your advanced age, are there other reasons for introducing a new drug which may come with its own new side effects?

They want me off prednisone. Whenever I have tried to wean off my symptoms of PMR return.

I was diagnosed with PMR and possible GCA in July 2024. Started on 60 mg. of prednisone, which I was on for about 6 weeks. I started my taper and got to 10 mg. the end of November. I began having more pain and by Christmas, I had a full on flare. I requested that my rheumatologist order Actemra infusions. Started them in January and have had them every 4 weeks. I have noticed an increase in my energy levels and am currently at 7 mg. I still have minor aches in my wrists and behind my right knee, but they are tolerable. I chose to use Actemra due to the horrible side effects of prednisone, which I had many of them. Pick your poison. Based on studies and members in this forum, patient have very good success in reducing/eliminating prednisone in their lives. I've read too many posts of patients yo-yo-ing with their prednisone doses when they are trying to taper, only to have a flare.

I know that Actemra has it's own side effects, but I will take my chances with them. So far, so good. I am careful, when I am out in public places. I avoid crowds in indoor settings. If I can't avoid those situations, I mask up.

Thank you for your response. It makes me feel more comfortable in taking the Actemra. I really have no choice as I am anxious to get off prednisone. Your information was helpful !