Actemra inj 200 mg instead of 162 mg - Is it OK for GCA ?

[Iwillwin123]

I have GCA since end 2018 .

Am on prednisone and Actemra since 2019.

We now have Actemra 200 mg inj alone available where I live .

So then is it ok to take 200 mg instead of the standard 162 mg injection ?

Anyone who has done this ?

TIA

[SheffieldJane]

My Rheumatology Nurse emphasised to me that everyone, no matter what ( size, weight etc) was on 162 mgs for GCA. I don’t know why. I would follow informed medical advice.

[Iwillwin123 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Hmmm agree. That is exactly why I thought to check here . Thankyou - your opinion is imp because it helps me to take a stand with my medical team : )

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I doubt you would have the choice yourself - the higher dose option has almost certainly been developed for bariatric patients where the lower dose isn't enough and the decision as to which is used is a clinical decision. Remember - TCZ is mainly used for RA where there will be a much wider range of ages and phenotypes in the patient population.

[Iwillwin123 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes I see the point you are making . Thankyou very much for that input.

[enan-illuc]

I take the 162mg injection of Actemra once every two weeks. I also take 2mg of Prednisone daily. My Rheumy told me when I first started the Actemra that the two medications were better than one alone. I see GCA and PMR as longer term illnesses and personally feel that the lower combination of both Actemra and Prednisone so I can stay on them a little longer. I am not a medical person but have been on Actemra since 2017. I hope this helps.