Category: Brandpoint Health

2024-06-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – Content sponsored and provided by Pfizer. Tiffany partnered with Pfizer to share her experience living with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC).

Tiffany, a mother of two from Westfield, Indiana, enjoyed coaching cheerleading and traveling with her daughters and team to cheer competitions when she began experiencing more frequent bowel movements and bleeding when she went to the bathroom. Eventually, these symptoms progressed, which made doing the activities she enjoyed more difficult. She wanted to be more present and visible to her cheer team during their routines, but this became challenging as she frequently needed to find the nearest bathroom.

Tiffany went to a gastroenterologist (GI) to discuss her symptoms and after a colonoscopy, she was diagnosed with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine (also called the colon) that affects the lining and causes sores or ulcers to form. Current medicines can help manage UC symptoms but do not cure UC.[i]

Tiffany was not too familiar with UC before her diagnosis, although she knew there was some family history as her grandfather and uncle lived with the disease. She was surprised by her diagnosis and that she would need to manage her UC symptoms for the rest of her life. To learn more about the disease, she spoke to her doctor who provided her with informational packets, and she did some additional research online.

Tiffany and her GI immediately began working on a treatment plan to help manage her UC symptoms. This cycle of new medications went on for a few years. Since she had tried a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker without success, Tiffany’s GI discussed trying XELJANZ (tofacitinib), an oral medication for adults with moderate to severe UC.

Tiffany’s doctor reviewed the potential benefits and serious side effects of XELJANZ with her and explained that it has a BOXED WARNING. They also discussed the type of monitoring and lab work that would be needed before and during treatment.

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR can cause serious side effects and can lower your ability to fight infections like tuberculosis (TB); don’t start XELJANZ if you have an infection. Before and while being treated, your doctor should check for infections like TB and do blood tests. Increased risk of death and major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in patients 50 or older who have at least one heart disease risk factor. Serious, sometimes fatal infections, cancers, including lymphoma and lung cancer, cardiovascular events, immune system problems and blood clots have happened. Tell your doctor if you are a current or past smoker, have had any type of cancer, have had a heart attack, stroke or a history of blood clots.

Read more about Important Safety Information and Indication below.

After starting XELJANZ, Tiffany noticed an improvement in her UC symptoms, including less frequent bowel movements and reduced blood in her stool. Tiffany looked forward to coaching cheer and spending time with her daughters.

“I remember how happy I was at my follow-up appointment when my doctor said that with the colonoscopy results, and my symptom improvements, he thought I was in remission,” Tiffany said.

Through open communication and partnering with her doctor to find a treatment plan that works for her, Tiffany has been able to better manage her UC symptoms and focus on the activities that are important to her.

Her message to others who are living with UC is to “keep hanging in there and working with your doctor. Try different medications until you find something that works for you. Be patient.”

To learn more about XELJANZ, visit XELJANZ.com/UC.

To share your story with UC, visit XELJANZ.com/share-your-story.

This represents Tiffany’s experience and another person’s experience may vary.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION

The safety information below applies to all marketed formulations of XELJANZ. Specific risks associated with certain dosing are noted.

Serious infections. XELJANZ can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Do not start taking XELJANZ if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. Serious infections have happened in people taking XELJANZ. These serious infections include tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before starting and during treatment with XELJANZ. You should not start taking XELJANZ if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare professional tells you it is okay.

Before and after starting XELJANZ, tell your doctor if you are being treated for an infection, have infections that keep coming back, or have symptoms of an infection, including:

• fever, sweating, or chills
• cough
• blood in phlegm
• warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
• burning when you urinate
• urinating more often than normal
• muscle aches
• shortness of breath
• weight loss
• diarrhea or stomach pain
• feeling very tired

Increased risk of death in people 50 years of age and older who have at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and are taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily.

Cancer. XELJANZ may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers, can happen. People taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily have a higher risk of certain cancers including lymphoma and lung cancer, especially if you are a current or past smoker. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.

Higher dose. People with ulcerative colitis taking the higher dose of XELJANZ (10 mg twice daily) or XELJANZ XR (22 mg one time each day) have a higher risk of serious infections, shingles, or skin cancers.

Immune system problem. Some people who have taken XELJANZ with certain other medicines to prevent kidney transplant rejection have had a problem with certain white blood cells growing out of control (Epstein Barr Virus–associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder).

Increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in people 50 years of age and older who have at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and are taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily, especially if you are a current or past smoker.

Get emergency help right away if you have any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke while taking XELJANZ, including:

• discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back
• severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw
• pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
• breaking out in a cold sweat
• nausea or vomiting
• feeling lightheaded
• weakness in one part of or on one side of your body
• slurred speech

Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE), veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT), and arteries (arterial thrombosis) have happened more often in people who are 50 years of age and older and with at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily. Blood clots in the lungs have also happened in people with ulcerative colitis. Some people have died from these blood clots.

• Stop taking XELJANZ and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any signs and symptoms of blood clots such as sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, swelling of a leg or arm, leg pain or tenderness, or red or discolored skin in the leg or arm.

Tears (perforation) in the stomach or intestines. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines. Some people taking XELJANZ can get tears in their stomach or intestine. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have fever, stomach-area pain that does not go away, and a change in your bowel habits.

Serious allergic reactions can occur. Stop using XELJANZ and call your healthcare provider right away if you have swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or get hives.

Changes in certain lab test results. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your white and red blood cells before and while you are taking XELJANZ. Your doctor should also check certain liver tests. You should not receive XELJANZ if your lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, or red blood cell count is too low, or your liver function test levels are too high. Changes in lab test results may cause your healthcare provider to stop your XELJANZ treatment for a time. Your cholesterol levels should be checked 4 to 8 weeks after you start receiving XELJANZ.

Before you use XELJANZ, tell your healthcare provider if you:

• Are being treated for an infection, have an infection that won’t go away or keeps coming back, or think you have symptoms of an infection
• Have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB, or were born in, lived in, or traveled where there is more risk for getting TB
• Have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weak immune system. People with these conditions have a higher chance for infections
• Live or have lived in certain areas (such as Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections
• Have or have had Hepatitis B or C
• Are a current or past smoker
• Have had any type of cancer
• Have had a heart attack, other heart problems, or stroke
• Have had blood clots
• Have liver or kidney problems
• Have any stomach area (abdominal) pain or been diagnosed with diverticulitis or ulcers in your stomach or intestines
• Have recently received or plan to receive a vaccine. People taking XELJANZ should not receive live vaccines but can receive non-live vaccines
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed. You should not take XELJANZ and breastfeed
• Have had a reaction to tofacitinib or any of the ingredients
• Are taking other medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following medicines while taking XELJANZ since this may increase your risk of infection:
• tocilizumab (Actemra®)
• etanercept (Enbrel®)
• adalimumab (Humira®)
• infliximab (Remicade®)
• rituximab (Rituxan®)
• abatacept (Orencia®)
• anakinra (Kineret®)
• certolizumab (Cimzia®)
• golimumab (Simponi®)
• ustekinumab (Stelara®)
• secukinumab (Cosentyx®)
• vedolizumab (Entyvio®)
• sarilumab (Kevzara®)
• azathioprine, cyclosporine, or other immunosuppressive drugs

• Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.

What are other possible side effects of XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR?

If you are a carrier of the Hepatitis B or C virus (viruses that affect the liver), the virus may become active while you use XELJANZ. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests before starting and while using treatment with XELJANZ. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any signs of these symptoms: feeling very tired, little or no appetite, clay-colored bowel movements, chills, muscle aches, skin rash, skin or eyes look yellow, vomiting, fevers, stomach discomfort, or dark urine.

Common side effects in adults with ulcerative colitis include nasal congestion, sore throat, runny nose (nasopharyngitis), increased cholesterol levels, headache, upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), increased muscle enzyme levels, rash, diarrhea, and shingles (herpes zoster).

XELJANZ & Pregnancy

XELJANZ may affect the ability of females to get pregnant. It is not known if this will change after stopping XELJANZ. It is not known if XELJANZ will harm an unborn baby.

• Pregnancy Registry: Pfizer has a registry for pregnant women who take XELJANZ. The purpose of this registry is to check the health of the pregnant mother and her baby. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking XELJANZ, talk to your healthcare provider about how you can join this pregnancy registry or you may contact the registry at 1-877-311-8972 to enroll.

You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take XELJANZ or breastfeed. You should not do both. After you stop your treatment with XELJANZ do not start breastfeeding again until 18 hours after your last dose of XELJANZ or 36 hours after your last dose of XELJANZ XR.

What is XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR?

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib) is used to treat adults with:

• Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis when 1 or more medicines called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers have been used, and did not work well or cannot be tolerated

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in people with Hepatitis B or C.

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR/XELJANZ Oral Solution is not recommended for people with severe liver problems.

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ Oral Solution is safe and effective in children for treatment other than active polyarticular course juvenile arthritis.

It is not known if XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in children.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

© 2024 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. PP-XEL-USA-9489 June 2024.

2024-06-20T17:01:00

(BPT) – You probably worry a lot about caring for your body — especially your skin — over the winter, when harsh temps and cold winds can take their toll. But did you know your self-care routine could also use an overhaul to face the challenges of the hot summer months?

“Just like you change your clothes depending on the season, your skincare routine needs to change in the summer, too,” said board certified dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu. “While many of us are well versed in how to care for our skin in the winter, summertime brings its own concerns.” To help you enjoy the sunshine and warmer temps without stressing your skin, here are some of her tips for your best summer body care.

Layer on the sunscreen

Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin before going out and about, even on cloudy days. Be sure to bring some along with you if you plan to spend your whole day outdoors and be ready to reapply after spending time in the water.

What to do about body odor

One of the biggest challenges during the heat of summer is coping with increased odor, which can impact not just your armpits, but everywhere on your body. To address this concern, some women take multiple showers a day or use powder or perfumes that only mask the odor, rather than addressing it at its source.

“First and foremost, I want to say that body odor is 100% normal and definitely expected with the hotter weather,” said Dr. Liu. “If you’re looking for a solution to help you stay fresher longer, I highly recommend Secret Whole Body Deodorant, which is made with ingredients you can use for the whole body, including intimate areas, for external use only.”

Made with skin care ingredients, Secret Whole Body Deodorant is tested by gynecologists and dermatologists, and is free of aluminum, baking soda, dyes, phthalates and parabens. It comes in three unique formulations:

1. Aluminum Free Whole Body Deodorant Stick is ideal for use under breasts or where thighs rub together. Made with shea butter and coconut oil, the stick glides on smooth and clear. Available in Peach & Vanilla Blossom, Lilac & Waterlily scents and Unscented.
2. Aluminum Free Whole Body Deodorant Invisible Cream is perfect for use in intimate areas, and it can easily and precisely be applied by hand. Made with skin care ingredients, the water-based cream absorbs quickly, with no pilling. Available in Peach & Vanilla Blossom scent and Unscented.
3. Aluminum Free Whole Body Deodorant Spray allows for touchless application across your body and is made with 100% natural propellant so you can experience the full array of light, fresh fragrance notes. Available in Peach & Vanilla Blossom and Lilac & Waterlily scents.

Secret Whole Body Deodorant provides 72 hours of clinically proven odor protection for your whole body, to help you feel fresher no matter what summer throws your way.

Ways to avoid dry skin

While dry skin is common during winter, the summer weather can also be a culprit! Whether you’re going in and out of air-conditioned buildings and hot outdoor air, spending time in the blazing sun or going for a swim in chlorinated pools and salty sea water, these activities can all strip the skin of its natural oils.

“It’s really important to rinse your skin well after swimming,” said Dr. Liu. “I always recommend that my patients use a gentle cleanser to remove debris — and then immediately apply a moisturizer on damp skin to reduce dryness and irritation.”

Revamp your bathroom cabinet

With the changing seasons, it’s also a great time to refresh your bathroom cabinets and drawers to declutter and remove items that are past their expiration date. “Go through your products so you can toss out anything you no longer use, or that’s old or expired,” said Dr. Liu. Check your products for texture or color changes, for example. Those are signs that it’s time to get a new one.

With these tips, you can enjoy all of the fun summer activities you love while looking, feeling — and smelling your best, all day long.

2024-06-20T12:21:13

(BPT) – Nearly one million Americans will have a total knee replacement this year. In the past five years, knee replacements have received a high-tech enhancement, thanks to the world’s first smart knee implant and digital mobile applications designed to support patients during recovery.

Is a knee replacement in your near future?

Knee replacement surgery is typically recommended by surgeons for people with end stage, bone-on-bone arthritis who haven’t found relief through conservative treatments. A common misconception is that the entire knee is removed and “replaced.” In reality, the ends of the knee joint are resurfaced with metal components, and a medical grade plastic implant is used to create the new cushion in your knee. Your own muscles and ligaments provide the strength and stability to your new knee.

Knee replacements: Then and now

Since 1968, when the first total knee replacement was performed, there have been numerous advances making knee replacement a highly successful procedure with great long-term outcomes for many patients. For example, surgeons have replaced using large incisions in favor of minimally invasive approaches with smaller incisions and tissue sparing techniques that can reduce tissue trauma, and in turn post-operative pain and swelling. Many operating rooms come equipped with robotic surgical assistants that allow surgeons to prep the bone, and place and align the implant with accuracy, precision and predictability. And implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes so surgeons can customize the alignment and fit based on the patient’s unique anatomy.

While the knee replacement surgery itself has undergone a significant transformation in the last five decades, the post-operative recovery experience hasn’t transformed at the same pace.

How groundbreaking technology can aid your recovery

That is now changing with the availability of smart and digital technologies specifically designed to allow doctors and patients to remotely track how your knee is functioning.

In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the world’s only smart knee implant, known as Persona IQ^®. Unlike traditional implants, the Persona IQ smart knee implant contains a smart stem extension with sensors to collect motion data such as the knee range of motion while walking, stride length, walking speed, cadence, the distance walked and step count.

The motion data collected by the Persona IQ smart knee implant is securely and wirelessly transferred to a digital care management platform and app known as mymobility^®. The app allows patients to communicate with their care providers through messaging and video visits and provides exercises for self-directed rehabilitation. Throughout the recovery, doctors can access their patient’s movement data through the mymobility clinician dashboard.

In combination with in-person visits, the ability to collect information from the knee implant 24/7 anytime, anywhere, provides critical data to help doctors make better-informed care decisions for each patient. If you’re a candidate for a knee replacement, talk to your doctor about whether Persona IQ is right for you. Click here to find a surgeon near you who offers Persona IQ.

Note: The Persona IQ Smart Knee is not a GPS or tracking device, so it does not have the capability to collect data on your location or track where you’ve been or where you’re going.

mymobility is a trademark of Zimmer Biomet or one of its affiliates.

Important Safety Information

Not all patients are candidates for this product and/or procedure, and mymobility can only be used if prescribed by a surgeon for patients identified as appropriate for remote care who have internet access and a text-capable mobile device or a compatible smartphone to use mymobility; not all smartphone app features are available with web-based version.

Indications

The Canary Tibial Extension (CTE) with Canary Health Implanted Reporting Processor (CHIRP) System is intended to provide objective kinematic data from the implanted medical device during a patient’s total knee arthroplasty (TKA) post-surgical care. The kinematic data are an adjunct to other physiological parameter measurement tools applied or utilized by the physician during the course of patient monitoring and treatment post-surgery. The device is indicated for use in patients undergoing a cemented TKA procedure that are normally indicated for at least a 58 mm sized tibial stem extension. The objective kinematic data generated by the CTE with CHIRP System are not intended to support clinical decision-making and have not been shown to provide any clinical benefit. The CTE with CHIRP System is compatible with Zimmer Persona^® Personalized Knee System.

Contraindications

The canturio™ te (CTE) is contraindicated for use in patients who are undergoing procedures or treatments at or in the proximity of the CTE using therapeutic ionizing radiation can result in shortened battery life or premature failure of electronic components. Damage to the CTE by therapeutic ionizing radiation may not be immediately detectable.

Before performing TKA on any patient, consider the following contraindications.

The Zimmer Biomet Persona^® Knee System is contraindicated for use in patients who have:

• Previous history of infection in the affected joint and/or other local/systemic infection that may affect the prosthetic joint
• Insufficient bone stock on femoral or tibial surfaces
• Skeletal immaturity
• Neuropathic arthropathy
• Osteoporosis or any loss of musculature or neuromuscular disease that compromises the affected limb
• A stable, painless arthrodesis in a satisfactory functional position
• Severe instability secondary to the absence of collateral ligament integrity

Total Knee Arthroplasty is contraindicated in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) accompanied by an ulcer of the skin or a history of recurrent breakdown of the skin because their risk of postoperative infection is greater. RA patients using steroids may also have increased risk of infection. Late infections in RA patients have been reported 24+ months postoperative.

2024-06-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – Gum disease. Nearly half of all U.S. adults over 30 years old (or nearly 65 million people) have it¹. However, only 16% of adults 30+ (referred to as “consumers” throughout) report having been diagnosed, according to a new national study from OraPharma conducted by The Harris Poll – which means that millions of Americans may have the lifelong condition without realizing it.

What’s more, the same survey revealed that 91% of consumers incorrectly believed or are not sure whether gum disease is curable, when in fact, gum disease cannot be cured, only managed through ongoing monitoring and treatment as needed. With gum disease, more frequent dental visits may be required because it is a chronic, lifelong bacterial infection.

Considering the misunderstandings surrounding gum disease, recognizing its symptoms and learning how it can be managed is key to having informed conversations with a dentist or hygienist.

Below is an overview of key findings from the survey and how consumers can (and should) leverage these insights to close the awareness gap in oral hygiene.

Know the Signs

Understanding the signs of gum disease is a crucial first step to preventing the potentially severe consequences that can arise from it, such as damage to the soft tissue and bone that support teeth, and even tooth loss. Gum disease may be associated with an increased risk for other chronic conditions throughout the body, such as cardiovascular disease.

The recent survey revealed that around a third of consumers (33%) don’t know all the symptoms of gum disease. In fact, 92% of dentists agreed that they wished their patients would come to them sooner when experiencing gum disease symptoms. If any of the below symptoms are noticed, it’s important to talk to a dentist or hygienist.

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Red or swollen gums
• Bad breath
• Receding gums
• Tooth looseness or loss

Have the Right Conversations

The survey also revealed a disconnect between gum health conversations reported by dentists and hygienists and those reported by consumers during appointments. Case in point: While a staggering 90% of dentists and hygienists report discussing gum health during at least half of their dental appointments, only 62% of consumers who visit the dentist say the same.

These survey findings reveal that both consumers and dentists/hygienists can benefit from improved conversations during dental appointments. However, having the right conversation can be hard, especially when unaware of what questions to ask. To help with this, OraPharma has developed a dentist discussion guide to help consumers navigate the conversation at their next dentist appointment.

Go to aboutgumdisease.com and download a gum health discussion guide, designed to help consumers understand exactly what they should be discussing with their dental care providers to protect their gum health.

References

1.Eke PI, Dye BA, Wei L, Thornton-Evans GO, Genco RJ. Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: 2009 and 2010. Journal of Dental Research. 2012;91(10):914-920. doi:10.1177/0022034512457373

ORA.0076.USA.24

Method Statement for Consumer Research

The research was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of OraPharma among 1,004 U.S. adults age 30+ (“consumers”). The survey was conducted February 13-26, 2024.

Data are weighted where necessary by age by gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, marital status, household size, employment, household income, and political party affiliation to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 3.7 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.

All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to other multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including, but not limited to coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments.

Method Statement for Dental Healthcare Provider Research

The research was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of OraPharma among 404 Dental Healthcare Professionals (“DHCPs”), including 201 Dentists (with no specialty or a periodontist specialty) and 203 Dental Hygienists, age 18+ who practice in the U.S., are licensed in the state where they practice, have been in practice for at least 1 year, do not primarily see pediatric patients, and see at least 5 patients with periodontal disease weekly. The survey was conducted February 13-27, 2024.

Data for both Dentists and Dental Hygienists are each weighted where necessary by age by gender to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population. Data for Dentists and Dental Hygienists were then combined using a post weight proportional to the population size to create a total for DHCPs.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 5.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.

All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to other multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including, but not limited to coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments.

^®/™ are trademarks of Bausch Health Companies Inc. or its affiliates. ©2024 Bausch Health Companies Inc. or its affiliates.

2024-06-14T07:01:00

(BPT) – Do you regularly experience headaches or migraines? You’re not alone. Headache disorders, including migraines, tension headaches and cluster headaches, are some of the most common nervous system disorders.

The World Health Organization estimates that about 40% of the global population suffers from headache disorders. Not only are headaches and migraines painful, but they can also be debilitating depending on the frequency and severity, impairing a person’s quality of life. In fact, migraines are the second leading cause of disability worldwide.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications offer temporary relief and may not be enough to manage reoccurring headaches and migraines. Luckily, there is another option that may help manage your headache disorders: chiropractic care. You may associate chiropractic care as a treatment for back pain, but it’s also a gentle, natural and non-invasive treatment that may help relieve the burden of headache disorders.

This June, in honor of National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, The Joint Chiropractic — the nation’s largest provider of chiropractic care — would like to raise public knowledge of these debilitating neurological conditions and share how to treat them. Read on to learn four ways routine chiropractic care can successfully reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches.

1. Improve nervous system communication

Chiropractic adjustments can improve spinal motion and facilitate optimal nervous system functioning and communication. As adjustments positively promote nervous system communication and function, the body has a better chance of fighting neurological disorders like headaches and migraines.

2. Reduce tension in the neck

When your spine can’t move as intended, the muscles surrounding it are also affected, increasing tension, which can cause or exacerbate headaches and migraines, especially tension headaches. By having a chiropractor treat your spine, the tension relief may help decrease the pain and discomfort of headache disorders.

3. Improved physical function and performance

A chiropractic adjustment can help improve your body’s physical function and performance. When your spine is aligned, you can exercise more effectively. So, what does that have to do with migraines? The American Migraine Association notes that regular exercise can help reduce the frequency of headache attacks.

How? Exercise can reduce stress and improve sleep. Stress and poor sleep are common migraine triggers, so anything you can do to improve stress management and sleep can help your migraine frequency in the long run. Prep your body with chiropractic care so you can exercise regularly and hopefully improve your headache-related health issues.

4. Decrease inflammation

Inflammation is your body’s natural way of protecting itself. However, chronic inflammation can easily induce a migraine or headache.

Inflammation is caused by chemicals in your body known as cytokines. When they build up, these chemicals can cause major issues. Thankfully, studies show that regular chiropractic adjustments might help reduce the production of cytokines. Not only does this reduce inflammation in the affected area but in other body parts as well, including your head.

Are you ready for relief?

This June, don’t let headaches and migraines keep you from leading your ideal life. Visit a Joint Chiropractic clinic to see how you may benefit from chiropractic care.

The Joint Chiropractic is known for its quality and affordable chiropractic care with its convenient retail setting and concierge-style services, including no appointments and no insurance hassles. For more information or find a clinic near you, visit thejoint.com. To learn more about your first visit, go to thejoint.com/what-to-expect.

2024-06-11T14:57:00

(BPT) – This article was sponsored and developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a rare, lifelong genetic condition involving the adrenal glands that is estimated to affect up to approximately 30,000 people in the United States. June is CAH Awareness Month, which aims to recognize individuals and their families impacted by the condition.

People living with CAH have very little, if any, of a particular enzyme (21-hydroxylase) that the body needs to change cholesterol into two essential hormones (cortisol and aldosterone) that regulate important body processes. Without this enzyme, the building blocks for cortisol and aldosterone pile up and instead are used to make too many androgens. Androgens, which are also hormones, contribute to growth, puberty and reproduction.

Treatment options for CAH are limited and have not changed in over 70 years. Glucocorticoids (GCs) remain the only treatment for both low levels of cortisol and to help manage the overproduction of adrenal androgens. Mineralocorticoids are also used to treat aldosterone insufficiency. Long-term exposure to high adrenal androgen levels can cause shorter adult height, excessive hair growth and menstrual irregularity in females, infertility in females and males and may have a negative mental and emotional impact. GCs are effective at replacing the missing cortisol but higher doses are needed to reduce the production of adrenal androgens. However, high doses of GCs come with drawbacks, including serious short-term and long-term side effects, such as weight gain, osteoporosis and changes in mood and memory.

“As I’ve gotten older and had other health issues unrelated to CAH, steroids have often come up as a potential thing to be aware of, and I’ve gotten somewhat more concerned about the potential toll that steroids can take on the body,” Audrey, a person living with CAH, stated.

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. recently launched WHAT THE C@H?!, a new educational initiative that aims to close the gap in the need for helpful information about CAH and acknowledges the frustrations and challenges experienced by the community in managing the condition. The effort includes a dedicated website, WhatTheCAH.com, that offers educational information to help individuals living with CAH and their families navigate their journeys. It also offers the community a space to share their CAH stories with others. Through a form on the website, people can submit their WHAT THE C@H?! moment, a challenging experience of living with or managing the condition.

“I wish people understood that CAH is not something that anyone would choose to have and it’s not something that there is currently a cure for. So, patients are forced to learn how to manage it the best they can. There really are not many resources available to help you through that process and you find resources the best you can. You hopefully find a care team that will support you in that. There are really big emotional costs that come with worrying about your health all of the time,” said Audrey.

To learn more about Audrey’s experience growing up with CAH, visit: https://www.neurocrine.com/diseases-and-conditions/.

For more information about WHAT THE C@H?!, visit WhatTheCAH.com and follow the educational initiative on Facebook: What The CAH?!

This article was sponsored and developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

© 2024 Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CP-CAH-US-0125 06/2024

2024-06-11T14:01:00

(BPT) – As a nursing student, Nicole, 32, has a busy yet rewarding life. She works 12-hour hospital shifts as a nursing assistant and spends her free time traveling and playing with her dogs, Bailey and Snoopy. She’s also lived with the invisible, excruciating pain and complexities of migraine disease since she was a child.

Migraine Impact: It’s More Than a Headache

At age 11, Nicole began experiencing pain and sickness, symptoms that she would later learn were that of migraine disease. Unfortunately, Nicole’s path to diagnosis mirrors one many migraine patients experience — years of doctors overlooking her symptoms, delaying her diagnosis and treatment for over a decade — until she finally received a chronic migraine diagnosis in her mid-20s. There are over 150 different classifications of headache disorders and a myriad of associated symptoms, so it is important to seek out a neurologist, who understands the impact migraine can have on someone’s life, when experiencing migraine symptoms.

Becoming empowered and confident in advocating for herself came slowly for Nicole. In her years searching for an effective treatment, Nicole’s migraine disease became more severe and the stress of being a full-time student and part-time employee seemed to increase her vulnerability to migraine attacks. She was no longer able to function at work, spend time with her friends or do any of the other activities she previously enjoyed.

“I went from having the typical life of a young working professional to dealing with debilitating migraine attacks with nausea, vomiting and fatigue,” says Nicole. “I lost friends, my job, and my financial and physical independence.” She tried multiple medications and lifestyle changes to reduce her symptoms, but the migraine attacks persisted.

After unsuccessful treatments, Nicole learned about VYEPTI^® (eptinezumab-jjmr), a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults, by way of various talks she attended during her advocacy work. She began researching more about the treatment, its clinical trials, and its route of administration — she was intrigued by the intravenous (IV) infusion treatment delivery that’s given by a healthcare professional every 3 months. She wondered if it could be a good fit for her and wanted to try it, so she brought it up with her doctor. They discussed the treatment, its benefits and risks, and based on their clinical judgement, Nicole’s neurologist decided to prescribe it for her.

“I am in a much better place,” said Nicole. “If my migraine wasn’t well managed, my 12-hour shifts in the hospital would feel unbearable.” Since starting preventive treatment on VYEPTI, Nicole is able to spend less time managing her migraine and more time enjoying school, work and life. “I never would have imagined that I could enjoy trips like the one I recently took to Portugal.”

VYEPTI is a calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist (anti-CGRP) and is the first and only FDA-approved preventive treatment for migraine delivered by IV infusion. In patients with four or more migraine days per month, VYEPTI has been proven to reduce average monthly migraine days over months 1-3 compared to placebo. Individual results may vary.

Do not receive VYEPTI if you are allergic to eptinezumab-jjmr or any of the ingredients in VYEPTI. See additional Important Safety Information for VYEPTI below.

A New Chapter with Migraine Under Control

When Nicole moved from New York to Chicago, she found it difficult to connect with a doctor who did not dismiss her debilitating symptoms. She visited four different doctors but none of them were the right fit for her.

“I didn’t feel heard or respected with some of the doctors,” said Nicole. “One wanted to change the treatment plan that was working for me. And others weren’t comfortable with my medical profile, which is complex and comes with comorbidities.”

Given Nicole’s struggle to feel connected with a new healthcare partner in Chicago, and her happiness with the two-way partnership and treatment experience with her doctor in New York, she chooses to travel from Chicago to New York for her quarterly VYEPTI infusion treatments. Nicole’s New York-based doctor, a migraine and headache specialist, recognizes the disabling nature of the disease, respects what she says about the impact of symptoms on her daily activities, and values her input. This collaborative and supportive partnership is essential to Nicole’s health and well-being.

Nicole wants to share what she’s learned from her migraine experience, and why she thinks it’s important to not give up on finding the right treatment and doctor.

Power of Self Advocacy

When managing your migraine disease, Nicole emphasizes the importance of advocating for yourself.

“If you’re not satisfied with the level of control you have over your migraine symptoms on your current treatment, or aren’t connecting with your doctor, consider making a change. You shouldn’t feel like you’re a burden for asking for better options to meet your treatment goals,” advises Nicole. “It’s important to ask about alternatives to help prevent your migraine attacks, especially if they are affecting your daily life.”

There are resources available to those seeking more information about treatment options, Nicole notes. Migraine organizations, such as National Headache Foundation and American Migraine Foundation, serve as valuable community resources helping to educate patients, healthcare professionals and the public on migraine and headache disorder symptoms, advocacy efforts, support for treatment research, and offer tools to locate a headache specialist. While there is a higher concentration of specialists in larger cities, many of which are in high demand, the emergence of telehealth is helping to expand access to specialists for people not located near these city hubs.

Another key part of managing migraine is prioritizing a positive and supportive partnership with your doctor. Nicole urges people living with migraine to ask the following questions when meeting with a/their doctor:

• Can I communicate with you outside of appointments?
• How easy will it be for me to get an appointment in the event of an emergency?
• What treatment options could help me better manage my symptoms so I can continue doing things I enjoy?
• Are there alternative options I have not tried yet that can help me manage my migraine disease with my comorbidities?
• Are there any new advancements in migraine and headache treatments?

Nicole wants others to feel inspired by her experiences. She encourages everyone with migraine to speak up, especially if they feel they are still highly impacted by migraine or if they are not feeling heard by their doctor. “You can still do a lot with migraine and all the symptoms. Sure, you can have horrible days. We all have horrible days. But there’s always hope with preventive treatment to have more good days. Now there are some days when I completely forget I have migraine, and those are the best days of all.”

To learn more about how you can personalize your next treatment discussion with your doctor, visit vyepti.com.

APPROVED USE

VYEPTI is a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not receive VYEPTI if you have a known allergy to eptinezumab-jjmr or its ingredients.

VYEPTI may cause allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; if you have trouble breathing; hives; or redness in your face.

Before starting VYEPTI, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including any prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.

The most common side effects of VYEPTI include stuffy nose and scratchy throat, and allergic reactions.

These are not all the possible side effects of VYEPTI. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more information, please see the Prescribing Information and Patient Information or go to vyepti.com.

© 2024 Lundbeck. All rights reserved. VYEPTI is a registered trademark of Lundbeck Seattle BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. EPT-B-101499

2024-06-10T16:03:00

(BPT) – In the U.S., more than 131 million people (about 66% of adults) use prescription medications to maintain their health and well-being. However, these customers can face significant difficulties accessing and affording their medication. From waiting for hours in line at the pharmacy to questions of privacy to surprise costs, the traditional pharmacy model is not built with customers in mind. These barriers can make accessing potentially life-saving medication difficult, if not impossible, for some patients.

Rethinking the pharmacy experience

Why is getting prescription medication so difficult? Traditional pharmacies have remained largely unchanged for decades, not adapting to modern customer needs. This has led to pain points that include reduced hours, fewer pharmacists, and inflated prices, which worsen the pharmacy experience.

Luckily, new innovations are changing the prescription drug landscape for the better, making accessing medication simpler and more affordable. Like Amazon.com, Amazon Pharmacy is focused on creating new convenience, value, and selection for customers. Using tools like AI, machine learning, and micro-mobility, Amazon Pharmacy provides consumers with upfront pricing estimates, fast home delivery when they need it, and 24/7 access to pharmacists.

Using Amazon Pharmacy is like having a full-service pharmacy right in your pocket. The online store carries most medications prescribed at the doctor’s office and delivers them free to your front door. The company’s model builds on the concept of mail-order pharmacies, which are generally associated with lower health care costs and improved medication adherence. However, mail-order delivery can take up to two weeks. When you use Amazon Pharmacy, you’ll experience all the benefits of mail order, which typically include lower prices and higher medication adherence, plus even faster delivery.

Continuous innovation

Since its launch in 2020, Amazon Pharmacy has continued to improve the pharmacy experience.

Just last year, the company launched a series of new programs to add value and convenience to customers’ lives. One key initiative is RxPass, which allows Prime members to access unlimited eligible prescription medications for only $5 per month, including free shipping. With over 75 million Americans taking one of the eligible medications, chances are one or more of your medications is included.

Amazon Pharmacy is also automating savings from manufacturer-sponsored coupons. Eligible coupons don’t require customers to download a form, call a manufacturer, or search the fine print. If you’re eligible, coupons will be directly applied at checkout, allowing customers to save time and money. To date, automatic coupons on Amazon Pharmacy have already helped customers save over $15 million.

Amazon is also supporting savings at more than 60,000 participating pharmacies nationwide, including Amazon Pharmacy through the Prime prescription savings benefit. Prime members can receive discounts up to 80% off generic and 40% off brand-name medications at a wide range of locations.

Finally, customers in need of fast treatment can have their medications delivered to their door in hours, not days — via drone in College Station or same-day delivery in Austin, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, and Seattle. Amazon Pharmacy delivers to every zip code in the US, and can ship directly to your door.

Amazon Pharmacy is pioneering the future of pharmacy with its innovative and customer-centric approach. To learn more about how you can receive affordable and convenient prescription medication, visit Pharmacy.Amazon.com.

2024-05-31T12:01:01

(BPT) – This World Hypoparathyroidism Awareness Day, a global awareness and education event observed annually on June 1, the HypoPARAthyroidism Association (HPA) is calling for urgent change within the hypoPARAthyroidism (hypoPARA) community. Through educational and advocacy initiatives, we are committed to increasing the understanding of this rare disease, its management and its impact on patients and their families, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.

What is hypoPARA?

HypoPARA is a rare endocrine disease in which insufficient levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) lead to lower-than-normal levels of calcium and elevated phosphate levels in the blood. It most commonly results from damage to or removal of the parathyroid glands during neck surgery but may also be inherited and/or associated with other disorders.

A range of serious multi-organ complications are associated with hypoPARA, including kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and decreased cognitive function. As a result of these complications — and the additional risks that can present due to the current standard of care with high doses of oral calcium and active vitamin D — patients living with hypoPARA often experience a significantly decreased quality of life.

Because the current standard of care can only address some symptoms of the disease and not its underlying cause, patients are eagerly awaiting crucial new medications that restore normal levels of PTH. In the United States, hypoPARA remains the only endocrine hormone deficiency for which a hormone replacement therapy is still not broadly available.

Elevating patient voices

Patient surveys continue to reinforce the need for a new treatment paradigm, as seen in our recent Voices of HypoPARA 2.0 survey. Results from our survey found that only 10% of patients were happy with their current treatment option, with many stating they could better manage their condition and associated symptoms with more effective medications.

As the leading patient advocacy organization in the United States, our association was invited to share this data and stories of the severe impacts of the disease with the FDA during our patient-focused drug development session earlier this year. Our goal was to ensure FDA representatives and other key stakeholders understand the ongoing crisis this community faces and the substantial negative impact that the current standard of care can have on patients’ lives.

In a continued effort to raise awareness and change how physicians think about and treat hypoPARA, we will also be participating in various educational panels at this year’s Endocrine Society (ENDO) annual meeting — which coincides with World Hypoparathyroidism Awareness Day.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to represent the patient community to help elevate physician understanding of the significant burdens of living with hypoPARA,” said Patty Keating, Executive Director of the HPA. “Amplifying patients’ voices is crucial for making improvements in diagnosis and care.”

Hope on the horizon

Fortunately, there are new and promising hypoPARA treatment options on the horizon. We’ve seen momentum in the treatment landscape begin to shift and advance internationally, and we hope to see similar progress made in the United States soon.

For those living with hypoPARA, the rollercoaster of gaining and losing promising treatment options over recent years has been devastating. Yet, despite the unique challenges posed by hypoPARA, our community has not lost hope. Patients, caregivers and advocates are standing united in our vision for a future where treatment options are not just effective but also accessible and available to all in need. There’s no reason for hypoPARA patients to suffer any longer.

Together, we hold the promise of better health and a higher quality of life for individuals grappling with hypoPARA. Together, we can Be the Change.

To learn more, visit hypopara.org or facebook.com/hypoPARAassociation/.

2024-05-31T05:01:00

(BPT) – 1. “Previvor” means a “survivor of a predisposition to cancer.”

Previvors are people who have an elevated risk, but who have never been diagnosed with cancer.

The term includes people with an inherited mutation that increases their cancer risk, a family history of cancer or some other factor that increases risk. Like cancer survivors, previvors must navigate many medical decisions. They benefit from support and resources to help them stay as healthy as possible.

The nonprofit hereditary cancer organization Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) coined the term in 2000 in response to a challenge by a FORCE member who posted, “I need a label!”

2. Genetic testing can help people understand their cancer risk.

The most well-known genes linked to cancer are BRCA1 and BRCA2. Mutations in these genes increase the risk for breast, fallopian tube, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancer. People of any race or ethnicity can have one of these inherited mutations. About one out of every 400 people has a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. These mutations are more prevalent in certain groups. For example, about one in 40 people of Eastern European (Ashkenazi) Jewish ancestry has a mutation.

Dozens of other genes are linked to an increased risk for cancer. Lynch syndrome, although less well known than BRCA1 and BRCA2, is more common. About one out of every 280 people has a Lynch syndrome mutation. Lynch syndrome is caused by a mutation in one of five genes (EPCAM, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2). People with Lynch syndrome have an increased risk for colorectal, endometrial, ovarian and other cancers. Inherited mutations in ATM, BRIP1, CDH1, CHEK2, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D and other genes are also associated with increased cancer risk.

A single genetic test of blood or saliva can look for mutations in the genes mentioned above and more. Today, testing is quick, easy and often covered by insurance. But testing isn’t always straightforward. It’s important to speak with an expert, known as a genetic counselor, before you are tested.

3. Being aware of your risk could save your life.

Previvors have medical options to manage their cancer risks, including:

• enhanced screening (getting screened sooner or more often) to find cancer early, at its most treatable stage.
• medications and lifestyle changes to lower cancer risk.
• risk-reducing surgery.
• research studies that are testing new ways to manage risk.

Research shows that people with inherited mutations who take preventive actions live longer. The first step to protecting yourself is knowing your risk for cancer. Guidelines for risk management are different for each gene, so it’s important to see a genetic counselor to understand your options.

4. Up to 90% of previvors do not know they have inherited a mutation that increases their cancer risk.

Most people are unaware of their risk for cancer. People who know about their inherited mutation before a cancer diagnosis can take steps to reduce their risk or increase their chance of catching cancer at an early, more treatable stage. This is why it is important for people to know their family medical history and to share their health information with relatives.

• FORCE’s brochure, The Genes Between Us, is a comprehensive guide to talking with relatives about inherited cancer risk.
• Susan G. Komen has great information and a tool for collecting your family history of cancer.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a page with tips and stories to help you have a conversation with your relatives about cancer in the family.

5. Previvors don’t have to go it alone.

Support for previvors is just a click away. Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) is an advocacy organization with dedicated resources for previvors. The Bring Your Brave campaign from the CDC shares uplifting stories and resources for previvors.