GCA

[Lilymaerose]

Is there a cure for GCA

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Short answer - no - there is no cure.

It’s a self limiting disease which means it comes when it wants and goes in the same manner - but it can be managed very successfully with steroids.

Why are you asking, do you think yours should be gone by now?

[Lilymaerose in reply to DorsetLady]

That’s what I thought, a friend of a friend has just been diagnosed with GCA

And when she asked the dr he said yes it can be cured

I was just wondering if some new wonder drug had been discovered

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Lilymaerose]

Not that anyone on here knows!

If he think that, I think your friend may need your help.

[Lilymaerose in reply to DorsetLady]

Too in shock at the moment but have told mutual friend about health unlocked.

Did I see you have gone into remission if so I am really pleased for you, I haven’t been on the site very often in the last 3 years as I have had other complications and not been in the right frame of mind

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Lilymaerose]

Yes - since September 2016 - well bit earlier than that I think, but took my last dose then!

Hopefully your mutual friend will encourage her to join.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Only time - like PMR the underlying cause will eventaully burn out and go into remission. And for most people it stays that way luckily.

The doctor is misinformed - there IS a new drug called tocilizumab which does achieve remission much more quickly than pred alone for half of patients. It isn't a cure as such though and in the UK it isn't used first line - only in difficult to manage cases after relapses or other problems.