Below you’ll find some common questions that people have about giant cell arteritis (GCA) and ACTEMRA. Click any of the questions you’re curious about to see the answer. Also, take some time to review our glossary of commonly used terms near the bottom of the page.
Questions about GCA
There is no difference between GCA and temporal arteritis. The 2 terms are different names for the same disease.
GCA can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. This is because its early symptoms can look like symptoms of other common diseases. For this reason, your healthcare professional will try to rule out other possible causes for symptoms. Your healthcare professional may also want to perform a physical exam and/or blood tests.
One common sign of GCA is an enlarged artery on the side of the head. The best way to confirm the presence of GCA is by taking a biopsy in that artery. A biopsy is when a sample of cells is taken from the body in order to examine them more closely. A healthcare professional will recommend a biopsy when a test suggests an area of tissue in the body isn't normal. Keep in mind that many patients are diagnosed because of different signs and symptoms, too.
The exact cause of GCA is unknown. Some people with GCA may have a genetic predisposition to the disease. A genetic predisposition means that a person may be more likely to develop a disease based on their genes. However, they may not see any symptoms unless something in the environment triggers the disease.
GCA occurs most often in people over 50. Although it’s rare, GCA does occur in people less than 50 years old. Take some time to learn more about the common signs and symptoms of GCA. Be sure to let your healthcare professional know if you have any of those symptoms.
There may be a few types of healthcare professionals involved in your treatment for GCA. These include rheumatologists and optometrists. If you think you have GCA, make an appointment to see a rheumatologist. They specialize in diseases that are caused directly by inflammation.
There are no known cures for GCA. However, GCA can be controlled with proper treatment. Make sure you speak to your healthcare professional if you feel like you’re not getting the treatment you need. There may be other options available to you.
GCA might affect you in different ways. You might have painful headaches. You might also feel pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder, and hip areas. Trouble with vision, jaw pain, and scalp tenderness are other common symptoms. To read more about the ways that GCA could affect you, click here.
Questions about ACTEMRA
A biologic is a type of medicine developed using processes that are similar to what happens in your body naturally. Biologics can be used to interact with certain parts of your body, like your immune system. They can also fight inflammation in certain diseases, like GCA.
Access Solutions for ACTEMRA is dedicated to helping you understand your insurance coverage and assistance options. This can help you get the ACTEMRA your doctor prescribed.
Yes. When first prescribed, ACTEMRA is taken with a tapering dose of steroids.
ACTEMRA could help you reduce or eventually replace your steroid treatment. To learn more, review the results from a clinical study.
ACTEMRA is available as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection that you can take at home. ACTEMRA is available in a prefilled syringe or the ACTPen® autoinjector. Learn more about the specific differences between the 2 devices.
ACTEMRA is also available as an intravenous (IV) infusion that your healthcare provider will administer.
ACTEMRA SC should be kept in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees. Do not freeze ACTEMRA. You should protect ACTEMRA from light by keeping it in its original package until you’re ready to take a dose.
You may be able to travel with ACTEMRA SC by placing your syringes or autoinjectors in the ACTEMRA Travel Pack. You can get a free ACTEMRA Travel Pack and sharps disposal container by calling 1-800-ACTEMRA (1-800-228-3672) or by filling out the enrollment form to join the ACTEMRA & You patient support program.
Throw away your used syringes or autoinjectors by placing them in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use. You can get a free sharps container by calling 1-800-ACTEMRA (1-800-228-3672) or by filling out the enrollment form to join the ACTEMRA & You patient support program.
There are no known medicines you cannot take with ACTEMRA. You should always talk to your healthcare professional about what medicines you can and cannot take with ACTEMRA. In the meantime, please scroll down for Important Side Effect Information for ACTEMRA, as well as the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.
Glossary (terms)
Sometimes medical terms can be hard to understand. See below for definitions of important words used throughout this website.
- Biologic
A biologic is a type of medicine developed using processes that are similar to what happens in your body naturally. Biologics can be used to interact with certain parts of your body, like your immune system. They can also fight inflammation in certain diseases, like GCA.
- Biopsy
A sample of cells taken from the body in order to examine them more closely. A healthcare professional will recommend a biopsy when a test suggests an area of tissue in the body isn’t normal.
- FDA-Approved
When a drug is rigorously tested and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Approval happens when the medicine is determined to be safe and effective.
- Flares
A flare is a sudden worsening of your disease. It can happen after you haven’t experienced symptoms for a long time. It’s also known as a relapse.
- Genetic Predisposition
A genetic predisposition means that a person may be more likely to develop a disease based on their genes. However, they may not see any symptoms unless something in the environment triggers the disease.
- Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)
The most common type of blood vessel inflammation in adults over the age of 50. GCA affects blood vessels in the head, neck, and heart. You may have heard GCA also be referred to as temporal arteritis.
- Healthcare Advocate
A person who takes an active role in their own healthcare.
- Healthcare Professional
A person that provides a healthcare service to you. This could include your doctor, your nurse, and any other medical professional who takes care of you.
- Inflammation
When a part of the body becomes swollen and painful.
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
A chemical messenger that tells the immune system to attack harmful bacteria and viruses. When your body produces too much IL-6, it causes the immune system to attack healthy cells.
- Intravenous
Into a vein
- Remission
A decrease or disappearance in signs and symptoms.
- Subcutaneous (SC)
Under the skin.
- Vasculitis
An inflammation of the blood vessels. The cause is often unknown.
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A biologic is a type of medicine developed using processes that are similar to what happens in your body naturally. Biologics can be used to interact with certain parts of your body, like your immune system. They can also fight inflammation in certain diseases, like GCA.
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An inflammation of the blood vessels. The cause is often unknown.
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When a part of the body becomes swollen and painful.
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A flare is a sudden worsening of your disease. It can happen after you haven’t experienced symptoms for a long time. It’s also known as a relapse.
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A chemical messenger that tells the immune system to attack harmful bacteria and viruses. When your body produces too much IL-6, it causes the immune system to attack healthy cells.
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A decrease or disappearance in signs and symptoms.
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Under the skin.
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A sample of cells taken from the body in order to examine them more closely. A healthcare professional will recommend a biopsy when a test suggests an area of tissue in the body isn’t normal.
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A genetic predisposition means that a person may be more likely to develop a disease based on their genes. However, they may not see any symptoms unless something in the environment triggers the disease.
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Steroids, including cortisone and prednisone, are a type of medicine used temporarily to reduce inflammation.
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Biologics, a type of DMARD, are a class of arthritis treatments designed to target your immune system.
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The immune system is a complex network of organs and cells that protects the body from foreign substances such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses.