Category: Brandpoint Health

2024-01-22T12:00:00

(BPT) – You want to stay healthy so you can keep doing what you love. That’s why it’s important to stay up to date on recommended vaccines, like the updated COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu shot.

“Vaccination is a highly effective tool to help older Americans avoid the worst effects of infectious diseases,” said Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH, senior director at the National Council on Aging (NCOA). “If you have questions about getting vaccinated, now is the ideal time to contact your health care provider.”

This year, the CDC is predicting the season will last through early spring. It’s never too late to protect yourself. Learn more about the importance of vaccines, their safety, and effectiveness at ncoa.org/vaccines.

This publication was created as part of a project that is 100% funded by a grant totaling $50 million awarded to NCOA by the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), an operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It does not necessarily reflect the official views of, or endorsement by, ACL, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

2024-01-19T13:41:00

(BPT) – The winter season can be a challenging time of year for many – one that can bring post-holiday financial stress and exhaustion. Amid darker, colder days, how do you know if you are experiencing the “winter blues” or if it is something more serious?

Hear from three mental health experts on the differences between the “winter blues” and clinical depression: Board-Certified Psychiatrist Chet Robachinski, MD, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Tina Matthews Hayes, DNP(c), FMP-C, PHMNP-BC, and Board-Certified Physician Assistant Kami Harris, PA-C.

How do people know if the winter months have them feeling down or if it’s something more serious?

Tina Matthews Hayes, DNP: Someone experiencing the “winter blues” has many of the same symptoms of clinical depression or major depressive disorder (MDD). They may lose interest in their hobbies and things that once brought them joy, experience changes in their sleep, appetite or weight, feel an inability to get things done like they normally could, have a constant feeling of fatigue or a lack of energy.¹

While this can be mistaken for clinical depression, “winter blues” symptoms are usually triggered at the onset of the winter season and potentially resolved once spring arrives. Another key difference between “winter blues” and clinical depression is the severity of the symptoms.

What I tell my patients is that if they are noticing any of these signs and symptoms, it is crucial to seek help from their healthcare provider to determine if what they are experiencing is more serious, like clinical depression.

Can someone living with clinical depression also experience the “winter blues”?

Kami Harris, PA-C: The quick and simple answer is yes. “Winter blues” and MDD can be worsened by one another. That is why it is imperative for people to take note of when their symptoms began and to consult with their healthcare providers to determine if what they are experiencing is more than just “feeling down” or the “winter blues.” The good news is, if it is something more serious like MDD or some form of depression that is more challenging to treat, there are a variety of available treatment options to help those who are struggling.

What is treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and what treatment options are available?

Chet Robachinski, MD: Like Kami shared, there are different forms of clinical depression, some of which can be more challenging to treat compared to others. We call a form of clinical depression that occurs when someone has not responded adequately to two or more antidepressant medications during the same depressive episode treatment-resistant depression (TRD).² With each medication taking weeks and sometimes months to provide potential relief, this pattern of starting over with a new medication only to find that the treatment does not work for them can be extremely frustrating.

For people living with TRD, one treatment option I’ve seen success with in my clinical practice is SPRAVATO^® (esketamine) CIII nasal spray taken in combination with an oral antidepressant.

Of course, as with any medication, SPRAVATO^® has risks and benefits with some of the most serious side effects of this treatment including sleepiness (sedation), fainting, dizziness, spinning sensation, anxiety, or feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, feelings, space and time (dissociation), breathing problems (respiratory depression and respiratory arrest), the risk of abuse and misuse, and increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. Additionally, each patient must be enrolled in the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program to track any serious side effects they may experience, and follow the necessary administration and dosing requirements under the observation of their healthcare provider, which include going into a certified treatment center for each treatment session.

Please see the Important Safety Information, including BOXED WARNINGS, and a list of side effects below. Click here to access the full prescribing information and medication guide.

What advice do you have for people looking to help manage their mental health during the winter?

Tina Matthews Hayes, NP: During the winter months, have a safe space where you can feel vulnerable and honest about what you are going through – not everyone continues to feel “holly jolly” once the holiday season has come to a close. You should seek help if you need it. I would recommend you keep a journal with you and make note of how you’re feeling before your appointment, and be open and transparent with your healthcare team, whether that’s your psychiatrist, therapist, physician assistant or nurse practitioner.

Chet Robachinski, MD: There are many resources available for those who may be struggling. In particular, advocacy organizations such as National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Mental Health America (MHA) have information on their websites, including tools for mental health screening and finding a treatment center or therapist. But it’s important to note that if you’re in crisis, please call, text or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to connect with a mental health counselor.

Kami Harris, PA-C: With shorter and colder days, winter can be a difficult time to say the least. So, keep a pulse on how you’re feeling and be honest with yourself. Give yourself the freedom and grace to take needed breaks and reach out to loved ones for help.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is SPRAVATO^® (esketamine) CIII nasal spray?

SPRAVATO^® is a prescription medicine, used along with an antidepressant taken by mouth to treat:

• Adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
• Depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions

SPRAVATO^® is not for use as a medicine to prevent or relieve pain (anesthetic). It is not known if SPRAVATO^® is safe or effective as an anesthetic medicine.

It is not known if SPRAVATO^® is safe and effective for use in preventing suicide or in reducing suicidal thoughts or actions. SPRAVATO^® is not for use in place of hospitalization if your healthcare provider determines that hospitalization is needed, even if improvement is experienced after the first dose of SPRAVATO^®.

It is not known if SPRAVATO^® is safe and effective in children.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not take SPRAVATO^® if you:

• have blood vessel (aneurysmal vascular) disease (including in the brain, chest, abdominal aorta, arms and legs)
• have an abnormal connection between your veins and arteries (arteriovenous malformation)
• have a history of bleeding in the brain
• are allergic to esketamine, ketamine, or any of the other ingredients in SPRAVATO^®.

If you are not sure if you have any of the above conditions, talk to your healthcare provider before taking SPRAVATO^®.

Before you take SPRAVATO^®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have heart or brain problems, including:
  • high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • slow or fast heartbeats that cause shortness of breath, chest pain, lightheadedness, or fainting
  • history of heart attack
  • history of stroke
  • heart valve disease or heart failure
  • history of brain injury or any condition where there is increased pressure in the brain
• have liver problems
• have ever had a condition called “psychosis” (see, feel, or hear things that are not there, or believe in things that are not true).
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. SPRAVATO^® may harm your baby. You should not take SPRAVATO^® if you are pregnant.
  • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment with SPRAVATO^®.
  • If you are able to become pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about methods to prevent pregnancy during treatment with SPRAVATO^®.
  • There is a pregnancy registry for women who are exposed to SPRAVATO^® during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of women exposed to SPRAVATO^® and their baby. If you become pregnant during treatment with SPRAVATO^®, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed during treatment with SPRAVATO^®.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines that you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Taking SPRAVATO^® with certain medicine may cause side effects.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take central nervous system (CNS) depressants, psychostimulants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) medicines. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How will I take SPRAVATO^®?

• You will take SPRAVATO^® nasal spray yourself, under the supervision of a healthcare provider in a healthcare setting. Your healthcare provider will show you how to use the SPRAVATO^® nasal spray device.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you how much SPRAVATO^® you will take and when you will take it.
• Follow your SPRAVATO^® treatment schedule exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to.
• During and after each use of the SPRAVATO^® nasal spray device, you will be checked by a healthcare provider who will decide when you are ready to leave the healthcare setting.
• You will need to plan for a caregiver or family member to drive you home after taking SPRAVATO^®.
• If you miss a SPRAVATO^® treatment, your healthcare provider may change your dose and treatment schedule.
• Some people taking SPRAVATO^® get nausea and vomiting. You should not eat for at least 2 hours before taking SPRAVATO^® and not drink liquids at least 30 minutes before taking SPRAVATO^®.
• If you take a nasal corticosteroid or nasal decongestant medicine take these medicines at least 1 hour before taking SPRAVATO^®.

What should I avoid while taking SPRAVATO^®?

Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything where you need to be completely alert after taking SPRAVATO^®. Do not take part in these activities until the next day following a restful sleep. See “What is the most important information I should know about SPRAVATO^®?”

What are the possible side effects of SPRAVATO^®?

SPRAVATO^® may cause serious side effects including:

• See “What is the most important information I should know about SPRAVATO^®?”
• Increased blood pressure. SPRAVATO^® can cause a temporary increase in your blood pressure that may last for about 4 hours after taking a dose. Your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure before taking SPRAVATO^® and for at least 2 hours after you take SPRAVATO^®. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden severe headache, change in vision, or seizures after taking SPRAVATO^®.
• Problems with thinking clearly. Tell your healthcare provider if you have problems thinking or remembering.
• Bladder problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop trouble urinating, such as a frequent or urgent need to urinate, pain when urinating, or urinating frequently at night.

The most common side effects of SPRAVATO^® when used along with an antidepressant taken by mouth include:

feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, feelings and things around you dizziness nausea feeling sleepy spinning sensation

decreased feeling of sensitivity (numbness) feeling anxious lack of energy increased blood pressure vomiting feeling drunk feeling very happy or excited

If these common side effects occur, they usually happen right after taking SPRAVATO^® and go away the same day.

These are not all the possible side effects of SPRAVATO^®.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide for SPRAVATO^® and discuss any questions you may have with your healthcare provider.

cp-170363v3

This information is intended for the use of patients and caregivers in the United States and its territories only. Laws, regulatory requirements and medical practices in pharmaceutical products vary from country to country. The Prescribing Information included here may not be appropriate for use outside the United States and its territories.

References

1. National Institute of Mental Health. Major depression. Accessed November 21, 2023. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
2. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Definition of treatment-resistant depression in the Medicare population. Accessed November 21, 2023. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coverage/DeterminationProcess/downlo ads/id105TA.pdf. Published February 9, 2018

cp-424428v1

2024-01-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – It can happen to anyone.

Benjamin, a construction contractor from Indiana, was rushing out the door to get to work, but the door didn’t close properly. He gave it a hard shove and his arm smashed through the glass, slicing his arm open. He was rushed to the hospital to stop the profuse bleeding and underwent immediate surgery.

Grateful that the surgery saved his arm, Benjamin found himself struggling with an unexpected and agonizing pain following his surgery. Unable to sleep and eventually unable to work, Benjamin became one of the 20 million Americans suffering from peripheral nerve damage — but he didn’t know it.

When Benjamin first found Dr. Brandon Smetana, an orthopedic surgeon who also specializes in nerve repair, he told him, “I tried to get help. Nobody really believed me. They kept saying that I needed to get back to work and move my arm. I kept saying something wasn’t right. I have a high pain tolerance, but people didn’t understand the pain I was in — every day, all day long.”

This is an unfortunate reality for so many people. Many spend countless months — sometimes years — in chronic pain looking for answers. They are often prescribed opioids to try to make the pain more bearable, even though, unfortunately, medication won’t solve the root issue. Finding a healthcare provider who can identify their pain as nerve pain is often a huge relief to patients — even just hearing about a potential solution can bring them to tears.

Many types of accidents, from cooking mishaps to car wrecks, can result in nerve damage. Unrecognized nerve injuries are a common problem as they can often be missed in the ER when the first goal is to stop bleeding. But nerve injuries can lead to ongoing pain, even after the original wound has healed.

Nerve pain can affect any area of the body but most commonly occurs in the arms, hands, legs and feet. It feels different from other pain. Some people feel numbness or tingling, while others describe it as electrical shocks, sharp spasms, or a burning sensation. The pain can be intermittent or unrelenting.

Thanks to recent advances in microsurgery, injured nerves can be surgically repaired to potentially resolve the cause of the pain and even restore lost nerve function, offering the chance to live pain-free again. Fortunately, Benjamin was able to have nerve repair surgery on his arm. The source of his pain stemmed from neuromas — tangled masses of scar tissue that can form when nerves are injured, leading to incorrect signals being sent to the brain that cause pain. Think of nerves like live electrical wires; when they’re properly connected, they’re able to channel their energy appropriately. When they are damaged, they still spark, but incorrectly. Multiple neuromas were removed from Benjamin’s arm to resolve the pain and then the cut nerves were reconnected with a nerve graft, which allowed the nerves to regrow and restore more normal signals, ultimately getting Benjamin back to his life.

“When I was able to get back to work, I felt really good,” Benjamin said. “I could provide for my family again, and that means a lot to me. I’m a survivor one way or another — it felt good to start surviving again.”

Not enough people, healthcare providers and patients alike, know about the devastating effects of nerve damage — or that there are ways to fix the root cause. There are millions of people unnecessarily suffering who could be helped. Their lives shouldn’t be defined by pain.

If you or someone you know is suffering from chronic pain, and had a previous surgery, sports injury, amputation, or traumatic injury, encourage them to talk to their doctor about whether it could be nerve damage and to get a referral to a peripheral nerve surgeon for consultation. If you are a medical professional, take time to consider how your practice is helping patients whose pain may be due to nerve damage.

Collectively, we can bring more awareness to the root cause of pain and help more people find the relief they deserve.

Could surgical nerve repair be right for you? Take a short online nerve pain assessment and find out if you’re a candidate at rethink-pain.com/#survey.

2024-01-10T14:05:01

(BPT) – It’s no question that common colds and the flu can stop families in their tracks, leading to sick days and missed school or work. Cold and flu germs can lurk on hundreds of common surfaces that we encounter daily, but by establishing simple healthy habits, you can help prevent the spread of illness-causing germs this cold and flu season.

2024-01-09T16:35:00

(BPT) – No matter your age or fitness level, experts agree that physical activity brings multiple benefits to your mind and body. If you wonder how being more active as you get older can help you live a happier, healthier life — and how to get started — taking small, simple steps to boost your activity level can make a big impact.

“Age is just a number, and we’ll make sure it never slows you down, so why not begin the new year on the right foot by finding activities you love to do,” said Julie Logue, M.P.H., training manager at SilverSneakers. “You can ‘act your age’ by having the time of your life, whether you’re dancing, walking or playing pickleball with friends.”

Remember, before starting any new exercise, it’s recommended to consult your health care provider.

Here are a few benefits of exercise that may inspire you to move a little more.

1. Protect your bones and joints

Stronger muscles help protect your bones and joints as you age. But if you think lifting heavy weights is the only way to strengthen your muscles, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. If you haven’t been active, you can begin strength exercises by starting slowly, using little to no special equipment, and gradually improving your strength over time.

It’s best to seek classes or programs specifically designed for seniors, such as SilverSneakers by Tivity Health — the nation’s leading fitness program for older adults that offers in-person and virtual classes with the needs of seniors in mind. Seniors can find classes for all levels focused on building strength and flexibility as they age, along with cardio exercises to get their blood pumping.

2. Help prevent falls

About one in four Americans aged 65 and older will fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Regular exercise that builds strength and improves balance is one of the best ways to help prevent falls or recover from a fall.

Classes like those offered by SilverSneakers can help strengthen your ankles, knees and hips for a sturdy foundation. Plus, they can help improve your core strength and upper-body posture — to help you stay upright and steady.

3. Learn about injury prevention

Injuries can happen at any age, but a few simple precautions can help to keep you moving injury-free. If you’re a beginner, choose instructors and exercise programs that start slow — even seated — and build your strength and flexibility gradually, so you can continue improving your fitness without risking injury. SilverSneakers even offers virtual classes designed for beginners to help get you started.

4. Enjoy socializing

One valuable benefit of being active is finding a class or community of people you enjoy spending time with. Whether you’re taking classes in person or online, you’ll know everyone else in the class is also aiming to stay more fit and healthy. Taking classes together is a fun bonding activity that will help you stay motivated and may inspire you to create your own group of friends for walking or doing activities together.

5. Improve mindfulness and reduce stress

Physical activity can reduce stress, help you stay more present throughout your day and enjoy your life to the fullest. Classes offered by SilverSneakers include Tai Chi and Yoga, which are easy ways to help you stay more mindful and boost your overall well-being.

Getting started

SilverSneakers offers members a network of up to 22,000 fitness locations, along with community-based options like community centers and parks. Workouts are offered at thousands of gyms, community centers and other participating fitness locations nationwide.

Members can participate in live, instructor-led and on-demand virtual classes in a variety of lengths and formats. Options include programming for those with chronic conditions, plus healthy aging workshops on topics including fall prevention and virtual learning opportunities.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it may already include SilverSneakers. Learn more at SilverSneakers.com.

2024-01-08T05:01:00

(BPT) – Have you heard about the blue zones? These are the six places around the world — Singapore; Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica — where people live the longest. National Geographic Explorer and New York Times best-selling author Dan Buettner has spent more than 20 years studying these regions of the world to figure out just how the people there are living healthily well into their 90s and even 100s.

In his books, Buettner reveals the secrets of these centenarians, among them, the Power 9 — guiding lifestyle principles that turn out to be the keys to longevity. Here are some of the life lessons Buettner has unveiled about the blue zones:

Lesson 1: Move Naturally

While each New Year sees a spike in gym membership enrollment, pumping iron or racing on a treadmill aren’t the only ways to live healthier. In all five blue zones, people move all day long, not just for 30 minutes at the gym. That can be done by walking through the neighborhood, working in your garden, or even getting up and down from sitting on the floor, as centenarians in Okinawa do regularly.

Lesson 2: Eat Your Beans

All five blue zones follow a plant-slant diet, and beans — black, fava, soy and garbanzo — make up a good portion of that diet. Buettner’s best-selling cookbooks, The Blue Zones Kitchen and The Blue Zones American Kitchen, offer more than 40 recipes that incorporate beans into your meal rotation.

Lesson 3: Stay Connected

One of the most foundational elements of the blue zones is putting loved ones first. In Okinawa, centenarians call their social circles moais. These are groups of friends committed to each other for life. In Nicoya, family comes first, and generations are found together at the dinner table regularly.

Lesson 4: Reduce Your Stress

No place in the world — even the blue zones — is immune to stress, which can lead to chronic inflammation and age-related disease. But the longest-lived people in the blue zones find regular ways to reduce that stress: In Loma Linda, the Adventist community turns to prayer and observes the Saturday Sabbath. In Ikaria, they take daily naps. And in Sardinia, they practice another Power 9 principle, Wine@5, with regular happy hours.

Lesson 5: Find Your Purpose

Buettner says the most common factor across each of the blue zones is having purpose. Each centenarian he interviewed over the course of two decades had a reason to wake up in the morning: Nicoyans call it plan de vida. That sense of meaning can add up to seven years of extra life expectancy.

Find more tips, tricks and recipes from the blue zones in Dan Buettner’s The Blue Zones Secrets for Living Longer, The Blue Zones Kitchen and The Blue Zones American Kitchen. Or make a New Year’s resolution to blue zone your life with the help of The Blue Zones Challenge.

2024-01-04T13:01:00

(BPT) – This content is provided by MorphoSys and Incyte.

In the fall of 2021, Joe was losing weight and feeling unusually weak. He visited his primary care doctor who could tell something was wrong and recommended Joe immediately go to the emergency room. It was there, during a prolonged stay, the doctors gave Joe news he never wanted to hear: he had cancer. Specifically, the doctors informed him that he was experiencing “major problems” from a form of blood cancer called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (or DLBCL).

“When my primary care doctor urgently suggested I go to the emergency room, I knew this was something serious,” said Joe. “It was a jarring experience to hear I had what the doctors called a ‘very aggressive cancer’ because prior to the visit, I was just noticing some weight loss and fatigue. I thank my wife, who knows me better than anyone and noticed a difference in my energy levels and pushed me to see a professional.”

DLBCL affects approximately 28,000 people per year in the United States and is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), a family of blood cancers. It is a fast-growing but treatable cancer affecting B-lymphocytes, also known as B cells, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infections. As they develop, cancerous B cells become larger than normal and multiply uncontrollably.

With Joe’s advanced stage diagnosis and his physical condition, his doctors recommended that he pursue hospice for palliative care to help ease the symptoms of his cancer. However, Joe wasn’t ready to give up.

“I was not ready for palliative care and knew I wanted to explore treatment options,” explained Joe. “With the support of my wife, seven younger siblings and congregation, I looked elsewhere, and my research landed me in San Antonio, Texas, where I met Dr. Enrique Diaz-Duque, a hematologist-oncologist specializing in lymphoma.”

“When I first met Joe, it was clear to me that he wanted to seek treatment for his DLBCL, and so I’m happy that he came to us and sought a second opinion,” Diaz says. “During our first visit we had a conversation about his personal goals, preferences and condition and my team and I evaluated the available options that we felt might be appropriate for him.”

“In addition to my family and faith helping me stay optimistic, Dr. Diaz and my supportive care team played a huge role in maintaining my attitude and outlook,” Joe says. “My care team was always positive and solutions-oriented which, coming from a hospice recommendation, gave me the hope I needed that I could find a treatment that worked for me.”

Joe’s care team started him on a standard chemoimmunotherapy regimen, but after about six months, a positron emission tomography (PET) scan showed that unfortunately there was still cancer present.

“We must emphasize that we (oncologists) treat patients with DLBCL with curative intent,” Diaz says. “Unfortunately, nearly half of patients see their DLBCL relapse (cancer returns) after initial treatment or not respond (cancer becomes refractory) to initial treatment. In looking at a second treatment for Joe, we needed to keep his age and functional status in mind and pursue an option that was right for him to get to the best results possible.”

For Joe, the next option he and his care team decided on was Monjuvi® (tafasitamab-cxix), a targeted immunotherapy treatment given with another medicine called lenalidomide to treat adults with certain types of DLBCL that has come back or that did not respond to previous treatment and who cannot receive a stem cell transplant. The approval of Monjuvi is based on a type of response rate. There is an ongoing study to confirm the clinical benefit of Monjuvi.

“I believe acknowledging the individual needs and preferences of each patient is imperative when managing cancers like DLBCL,” Diaz says. “Furthermore, listening to your patients and giving them the opportunity to weigh in on their care creates an open and honest environment and gives the feeling of a collaborative process.”

For Joe, it is important to him that treatment with Monjuvi does not require hospitalization — he can have it administered at a nearby healthcare facility by the local care team he has grown to know and trust.

“My family lives close by and I am thankful I do not need to be admitted or travel a long distance for my treatment,” Joe says. “Given my experience with cancer, I appreciate spending time with loved ones more than ever before.”

Joe responded well to Monjuvi and achieved a complete response, meaning all signs of his cancer have disappeared. A complete response does not always mean the cancer has been cured. Joe continues to take Monjuvi and continues to be under the care of his physicians who assess his health and continued response to Monjuvi. This is Joe’s experience with Monjuvi and reflects results as of the date of this article. Every individual is different, and results may vary.

Monjuvi may cause serious side effects, including infusion reactions, low blood cell counts and serious infections. The most common side effects of Monjuvi are feeling tired or weak, diarrhea, cough, fever, swelling of lower legs or hands, respiratory tract infection and decreased appetite. Continue reading to learn more about these and other side effects.

“I truly believe my faith and my care team kept me going through the darkest of times,” Joe says. “They were there for me every step of the way, providing transparency, optimism and hope when I needed it most.”

Please read the Important Safety Information below to learn more about the side effects of Monjuvi.

What is MONJUVI?

MONJUVI (tafasitamab-cxix) is a prescription medicine given with lenalidomide to treat adults with certain types of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that has come back (relapsed) or that did not respond to previous treatment (refractory) and who cannot receive a stem cell transplant.

It is not known if MONJUVI is safe and effective in children.

The approval of MONJUVI is based on a type of response rate. There is an ongoing study to confirm the clinical benefit of MONJUVI.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What are the possible side effects of MONJUVI?

MONJUVI may cause serious side effects, including

• Infusion reactions. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for infusion reactions during your infusion of MONJUVI. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get fever, chills, flushing, headache, or shortness of breath during an infusion of MONJUVI
• Low blood cell counts (platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells). Low blood cell counts are common with MONJUVI, but can also be serious or severe. Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood counts during treatment with MONJUVI. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or above, or any bruising or bleeding
• Infections. Serious infections, including infections that can cause death, have happened in people during treatment with MONJUVI and after the last dose. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or above, or develop any signs or symptoms of an infection

The most common side effects of MONJUVI include

• Feeling tired or weak
• Diarrhea
• Cough
• Fever
• Swelling of lower legs or hands
• Respiratory tract infection
• Decreased appetite

These are not all the possible side effects of MONJUVI. Your healthcare provider will give you medicines before each infusion to decrease your chance of infusion reactions. If you do not have any reactions, your healthcare provider may decide that you do not need these medicines with later infusions. Your healthcare provider may need to delay or completely stop treatment with MONJUVI if you have severe side effects.

Before you receive MONJUVI, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you

• Have an active infection or have had one recently
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. MONJUVI may harm your unborn baby. You should not become pregnant during treatment with MONJUVI. Do not receive treatment with MONJUVI in combination with lenalidomide if you are pregnant because lenalidomide can cause birth defects and death of your unborn baby
• You should use an effective method of birth control (contraception) during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last dose of MONJUVI
• Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with MONJUVI
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if MONJUVI passes into your breastmilk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last dose of MONJUVI

You should also read the lenalidomide Medication Guide for important information about pregnancy, contraception, and blood and sperm donation.

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to MORPHOSYS US INC. at (844) 667-1992.

Please see the full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, for additional Important Safety Information at Monjuvi.com.

If you are living with DLBCL that came back or didn’t respond to the first treatment (relapsed or refractory DLBCL), have a discussion with your healthcare provider about your therapy options. To learn more about Monjuvi, relapsed or refractory DLBCL and for support and resources, visit www.Monjuvi.com

Joe and Dr. Diaz were compensated for their time.

MONJUVI is a registered trademark of MorphoSys AG.

MorphoSys is a registered trademark of MorphoSys AG.

Incyte is a registered trademark of Incyte.

November 2023 RC-US-TAF-01880

2023-12-22T08:01:01

(BPT) – What can a smile do? The simple act of smiling can open the door to friendship, start conversations, express love and joy — and so much more. But for many children with a cleft lip and palate, easily sharing a smile with others may seem far out of reach.

During this season of joy and giving, Smile Train, a nonprofit organization that partners with local health care professionals around the world to provide free surgery and other comprehensive cleft care to those in need, looks back with gratitude on a memorable year — and forward to their upcoming 25th anniversary.

The burden of clefts

Did you know that 540 babies are born each day with a cleft? A cleft is when a baby’s top lip and/or the roof of their mouth does not form properly during pregnancy. Cleft-affected children often have difficulty eating, breathing, hearing and speaking. Clefts can even lead to malnutrition and death. Children with clefts are regularly harassed and bullied for the way they look, often forcing them to drop out of school for their own safety.

But there is hope for these children. The largest cleft-focused organization in the world, Smile Train supports free surgery and comprehensive cleft care, including nutritional support, speech therapy, psychosocial counseling, dental services and more through their many global health care partners. Since 1999, Smile Train has supported more than 1.5 million free cleft surgeries in more than 90 countries.

Smile Train also partners with two of the biggest, most respected names in healthcare, Haleon, a global leader in consumer health, and Dentsply Sirona, the world’s largest manufacturer of dental supplies and technologies, as well as with like-minded non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Kids Operating Room and Lifebox, to exponentially increase their impact and capacity for innovation.

A record-setting year

In 2023, Smile Train challenged themselves to raise awareness about the power of a smile in a bold new way: by setting the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the world’s largest online album of smiling mouths. GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ gave them a number to beat — 20,000. Then Dentsply Sirona upped the stakes with a pledge to donate an additional $120,000 to Smile Train if they set the record.

With 21,271 unique smiles collected via their online campaign, Smile Train and Dentsply Sirona officially set the new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title on Oct. 6, 2023 — World Smile Day!

Celebrating a 25th anniversary by looking back

Smile Train is celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2024, by celebrating the many ways they’ve lit up the world with smiles. Over the past quarter century they have done this by:

• Sponsoring more than 1.5 million free cleft surgeries for people of all ages since their founding in 1999
• Partnering with local medical teams in more than 90 countries
• Enabling essential, non-surgical cleft care treatments in more than 35 countries
• Training more than 2,100 trained medical professionals, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, orthodontists and nutritionists around the world
• Partnering with more than 1,100 medical centers worldwide
• Providing 40,000+ training opportunities to health care workers in traditionally marginalized regions
• Acquiring Simulare Medical, a leader in life-like 3D printed surgical simulators, in 2020

Smile Train has also empowered people with clefts in the U.S., the U.K. and around the world to join together, take pride in who they are, and raise voices for facial equality through organizing Cleft Community Advisory Councils, Cleft Con, a college scholarship program and other cleft-community-led initiatives.

In addition, the organization has put cleft care on the global health agenda at the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other multilateral institutions and lobbied for the cleft community’s needs at premiere global health and development conferences around the world.

Gratitude for every supporter

Smile Train could not perform their crucial work without the countless people and organizations who have contributed their time, resources and invaluable support over the past 24 years.

“We’re so grateful to our large community of donors, partners and ambassadors for another stellar year of providing children with clefts access to lifesaving health care,” said Susannah Schaefer, president and CEO of Smile Train. “We’re going into 2024 at full steam ahead because of the generosity of so many. We can only continue our transformative work thanks to the continued support of those around the world who care about putting smiles on the faces of children everywhere.”

Take advantage of year-end charitable giving opportunities by showing your support for Smile Train’s life-saving work. Visit SmileTrain.org to learn more and to donate today.

2023-12-21T14:37:00

(BPT) – For hematologist-oncologist Dr. Amitkumar Mehta, his passion is to help develop approaches to treat lymphoma, including immunotherapies and targeted therapies that are effective and tolerable. As a clinical trial investigator and director of the Lymphoma and Immune Effector Cell Therapy Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the state, Dr. Mehta has been treating people with lymphoma for more than a decade.

He decided to pursue a career in medicine because it represents a combination of science, compassion, service and human connection. He was attracted to hematology/oncology in particular because of the expanding understanding of cancer biology and immunotherapy and targeted treatment approaches.

“In hematology/oncology, we have seen impressive advances with the development of treatments, including antibody-drug conjugates, immunotherapies, bispecific antibodies and cell therapies,” said Dr. Mehta. “The treatment of lymphoma has seen a paradigm shift, which has benefited patients with this type of blood cancer.”

Among Dr. Mehta’s patients with lymphoma are those with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), an aggressive, or fast-growing, blood cancer.

Typically, the therapy for people with DLBCL who have not previously been treated has involved a regimen that combines traditional chemotherapy with immunotherapy (chemoimmunotherapy). Although this standard treatment is effective for many people with DLBCL, about four in 10 will see their cancer either relapse (return after treatment), usually within two years, or not respond to treatment at all.^1,2 At that point, people with DLBCL may require subsequent treatments, which exposes them to additional side effects.

That is why Dr. Mehta was excited when, in April 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a first treatment for adults who have moderate to high risk DLBCL, not otherwise specified or high-grade B-cell lymphoma.

“Receiving a diagnosis of DLBCL is devastating news for my patients who often feel hopeless. Being able to offer them another treatment option is important to me and encouraging for them to hear,” said Dr. Mehta.

DLBCL Quick Facts About 32,000 people in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with DLBCL in 20253 – just under the capacity of Fenway Park in Boston. DLBCL can affect people of any age but is most frequently diagnosed in those age 65 and older.4 DLBCL is slightly more common in men than women.4 This type of cancer is more likely to affect people of Hispanic ethnicity than white, Black, American Indian/Native Alaskan or Asian/Pacific Islander people.4 Symptoms range from swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin to coughing, difficulty breathing, soaking night sweats, persistent weakness and tiredness, unexplained weight loss and fever.5

A Major Step Forward in Treating Patients

Polivy^® (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq; learn more about approved use and safety information) in combination with four other medicines called R-CHP for short – a rituximab product, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone – is the first FDA-approved treatment since 2006 to delay the worsening or return of cancer in adults with certain types of newly diagnosed DLBCL.⁶

Polivy is what is known as an antibody-drug conjugate – it is made up of a monoclonal antibody linked to a chemotherapy. When Polivy is administered to patients, the monoclonal antibody attaches to a specific protein on dividing B cells, including those that are cancerous in DLBCL, and delivers the chemotherapy into the B cells to kill them. It also can affect some healthy cells.

“I am encouraged to be able to offer my patients newly diagnosed with this fast-growing and difficult-to-treat lymphoma a treatment option that may result in a positive outcome and that represents an important milestone in the DLBCL treatment landscape,” added Dr. Mehta.

The FDA approval of Polivy plus R-CHP was based on findings from an international late-stage trial in 879 patients with DLBCL who were randomly assigned to Polivy plus R-CHP or traditional chemoimmunotherapy. Neither the study participants or the study investigators knew who was receiving which treatment regimen (double-blind). Study results showed that Polivy plus R-CHP reduced patients’ risk of dying or their cancer progressing or relapsing by 27% compared with the traditional chemoimmunotherapy in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population, which includes all patients who were randomized in the trial.⁷ The most common side effects among patients treated with Polivy were nerve problems in arms and legs, nausea, tiredness or lack of energy, diarrhea, constipation, hair loss and redness and sores of the lining of the mouth, lips, throat and digestive tract.⁶ Please see below for additional safety information.

Patients and Loved Ones Should Talk to Their Doctor

If you or a loved one has been newly diagnosed with DLBCL, talk to your doctor about available treatment options. For more information about Polivy plus R-CHP for the initial treatment of certain types of DLBCL, visit http://www.Polivy.com.

This sponsored article is presented by Genentech.

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Polivy U.S. Indication

Polivy is a prescription medicine used with other medicines (a rituximab product, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone) as a first treatment for adults who have moderate to high risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS) or high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL).

Important Safety Information

Possible serious side effects

Everyone reacts differently to POLIVY therapy, so it’s important to know what the side effects are. Some people who have been treated with POLIVY have experienced serious to fatal side effects. Your doctor may stop or adjust your treatment if any serious side effects occur. Be sure to contact your healthcare team if there are any signs of these side effects.

• Nerve problems in your arms and legs: This may happen as early as after your first dose and may worsen with every dose. Your doctor will monitor for signs and symptoms, such as changes in your sense of touch, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, nerve pain, burning sensation, any muscle weakness, or changes to your walking pattern
• Infusion-related reactions: You may experience fever, chills, rash, breathing problems, low blood pressure, or hives within 24 hours of your infusion
• Low Blood Cell Counts: Treatment with POLIVY can cause severe low blood cell counts. Your doctor will monitor your blood counts throughout treatment with POLIVY
• Infections: If you have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, cough, or pain during urination, contact your healthcare team. Your doctor may also give you medication before giving you POLIVY, which may prevent some infections
• Rare and serious brain infections: Your doctor will monitor closely for signs and symptoms of these types of infections. Contact your doctor if you experience confusion, dizziness or loss of balance, trouble talking or walking, or vision changes
• Tumor lysis syndrome: Caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells. Signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of energy
• Potential harm to liver: Some signs include tiredness, weight loss, pain in the abdomen, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes. You may be at higher risk if you already had liver problems or you are taking other medication

Side effects seen most often

The most common side effects during treatment were

• Nerve problems in arms and legs
• Nausea
• Tiredness or lack of energy
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Hair loss
• Redness and sores of the lining of the mouth, lips, throat, and digestive tract

POLIVY may lower your red or white blood cell counts and increase uric acid levels.

POLIVY may not be for everyone. Talk to your doctor if you are

• Pregnant or think you are pregnant: Data have shown that POLIVY may harm your unborn baby
• Planning to become pregnant: Women should avoid getting pregnant while taking POLIVY. Women should use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after their last POLIVY treatment. Men taking POLIVY should use effective contraception during treatment and for 5 months after their last POLIVY treatment
• Breastfeeding: Women should not breastfeed while taking POLIVY and for 2 months after the last dose

These may not be all the side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information about the benefits and risks of POLIVY treatment.

You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

References

1. Sawalha Y. Relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a look at the approved and emerging therapies. J Pers Med. 2021;11(12):1345. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11121345. Accessed June 21, 2023.

2. Wang Y, Farooq U, Link BK, et al. Late relapses in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with immunochemotherapy. J Clin Oncol. 2019;37(21):1819-1827. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.19.00014. Accessed June 21, 2023.

3. Kanas G, Ge W, Quek RGW, Keeven K, Nersesyan K, Arnason JE. Epidemiology of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL) in the United States and Western Europe: population-level projections for 2020-2025. Leuk Lymphoma. 2022;63(1):54-63. https://doi.org/10.1080/10428194.2021.1975188. Epub 2021 Sep 11. PMID: 34510995. Accessed June 21, 2023.

4. National Cancer Institute. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER). Cancer Stat Facts – NHL. Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/dlbcl.html. Accessed June 21, 2023.

5. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Cancer.Net. Lymphoma – Non-Hodgkin: Symptoms and Signs. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/lymphoma-non-hodgkin/symptoms-and-signs. Accessed July 28, 2023.

6. Polivy (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq) Prescribing Information. Genentech, Inc. 2023.

7. Tilly H, Morschhauser F, Sehn L, et al. Polatuzumab vedotin in previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. N Engl J Med. 2022;386:351-363. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2115304. Accessed July 12, 2023.

2023-12-20T08:55:00

(BPT) – Access to healthcare services, doctors, medications, therapies, and vaccines can have life-changing impacts. That is why healthcare coverage is essential. However, staying covered takes action, especially since the restart of annual eligibility reviews for millions of individuals and families who get their coverage through Medicaid.

What has changed?

During the pandemic, the federal government enacted a Public Health Emergency (PHE), which meant that individuals covered by Medicaid were allowed to stay covered regardless of whether their eligibility had changed. This helped prevent coverage gaps during the health crisis; however, the annual renewal process restarted in early 2023, to ensure Medicaid program enrollees were still eligible to receive benefits.

“This process, called ‘the unwinding,’ impacts approximately 92 million people, who must act to keep coverage, or explore coverage options if they no longer qualify to continue receiving Medicaid, so it can be an anxious time for a lot of individuals and families,” said Kurt Small, Elevance Health Medicaid President.

Reports show that more than 11 million people have been disenrolled from Medicaid since renewals resumed, and approximately 2 million of them are children. Many more could also be at risk if they do not confirm their eligibility.

“I have seen firsthand how health insurance coverage can be complex to navigate,” said Small. “Sometimes people may go without insurance, simply because they weren’t aware of resources that could help them stay covered. But going without health insurance is a risk that no one should have to take, and that is why so many resources have been made available to help.”

Medicaid renewal next steps:

Every state Medicaid program has been actively reaching out to enrollees and directing them to resources for renewing their coverage. If you or a loved one are impacted, and need to review and renew your Medicaid coverage, consider these resources:

• MyHealthBenefitFinder.com — This self-service tool helps people explore available health coverage options. It asks a few, simple questions and provides guidance on how to access coverage. It can also provide information about various low-cost or free resources and programs that can help with other needs, including transportation, housing and childcare.
• Medicaid.gov — This website has several guides to help people understand what they need to do to renew their Medicaid or CHIP coverage, and it helps them find their state’s Medicaid contact information.
• Healthcare.gov — This resource is useful for people who have lost Medicaid eligibility, but may now qualify for a subsidized Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plan on the Marketplace Exchange. For those who qualify, some plans cost as little as $0 a month. Open enrollment periods vary by circumstances and states, but are available to most through January 15, 2024.

In addition to these online resources, Elevance Health’s affiliated health plans provide personalized assistance through dedicated representatives, who are available 12 hours a day, Monday to Friday. These representatives can provide personalized assistance through dedicated representatives who can answer unique questions and offer support in multiple languages. To reach these representatives, health plan members should call the customer service number on their health plan ID card.

“This is an unprecedented time for Medicaid, a program that provides access to critical health care services. I lead Medicaid programs at Elevance Health, which serve more than 11 million people across the nation, and we stand committed to serving as a trusted healthcare partner to provide expert assistance, online tools and other resources that can simplify the renewal and enrollment process, so people can stay covered,” said Small.