UPDATE ON KEVZARA ONLY

[SVLady]

I thought I would post an update for the group. I was diagnosed with PMR in June 2024, began 15 mg of prednisone and then added every other week injections of Kevzara in July 2024. I tapered to 0mg of prednisone in mid-February 2025 and other than one flare after a camping trip, I have been doing very well with just the Kevzara injections and an occasional Tylenol Arthritis caplet. I am hopeful that being able to begin Kevzara right after my diagnosis has allowed me to avoid the very long journey so many with PMR go through. I did have a cortisol test in late February and it was normal so fingers crossed. My rheumatologist says it may take a full 9 months or one year on the Kevzara for the PMR to run its course. Good luck to all with your own journey. I will write an update in another few months. Thanks for all the help you give.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Thanks for the update - it is so useful to hear about experiences on these drugs.

However - I don't get why it is being suggested that Kevzara will speed up the course of PMR. The biologics are steroid sparers, not cures for PMR. Glad you are in the 50% that get off pred though!

[SVLady in reply to PMRpro]

I did not mean to infer that Kevzara sped up the resolution of PMR so much as the assistance of the biologic, which blocks interlukin 6, was able to mitigate the inflammation the prednisone was blocking before. By being able to begin the combo early in my PMR, it allowed my adrenals to recover cortisol production more easily after I ceased using a corticosteroid.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SVLady]

YOU didn't at all - the rheumy did: "My rheumatologist says it may take a full 9 months or one year on the Kevzara for the PMR to run its course". PMR runs a lot longer than that!!!

[Marmille]

thank you so much for sharing. This is such positive news so happy for you! I just did my 7th Kevzara injection on 4mg of pred. I am so hopeful

[SVLady in reply to Marmille]

I am so happy you have been able to add Kevzara. I believe this will be a major advance for this frustrating and debilitating disorder for some. I had no side effects at all from Kevzara and it allowed me to taper by 1mg per week from 4mg other than during a really hectic family visit. I did find that after I was down to zero I needed to take it a bit easier and not do too much in one day. But now, 6 weeks or so off of pred, I can tolerate activity better. Hope you have a truly positive response to this treatment.

[Marmille in reply to SVLady]

I totally agree with you! That is just fantastic news!