Does anyone have information about or has tried the biologic Sarilumab (Kevzara) for PMR?

[PMRCanada]

Just heard about this biologic and a research study done involving PMR patients with favourable results (albeit a small sample size). The official Kevsara website says: "For adults with Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) after corticosteroids have been used and did not work well, or when a slow decrease in the dose of corticosteroids (taper) cannot be tolerated." I've learned it blocks IL-6R and is used by RA patients as well.

I did find one post on here about Kevzara from 5 months ago with mention that this biologic may become available this spring.

Unfortunately for me, one of the side effects (and there seems to be many) is possible small tears in the intestines (not unlike Actemra), and given that I've had diverticulitis I may not be a good candidate. I talk to my rheumatologist later this month and we will be discussing how things are going with reduced Methotrexate dose and other possible alternative medications. I'm guessing she will mention Leflunomide.

Thus far I've reduced my MTX from 25mg weekly to 15mg every 10 days and am currently tapering from 7.5 down to 7mg pred. I was able to get down to 6.5mg pred while on MTX but had to go back up due to symptoms returning and rising inflammation markers as a result of a multitude of infections from diverticulitis to upper respiratory.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It has only just been approved for PMR and only as yet by the FDA so the only people with exerience would be those in the trials which were halted early by Covid. I don't know if they were able to complete the study or the FDA accepted reduced figures.

[Kafkaontheshore]

Hi PMRCanada. I am using this but for GCA in the UK. It is enabling be to reduce Pred which is the aim. I have had sinus/upper respiratory infection recently which it may have contributed to but I must say I am feeling much better than I was previously. Stronger. Hope this helps. Good luck with

[venezia1]

Hi - I am a 76-year-old Brit - I've had RA, GCA, fibromyalgia and other problems for nearly ten years. After prednisolone, MTX etc I was put on several biologics which all failed, then Kevzara over two years ago, which didn't! My rheumatoid arthritis has now been in remission for over a year and I have no noticeable side effects (the ones I do have are from hydrocortisone). The only downside is the fortnightly self-administered injection, but its not really that bad.