Category: Brandpoint Health

2023-11-16T12:01:00

(BPT) – Cats are masters at hiding almost everything, especially pain. It can be difficult for cat parents to spot the signs of pain, especially osteoarthritis (OA) pain, but it’s important to become familiar with these signs and symptoms and recognize changes in feline behavior to get your cat the care they need.

OA is a progressive, degenerative disease of the joints that affects more than 40% of all cats, and not just senior cats.¹ In fact, 60% of cats over 6 years of age² and 90% of cats over 12 years of age are affected by OA pain.³ Without treatment, your cat’s pain can continue to get worse and seriously affect its long-term health and well-being, as the pain may also lead to fear and anxiety, negatively impacting your cat’s unique bond with you,⁴ leading to a diminished quality of life.⁵

While prevalence is high, diagnosis of OA pain is low. Keep an eye on your feline family member and watch for these seven signs of OA pain.

1. Personality and sociability

Is your cat usually a social butterfly and has suddenly become withdrawn, grumpy or aggressive around your family, visitors and other pets? Changes in a cat’s personality and sociability may be signs they’re in pain. Even if your cat is usually more reserved and prefers alone time, you may notice that they seek isolation more than usual.

2. Litter box habits

Keep an eye on your cat’s litter box habits. You may notice that they miss the litter box when doing their business or avoid it completely. If so, they may be experiencing pain in their joints and bones that makes it harder to get in and out of the litter box.

3. Grooming

Cats are known for their meticulous grooming habits. Look out for painful mats and a less healthy coat or skin as pain can make it harder to groom places they could normally reach when twisting and contorting their bodies.

4. Slowing down

Is your cat less playful and not as active as they used to be? Decreased energy and activity as well as changes in behavior like reluctance or trouble running, jumping, chasing moving objects or climbing up and down stairs may seem like your cat is slowing down due to aging, but these symptoms could be signs of OA and joint pain.

5. Vocalization

Pay attention if your cat’s communication style is out of character, such as increased meowing, hissing and growling. Increased vocalizations may be your cat’s way of telling you they’re hurting.

6. Eating

Does your cat normally have a big appetite but has suddenly become a picky eater? Cats in pain often lose their appetite and are less food-motivated than usual. Keep track of their eating habits and make notes of how much they’re eating.

7. Sleeping

While cats normally like to sleep the day away, pain can disrupt their routines. You may notice your cat is sleeping more than usual as a way to escape the pain. Alternatively, you may notice that they are sleeping less because they can’t get comfortable or frequently wake up because of pain.

Help is here

If your cat shows any or several signs listed above talk with your veterinary health team about these changes — with the right support, you can get your cat the care they need and reduce the stress you feel. Your veterinary health team may recommend a treatment option like Solensia™ (frunevetmab injection).

Solensia is the first and only once-monthly injectable monoclonal antibody treatment to control OA pain in cats, helping improve their mobility, comfort and overall well-being.⁶ In a study, Solensia — which is administered in your veterinary office — was shown to increase mobility in cats after a single treatment.* ^6,7

Don’t let OA pain disrupt the unique bond you share with your cat. Visit Zoetis Petcare to learn more about Solensia and take a screening quiz to find out if your cat may be experiencing OA pain.

*77% of cat owners experienced improvement in signs of pain when their cats were treated monthly with Solensia in a 3-month study, and 67% of cat owners experienced improvement in signs of their cat’s pain in the placebo group.⁶

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

See full Prescribing Information at SolensiaPI.com. For use in cats only. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding should take extreme care to avoid self-injection. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, could potentially occur with self-injection. Solensia should not be used in breeding cats or in pregnant or lactating queens. Solensia should not be administered to cats with known hypersensitivity to frunevetmab. The most common adverse events reported in a clinical study were vomiting and injection site pain.

Indication: For the control of pain associated with osteoarthritis in cats.

+++

2023-11-14T05:01:00

(BPT) – In the quest for radiant-looking skin, we’re constantly on the hunt for the newest cream or silky serum, and trendy treatments don’t always deliver the results we hoped for.

If you’re looking for a way to keep your skin looking young and healthy, or if you’re hoping to reverse some of the signs of aging, try Secret PRO. This clinically proven treatment does double duty by combining two of the most in-demand treatments: RF (radiofrequency) microneedling and a fractionated CO₂ laser for maximum effects.

Secret PRO’s signature treatment, “The Gentle Peel,” resurfaces and reveals younger looking skin on most skin types in just one treatment with little to no downtime. The Gentle Peel addresses the common signs of skin aging such as fine lines, sun damage, large pores, and uneven texture.^1,2,3

Secret PRO is also ideal for treatments beyond The Gentle Peel. According to Plastic Surgeon Dr. Troy Pittman of Somenek + Pittman MD, “By combining these two powerful technologies, we can use the Secret PRO to stimulate collagen production at multiple layers in the skin for a multi-dimensional approach to skin revitalization.”

“This state-of-the-art system is very effective for remodeling the skin to improve tone and texture to deep acne scars or a micro peel treatment to revitalize our patients’ skin of the face and the body,” he says.^1,2 By pairing the two technologies, Secret PRO can cover all the bases from fractional CO₂ skin resurfacing to RF microneedling dermal remodeling.”

“The combination treatment allows us to accelerate incision remodeling and scar discoloration for our surgical patients,” adds Dr. Pittman.

“With Secret PRO’s wide range of treatment options and customizable treatment settings, we can deliver impressive, visible results, leaving patients with noticeably improved skin texture and appearance. By using tiny, ultra-fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin’s surface, we are stimulating the body’s natural healing process while promoting the production of collagen and elastin. These two essential proteins are responsible for skin firmness and elasticity,” says Dr. Eugene Chen, Medical Director of New Life New Image in Las Vegas.

“Secret PRO’s two modalities, RF microneedling and CO₂ skin resurfacing, and safety profile across various skin types ensure accessibility and effectiveness for a broad range of patients, making it a standout choice for non-surgical skin rejuvenation. We can tailor the treatment to each patient based on their skin type, skin condition, goals, and tolerance for downtime and accommodate even the busiest schedules,” he says.

“Most patients will need a series of treatments to achieve the outcomes they are looking for, from skin revitalization to a more intense treatment plan to reverse the signs of aging. The results we can achieve have been exceptional,” says Dr. Chen.

Are you ready to take your skin to the next level? Find a provider near you.

REFERENCES:

1. Tierney, Emily, and William Hanke. “Fractionated Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment of Photoaging: Prospective Study in 45 Patients and Review of the Literature.” Dermatologic Surgery, vol. 37, no. 9, 2011, pp. 1279– 1290., https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02082.x.
2. Yadav, Savita, and Aashim Singh. “Microneedling: Advances and Widening Horizons.” Indian Dermatology Online Journal, vol. 7, no. 4, 2016, p. 244.,
3. Cho, Soo Ick, et al. “Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedle Treatment in Acne Scars and Large Facial Pores.” Dermatologic Surgery, vol. 38, no. 7, 2012, pp. 1017–1024., https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2012.02402.x.

2023-11-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a rare disease in which cancerous cells form in the tissues of the lung, accounting for ~15% of all lung cancers.¹ “Small cell” refers to the small, uniform nature of the cells under the microscope – contrary to non-small cell, where cells vary in both size and shape.

SCLC is typically categorized into two stages: limited stage and extensive stage, the latter describing cancers that have spread widely throughout the lung, to the other lung, to lymph nodes across the chest, or even to other parts of the body, such as the bone marrow. Because of the aggressive nature of the condition, 80-85% of patients are diagnosed with SCLC once it has reached this extensive-stage.² With this, early detection and diagnosis can offer the best chance of successful treatment for people living with SCLC.

In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, let’s take a closer look to better understand the treatment journey of those living with SCLC.

Chemotherapy helps destroy the tumor, but also healthy bone marrow.

Because SCLC spreads quickly throughout the body, intravenous treatment such as chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of care; however, while chemotherapy works to destroy cancer cells, it does not have the ability to differentiate between cancer cells and healthy cells – ultimately damaging both.

One harmful side effect of chemotherapy is damage to the bone marrow – the parent source of multiple cell types, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When the bone marrow is damaged, this results in low blood cell count, also known as myelosuppression.

Myelosuppression can have serious consequences.

Myelosuppression can put people at increased risk of infection, fatigue, and bleeding.³ To better understand its impact, it’s helpful to first understand the functions each of our cell-types play in supporting our bodies:

• White blood cells are responsible for fighting infection, so when white blood cell counts are low – the scientific term is neutropenia – people are at a higher risk of infection;
• Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body, so when red blood cell counts are low – also known as anemia – this can lead to feelings of weakness, fatigue, dizziness or difficulty breathing;
• Platelets help clot blood, so with fewer platelets – called thrombocytopenia – there is a higher risk of bleeding or excessive bruising.

Having low blood cell counts or platelets can negatively impact people’s health and treatment, which can result in hospitalization, the need for blood transfusions or rescue interventions, as well as reduction in dose or delays in chemotherapy treatment.^4,5 In fact, neutropenia and anemia are two of the top reasons people being treated with chemotherapy enter the emergency room or hospital.⁶

Mitigating myelosuppression is possible.

For people undergoing chemotherapy, traditional treatment options for myelosuppression often promote and replace cells that have been damaged or depleted due to the chemotherapy and aim to stimulate the recovery of damaged cells. These interventions are used with the goal of stimulating or replacing individual cell lineages after the damage from chemotherapy occurs and can include:

• G-CSFs (Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor) are typically given to people who experience neutropenia (low white blood cell counts) after chemotherapy to help stimulate the body to produce more white blood cells (neutrophils) to protect against infection;
• ESAs (Erythropoietin Stimulating Agent) are given to people who experience anemia after chemotherapy to stimulate the bone marrow to make red blood cells;
• Red blood cell transfusions provide another option for people with anemia but can create other burdens for the patient including additional travel for appointments and procedures.
• While there are no approved treatments for chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, healthcare providers may consider platelet transfusions for people with low platelets.

Alternatively, some people with SCLC may have the option to receive treatment in advance of chemotherapy which may help reduce the negative effects of chemotherapy on bone marrow cells. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with SCLC, talk to your healthcare provider about your options. If you are interested in learning more about the effect of chemotherapy on multiple blood cell lineages, click here.

This content is sponsored by G1 Therapeutics.

References

¹American Cancer Society. What Is Lung Cancer? Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/what-is.html. Accessed November 2, 2023.

²Schwendenwein A, Megyesfalvi Z, Barany N. et al. Molecular profiles of small cell lung cancer subtypes: therapeutic implications. Mol Ther Oncolytics. 2021;20:470–483.

³Cleveland Clinic. Myelosuppression (Bone Marrow Suppression. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24788-myelosuppression. Accessed November 2, 2023.

⁴Kurtin S. Myeloid toxicity of cancer treatment. J Adv Pract Oncol. 2012;3(4):209-224.

⁵American Cancer Society. Kinds of Blood Product Transfusions. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/blood-transfusion-and-donation/what-are-transfusions.html. Access November 2, 2023.

⁶Hassett MJ, O’Malley AJ, Pakes JR, et al. Frequency and cost of chemotherapy-related serious adverse effects in a population sample of women with breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2006;98(16):1108-1117.

2023-11-13T16:37:00

(BPT) – As people age, our hearing tends to decline for multiple reasons, including repetitive exposure to loud sounds and genetic factors. In fact, hearing loss ranks as the third most common chronic condition among all Americans. For older Americans, nearly a quarter of those aged 65 to 74 have hearing loss. That number increases to 50% for those 75 and older.

For people in this situation, obtaining treatment as soon as possible is crucial, as hearing is vital to staying connected with friends and family. Studies have shown that hearing loss can contribute to social isolation, cognitive decline, trouble communicating and more.

While there is no cure for certain types of hearing loss, there are options to treat it and help you maintain an active lifestyle. In fact, the recent ACHIEVE Study found that for older adults at increased risk of cognitive decline, accessing hearing invention, specifically hearing aids, slowed down loss of thinking and memory abilities by 48% over three years.

To help prevent further hearing loss, avoid potential medication-related complications, and make more informed decisions about testing and treatment, here are three tips from Dr. Claire Collord Johnson, audiologist with UnitedHealthcare Hearing:

1. Continue to focus on prevention. Even if you are already experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to avoid exposure to one-time or prolonged loud sounds. When attending events such as concerts or sporting events, use protection such as foam or custom ear plugs.

There may be other activities in your day-to-day routine causing damage, too. Prolonged exposure to noise over 70 decibels over time can damage hearing health. Sources of sound above this decibel level can include lawn mowers, power tools or listening to music at high volumes. When using earbuds or headphones, follow the 60-60 listening rule, which promotes listening to audio devices at no more than 60% of maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes a day.

2. Consider your overall health. Before starting any new medications, it is important to know that more than 600 prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs have the potential to impact hearing. These medications are known as ototoxic, which means they can contribute to hearing loss, worsen tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or contribute to balance disorders.

Make sure you check with your primary care provider to review any potential side effects of new medications that could cause further harm to your hearing, as well as make sure to follow the guidance from your prescribing physician. Importantly, hearing health is connected to overall health, with untreated hearing loss linked to higher rates of depression, dementia and increased risk of falls.

3. Seek treatment. If you or a loved one believes you may be experiencing hearing loss, it is important to access care as soon as possible. Wearing hearing aids when the condition first arises may help your ears adapt to the re-introduction of lost sounds more effectively, preserving the brain’s ability to process language.

A good place to start is by completing an online hearing test, which offers a hearing health questionnaire to assess your hearing health and learn about potential next steps for care. You can also check with your primary care physician, who may be able to provide a basic test, check for earwax and refer you to a hearing health professional for a comprehensive exam. Depending on your specific needs, an audiologist or hearing health professional may be able to fit you for a prescription hearing aid.

To help make hearing aids more affordable, check with your health plan to determine if any discounts may be available. For instance, people enrolled in most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans can purchase custom-programmed hearing aids with little to no out-of-pocket costs.ⁱ Other potential ways to save on hearing aids include through membership organizations.

Following these tips can play an important role in protecting your hearing health as part of a comprehensive approach to healthy aging.

Learn more: Go to UHCHearing.com to access a free online hearing test*, find a hearing care professional near you, and to save on prescription and OTC hearing aids.

* The online hearing test is not designed to replace a professional hearing test.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply.

ⁱ The cost of hearing aids as well as the method of paying for them varies by plan. Medicare Advantage members should refer to their Evidence of Coverage document or call the number on their health plan ID card to confirm the cost and payment method for their plan.

2023-11-13T12:01:01

(BPT) – People with narcolepsy may be unaware that their chronic condition may increase their odds of having a stroke*, heart disease†, hypertension†, diabetes†, and other cardiometabolic comorbidities† compared to the people without narcolepsy. As a result, many are caught by surprise when they hear about their increased risk and the steps needed to help mitigate it.

Consider Grace** for example, who has narcolepsy type 1*** and has had to navigate the realities of her diagnosis and its connection to cardiovascular disease. Shortly after finding out she had narcolepsy, Grace spoke to her doctor and sought out online resources, which led her to a statistic that may come as a shock.

A study comparing 9,312 adults with narcolepsy to 46,559 similar adults who do not live with the sleep disorder showed that people with narcolepsy were 2.5x more likely to have a stroke**** than people without narcolepsy.

“I know narcolepsy is a life-long condition, and I will likely need treatment for the rest of my life,” Grace says. “Although I am healthy and in shape, I try to do what I can every day to lower my risk for cardiovascular disease.”

Below are some important considerations that narcolepsy patients with excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy can refer to when speaking with their doctor about their sodium intake, which is a modifiable risk factor for heart health.

Many people know sodium intake is important but may be overlooking the “why.” Enter the heart health connection. “Monitoring sodium is important to me because too much sodium can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease,” Grace says. “And I know that in general, I have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease since I have narcolepsy.”

For most adults, reducing sodium intake by 1,200 mg per day can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. And while sodium typically comes from food and drinks, people may be surprised to learn it is also in certain medications.

Oxybate-containing medications are a treatment option for people with narcolepsy who have excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy. However, some of these medications can contain up to ~1640 mg of sodium at the maximum recommended 9 g nightly dose. For patients seven years and older with cataplexy and/or excessive daytime sleepiness, XYWAV® (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates), the first and only FDA approved low-sodium oxybate, is an option. XYWAV is thought to work during sleep to help with two common symptoms of narcolepsy during the day. The exact way XYWAV works for the treatment of cataplexy and EDS in patients with narcolepsy is unknown, but it contains 92% less sodium than the higher-sodium oxybate, XYREM® (sodium oxybate) oral solution. That’s as much as ~1,509 mg less sodium per night at the maximum recommended nightly dose.

It’s important for people with narcolepsy to understand certain risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including considering their sodium intake. “I would definitely recommend to others who are struggling with excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in narcolepsy to talk to their doctor about trying XYWAV to see if it may help them like it helped me,” Grace says. No matter your age, diet or fitness status, it’s important people with narcolepsy be aware of how sodium plays into their heightened cardiovascular disease risk and to speak with their doctors about Xywav, a low-sodium treatment option.

XYWAV may cause serious side effects including Central Nervous System (CNS) depression, abuse and misuse, breathing problems, mental health problems and sleepwalking. Because of the risk of CNS depression, abuse and misuse, XYWAV is available only by prescription, and filled through the central pharmacy in the XYWAV and XYREM REMS. Please see below for more information on XYWAV.

For more information, visit XYWAV.com/narcolepsy.

Sponsored by Jazz Pharmaceuticals

* Based on an analysis of 9,312 people with narcolepsy and 46,559 people without narcolepsy matched by age, sex, geographic region, and payer who had continuous insurance coverage between the years of 2006 and 2010

† Based on an interview study of 320 people with narcolepsy compared to 1464 people without narcolepsy matched for age, sex, and body mass index

** Grace is a real XYWAV patient and has been compensated by Jazz Pharmaceuticals for her time

*** Narcolepsy type 1 is characterized by the symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness, which is the uncontrollable need to sleep during the day, and cataplexy, which is a brief loss of muscle control that can happen when a person feels a strong emotion

**** Odds ratio (95% CI) 2.5 (2.3, 2.7); P-value <0.0001

Please see Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information, including BOXED Warning and Medication Guide available on XYWAV.com.

About Xywav^® (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates) oral solution
Xywav is a lower-sodium oxybate approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness in patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy. FDA recognized seven years of Orphan Drug Exclusivity for Xywav in June 2021 for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness in patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy. The Office of Orphan Product Development (OOPD) at FDA found Xywav to be clinically superior to Xyrem by means of greater cardiovascular safety because Xywav provides a greatly reduced chronic sodium burden compared to Xyrem. According to FDA, these differences in sodium content will be clinically meaningful in reducing cardiovascular disease for many people with narcolepsy who suffer from EDS and/or cataplexy. There are no head-to-head data for Xywav and Xyrem. Xywav is comprised of a unique composition of cations resulting in 92% less sodium. At the recommended dosage range of 6 to 9 grams, that is a reduction of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 mg of sodium per night. While the exact mechanism of action of Xywav is unknown, it is hypothesized that the therapeutic effects of Xywav on cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness are thought to work during sleep to help with symptoms during the day. Because of the risks of CNS depression and abuse and misuse, Xywav is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the XYWAV and XYREM REMS.

Important Safety Information

WARNING: Taking XYWAV with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as medicines used to make you or your child fall asleep, including opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, sedating antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedating anti-epileptic medicines, general anesthetics, muscle relaxants, alcohol, or street drugs, may cause serious medical problems, including trouble breathing (respiratory depression), low blood pressure (hypotension), changes in alertness (drowsiness), fainting (syncope), and death.

The active ingredient of XYWAV is a form of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Abuse or misuse of illegal GHB alone or with other drugs that cause changes in alertness (or consciousness) has caused serious side effects. These effects include seizures, trouble breathing (respiratory depression), changes in alertness (drowsiness), coma, and death. Call your doctor right away if you or your child has any of these serious side effects.

Because of these risks, you have to go through the XYWAV and XYREM REMS to have your or your child’s prescription for XYWAV filled.

Do not take XYWAV if you take or your child takes other sleep medicines or sedatives (medicines that cause sleepiness), drinks alcohol, or has a rare problem called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency.

Keep XYWAV in a safe place to prevent abuse and misuse. Selling or giving away XYWAV may harm others and is against the law. Tell your doctor if you have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.

Anyone who takes XYWAV should not do anything that requires them to be fully awake or is dangerous, including driving a car, using heavy machinery, or flying an airplane, for at least 6 hours after taking XYWAV. Those activities should not be done until you know how XYWAV affects you or your child.

XYWAV can cause serious side effects, including the following:

• • Breathing problems, including slower breathing, trouble breathing, and/or short periods of not breathing while sleeping (sleep apnea). People who already have breathing or lung problems have a higher chance of having breathing problems when they use XYWAV.

• • Mental health problems, including confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations), unusual or disturbing thoughts (abnormal thinking), feeling anxious or upset, depression, thoughts of killing yourself or trying to kill yourself, increased tiredness, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, or difficulty concentrating. Tell your doctor if you or your child have or had depression or have tried to harm yourself or themselves. Call your doctor right away if you have or your child has symptoms of mental health problems or a change in weight or appetite.

• • Sleepwalking. XYWAV can cause sleepwalking, which can cause injuries. Call your doctor if this occurs.

The most common side effects of XYWAV in adults include nausea, headache, dizziness, anxiety, insomnia, decreased appetite, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, parasomnia (a sleep disorder that can include abnormal dreams, abnormal rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, sleep paralysis, sleep talking, sleep terror, sleep-related eating disorder, sleepwalking, and other abnormal sleep-related events), somnolence, fatigue, and tremor.

The most common side effects of XYREM (which also contains oxybate like XYWAV) in children include nausea, bedwetting, vomiting, headache, weight decrease, decreased appetite, dizziness, and sleepwalking.

XYWAV can cause physical dependence and craving for the medicine when it is not taken as directed. These are not all the possible side effects of XYWAV.

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.

Approved Use

XYWAV^® (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates) oral solution, 0.5 g/mL total salts (equivalent to 0.413 g/mL of oxybate) is a prescription medicine used to treat:

• The following symptoms in people 7 years of age or older with narcolepsy:
  • Sudden onset of weak or paralyzed muscles (cataplexy)
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)

2023-11-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – It’s the season for family gatherings and resolutions. Family gatherings can bring both joy and stress. Thinking ahead to our goals for the next year, we often focus on self-improvement or showing up for other people in our lives. But there is one action that accomplishes both and can improve our mental health significantly: Deepening connection. The advice here can apply to any space or time, but can create connection and lessen conflict at the holidays.

“Social connection is a fundamental human need, as essential to survival as food, water and shelter,” wrote Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, in his recent advisory Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation. He shared the sobering fact that research shows that social disconnection is as bad for our overall health as “smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day,” and emphasized that “Our individual relationships are an untapped resource — a source of healing hiding in plain sight. They can help us live healthier, more productive and more fulfilled lives.”

This year, The Jed Foundation (JED), which is focused on promoting mental health and preventing suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, is offering concrete ways to start important and vulnerable intergenerational conversations that are the foundation of strong, supportive relationships. They can also be life-changing and — sometimes — life-saving.

Suicide remains the second-leading cause of death among 10- to 34-year-olds in the U.S., but it is preventable. Everyone has three key tools they can use to support young people: showing up, being willing to have hard conversations, and listening deeply. Being able to talk openly about suicide opens the door through which people find help.

“One of the best ways to care for your emotional health, and the emotional health of those around you, is by connecting to people you care about,” said Dr. Katie Hurley, DSW, a child and adolescent psychologist and Senior Clinical Advisor at JED. “Through social connectedness, you can create a solid foundation for mental well-being.”

Dr. Hurley suggests two ways to create a supportive environment along with conversation starters — from the everyday to the philosophical — that can be building blocks for more connected, enjoyable and mentally healthy family gatherings now and in the year ahead.

Make Space for Connection IRL

Create boundaries for social media use as a family. Prioritize spending time with people in person. These face-to-face interactions help to foster authentic connections and allow you, your young people, and others in your circle to share the joys and challenges you are experiencing.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Being vulnerable with the people you trust in your life will help strengthen your bonds and support network. As a parent, caregiver or caring adult, admitting that you’re struggling mentally and emotionally can feel difficult, but there’s a pay-off. Acknowledging challenges makes them feel more manageable and encourages the same openness in the teens and young adults in your lives. This shows them the power of being open and honest. It’s equally important to share the things you do to cope with difficult moments.

Conversation Starters to Spark Family Connection

Caregivers to Teens

• What is something you and your friends know more about than the adults in your lives?
• If you could plan a family trip — on an unlimited budget — where would we go and what would we do?
• If you could host a dinner for six people you admire the most, who would they be?
• If you could fix one problem in the world right now what would it be?
• What is something people don’t usually know about you when they first get to know you?

Teens to Caregivers

• What’s one mistake you made that you were afraid for other people to find out about?
• What’s one thing my generation has that you wish you had when you were my age?
• Who was your go-to person when you were growing up?
• What helps you relax when you are feeling stressed?
• Name one of your most embarrassing moments when you were my age.

Teens to Teens

• What’s something you wish your family understood about you?
• What’s your favorite TikTok account when you want to check out for a bit?
• Do you have a go-to thing you do when you’re feeling down?
• How do you like people to support you when you’re having a hard time?
• Would you rather go to a big party and meet lots of new people or gather with a small group of friends at home?

To learn more about how you can invest in your mental health and that of the young people in your life, visit JED’s Mental Health Resource Center and check out JED’s Guides to having tough — but important — conversations. For example, 10 tips to start a conversation with your teens about their mental well-being.

For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact Justin Barbo, Director of Public Relations at JED, at justin@jedfoundation.org.

2023-11-09T12:01:00

(BPT) – Roy Bragadeste, a husband and father, was living in Seattle and enjoying what many would describe as a relatively normal life, working, spending time with his wife, kids and dog, and enjoying the outdoors. The idea of a cancer diagnosis was far from his mind, but that is exactly what happened.

During an epic storm blanketing Seattle with more snow than the city had seen in decades, Roy slipped and fell on a patch of ice, cracking three ribs. After experiencing severe pain for months from the broken ribs, he was examined by a doctor who pushed on his abdomen, causing Roy to call out in pain. Concerned that Roy shouldn’t be experiencing discomfort there, the doctor recommended that Roy undergo a CT scan, which showed a mass in his pelvis. Roy also had swollen lymph nodes, a common symptom of what would turn out to be an aggressive type of blood cancer called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

After undergoing a lymph node biopsy, Roy was diagnosed with this cancer of the lymphatic system, which occurs when abnormal white blood cells grow out of control.¹ DLBCL is the most common type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, responsible for approximately 31,000 new cases in the United States this year.²

Long before Roy moved to Seattle, he came to the United States from Portugal as an eight-year-old. His father, who did not yet speak English, worked three jobs, struggling to make ends meet. To help out his family, Roy started working at age 11, watering his neighbors’ yards for 75 cents each.

Helping support his family at a young age taught Roy determination and resilience, traits that would be important years later – not only when he was diagnosed with DLBCL but again when his cancer relapsed, not once but three times.

Facing the Challenge of a Lymphoma Diagnosis

DLBCL is a fast-growing blood cancer and one of the most aggressive types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.³ For many people diagnosed with DLBCL, their cancer typically goes into remission with standard initial therapy. However, for 40% of them, their cancer either relapses (returns at a later time) or is refractory (doesn’t respond to initial treatment).⁴

Although Roy had advanced-stage DLBCL, his oncologist told him it was treatable.

“It took a few weeks to accept my diagnosis and see myself as a cancer patient in the fight of my life,” Roy said.

He was initially treated with a combination of chemotherapy plus immunotherapy, persevering through six cycles of therapy.

Roy was then referred to a hematologist at the Swedish Cancer Institute in Seattle who is a lymphoma specialist and received radiation treatment.

Experiencing the Burden of Relapse

When a PET scan showed Roy’s cancer had returned, the next step in his treatment journey was a bone marrow transplant.

“It was as close as I’ve ever been to saying ‘this is it, I’m done,’” Roy said, referring to his experience undergoing the bone marrow transplant.

Six months after returning home from the hospital from the bone marrow transplant, Roy felt pain in his hip and couldn’t lift his leg. His hematologist gave him the unfortunate news that the cancer had returned a second time. Roy elected to be treated with a type of cancer therapy in which immune cells were removed from his blood, genetically modified in a lab, and reinfused – which involved a week-long hospital stay.

Three months later, a scan showed a spot in Roy’s lungs, and biopsy results revealed the cancer had returned a third time.

“Every time I heard I had cancer again, it was just as bad as the first time I heard it,” Roy said.

Roy was worried he was out of options, but he followed his hematologist’s suggestion to enroll in a clinical trial evaluating an investigational treatment – a bispecific antibody, designed to utilize the immune system to fight lymphoma – for adults with DLBCL that has come back or did not respond to at least two previous treatments. It may also affect healthy cells.

“After I experienced a third relapse, I wanted to participate in a clinical trial. Even if the study wasn’t successful, I wished to give back by using my condition to help hematologists and researchers advance investigational therapies that might help other people in a similar situation,” Roy said.

Based on the clinical trial results, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the treatment, Columvi^® (glofitamab-gxbm), under accelerated approval in June 2023 for adults with certain types of relapsed or refractory DLBCL or large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) after at least two previous rounds of cancer therapy. All medicines have side effects. In the clinical trial of Columvi, a serious side effect that was common was cytokine release syndrome, a type of inflammation throughout the body that can be severe and life-threatening.

For people like Roy with aggressive lymphoma who have relapsed several times and have limited treatment options, Columvi may provide hope.

Columvi is what’s known as a fixed-duration treatment, meaning it’s given for a finite number of treatment cycles, which may allow patients to have time off therapy after completing treatment, rather than continuous therapy, which is given until the cancer progresses. Columvi is ready for infusion, so treatment may be able to start soon after the medicine is prescribed.

After Roy’s long treatment journey, he is now in remission. Today, he enjoys participating in outdoor activities and coaching baseball, and is focused on spending time with his family.

“Having blood cancer has been devastating, but it’s also been a blessing,” he explained. “It’s given me the opportunity to live like I was dying. I got a kick in the butt that told me to wake up!”

If you or a loved one has DLBCL, talk to your doctor about treatment options. For more information about Columvi, visit https://www.columvi.com/.

This sponsored article is presented by Genentech.

# # #

Columvi U.S. Indication

Columvi (glofitamab-gxbm) is a prescription medicine to treat adults with certain types of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) that has come back (relapsed) or that did not respond to previous treatment (refractory), and who have received 2 or more prior treatments for their cancer.

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

The conditional approval of Columvi is based on response rate and durability of response. There are ongoing studies to establish how well the drug works.

What is the most important information I should know about Columvi?

Columvi can cause Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), a serious side effect that is common during treatment with Columvi, and can also be serious and lead to death.

Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you develop any signs or symptoms of CRS, including:

• fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• chills or shaking
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• dizziness or light-headedness
• trouble breathing
• shortness of breath

Due to the risk of CRS, you will receive Columvi on a “step-up dosing schedule”.

• A single dose of a medicine called obinutuzumab will be given to you on the first day of your first treatment cycle (Day 1 of Cycle 1).
• You will start the Columvi step-up dosing schedule a week after the obinutuzumab dose. The step-up dosing schedule is when you receive smaller “step-up” doses of Columvi on Day 8 and Day 15 of Cycle 1. This is to help reduce your risk of CRS. You should be hospitalized during your infusion and for 24 hours after receiving the first step-up dose on Day 8. You should be hospitalized during your infusion and for 24 hours after receiving the second step-up dose on Day 15 if you experienced CRS during the first step-up dose.
• You will receive your first full dose of Columvi a week after the second step-up dose (this will be Day 1 of Cycle 2).
• If your dose of Columvi is delayed for any reason, you may need to repeat the “step-up dosing schedule”.
• If you had more than mild CRS with your previous dose of Columvi, you should be hospitalized during and for 24 hours after receiving your next dose of Columvi.
• Before each dose of Columvi, you will receive medicines to help reduce your risk of CRS and infusion-related reactions.

Your healthcare provider will monitor you for CRS during treatment with Columvi and may treat you in a hospital if you develop signs and symptoms of CRS. Your healthcare provider may temporarily stop or completely stop your treatment with Columvi if you have severe side effects.

Carry the Columvi Patient Wallet Card with you at all times and show it to all of your healthcare providers. The Columvi Patient Wallet Card lists the signs and symptoms of CRS you should get emergency medical help for right away.

What are the possible side effects of Columvi?

Columvi may cause serious side effects, including:

• Cytokine Release Syndrome.
• Neurologic problems. Columvi can cause serious neurologic problems that may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for neurologic problems during treatment with Columvi. Your healthcare provider may also refer you to a healthcare provider who specializes in neurologic problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any signs or symptoms of neurologic problems, including:

3. • headache
   • confusion and disorientation
   • difficulty paying attention or understanding things
   • trouble speaking
   • sleepiness
   • memory problems
   • numbness, tingling, or weakness of the hands or feet
   • dizziness
   • shaking (tremors)

• Serious Infections. Columvi can cause serious infections that may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for signs and symptoms of infection and treat you as needed. Tell your health care provider right away if you develop any signs of an infection, including: fever, chills, weakness, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat.
• Growth in your tumor or worsening of tumor related problems (tumor flare). Tell your healthcare provider if you get any of these signs or symptoms of tumor flare:
• tender or swollen lymph nodes
• pain or swelling at the site of the tumor
• chest pain
• cough
• trouble breathing

The most common side effects of Columvi include: CRS, muscle and bone pain, rash, and tiredness.

The most common severe abnormal lab test results with Columvi include: decreased white blood cells, decreased phosphate (an electrolyte), increased uric acid levels, and decreased fibrinogen (a protein that helps with blood clotting).

Your healthcare provider may temporarily stop or completely stop treatment with Columvi if you develop certain side effects.

Before receiving Columvi, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have an infection
• have kidney problems
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Columvi may harm your unborn baby

Females who are able to become pregnant:

• Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with Columvi.
• You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment and for 1 month after your last dose of Columvi. Talk to your healthcare provider about what birth control method is right for you during this time.
• Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with Columvi.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Columvi may pass into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 month after your last dose of Columvi.

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

What should I avoid while receiving Columvi?

Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities if you develop dizziness, confusion, shaking (tremors), sleepiness, or any other symptoms that impair consciousness until your signs and symptoms go away. These may be signs and symptoms of neurologic problems.

These are not all the possible side effects of Columvi. Talk to your health care provider for more information about the benefits and risks of Columvi.

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 Important Safety Information, including Serious Side Effects, as well as the Columvi full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide or visit https://www.Columvi.com.

References

1. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Cancer.Net. Lymphoma – Non-Hodgkin: Introduction. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/lymphoma-non-hodgkin/introduction. Accessed June 28, 2023.
2. 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 28, 2023.
3. American Cancer Society. About Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. What Is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/about/what-is-non-hodgkin-lymphoma.html. Accessed June 28, 2023.
4. 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 28, 2023.
5. Columvi (glofitamab-gxbm) Prescribing Information. Genentech, Inc. 2023.

2023-11-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – Diagnosed with breast cancer nearly four years ago at the age of 41, Krisdee Clark*, like many women, was completely taken aback. What laid ahead for her was an inspiring journey of personal growth and recovery. Not only would she harness her own resilience and grace to thrive after treatment, but she would also channel her experience and strength to inspire change. In doing so, she’d create a meaningful platform to support other women who were going through similar struggles.

Facing a diagnosis with numerous hurdles

After feeling a lump and some minor discomfort while in the shower, Krisdee quickly made an appointment with her gynecologist who advised her to have a mammogram and diagnostic ultrasound. A week later, doctors scheduled a biopsy and shared the news of her diagnosis: invasive lobular carcinoma, a form of breast cancer that begins in the milk ducts.

To make a difficult situation even harder, the diagnosis arrived during her husband’s deployment overseas and coincided with the onset of COVID-19.

“The moment I was diagnosed, I knew I had to handle it with grace,” explained Krisdee, a mother of two young children plus three “bonus children.” “I had to show my daughter that we could get through this. I had to show my son what it was like to be a woman and go through something like this, in case he ever has someone in his life who ends up in a similar situation. That was very important to me.”

In addition to the weight of coping with her diagnosis, Krisdee struggled to find the right surgeon who could not only assure the successful removal of cancer but also instill confidence in the reconstruction of her breasts afterward.

Her grace was tested when the initial surgical oncologist she saw commented on her bringing an entourage to her appointment, which included having her husband join via FaceTime since he was deployed. Following this incident, Krisdee’s desire for a double mastectomy was met with resistance, and the plastic surgeon she consulted with offered little reassurance, telling her that while she would never look the same post-reconstruction, the cancer would be removed, and she should be happy with that.

Krisdee left the appointment in tears, knowing there had to be other options. “I struggled because a lot of people had the view that once the cancer’s gone you should be happy,” she said. “Removing the cancer was number one, but at 41 years old, I wasn’t ready to just accept that this is what I’d look like. It was very disheartening, and I knew there had to be more options.”

Moving forward with grace

Throughout her very trying journey, Krisdee drew strength from within and the support of her loved ones to continue searching for a doctor that she knew would be the best fit for her.

This is when Krisdee’s husband, an employee of Johnson & Johnson, sought advice from a colleague at Mentor Worldwide LLC, the #1 global brand in breast aesthetics, and another company within J&J. What Krisdee learned was invaluable: find a plastic surgeon who also specializes in reconstruction because they will work in partnership with some of the best surgical oncologists. Through this contact, Krisdee found surgeons Dr. Garrett Harper and Dr. Peter Turk, who actively involved her in every step of her treatment and reconstruction journey and gave her hope.

At the time of her diagnosis, Krisdee was initially informed of a 2 mm mass in her breast. However, a subsequent MRI showed the mass was closer to 5 mm and near her lymph nodes. In March 2020, just over a month after her diagnosis, and with the support of family, friends, and her doctors, Krisdee underwent a bilateral mastectomy (double mastectomy) and the mass was discovered to be significantly larger, measuring at 7.7cm. During her surgery, she had MENTOR^® Breast Tissue Expanders placed to increase the amount of breast tissue needed prior to her having breast reconstruction with MENTOR^® Breast Implants.

Turning struggle into strength

Like many women facing a breast cancer diagnosis, Krisdee was searching for answers, not just from a medical perspective, but from the shared experiences of women going through similar challenges. Frustrated by the absence of information, she decided to create The Blonde Bombshell, a blog that evolved into a much larger platform for Krisdee — offering a vital online community for women seeking resources, connections, and inspiration.

“I’ve spoken to many women who were talked out of reconstruction or dismissed by doctors. I’m thankful I found doctors that listened to me,” Krisdee said. “I use my blog and platform to educate others about what to expect — and things I wish I knew before I was diagnosed. I want to be a resource for others because I wanted resources so badly.”

Surprised by the global traction her blog was getting, Krisdee considered additional platforms to broaden her impact on raising awareness. Her aim was to ensure that women no longer felt isolated during their breast cancer journeys.

It had been years since she was a teenager in a state beauty pageant, but Krisdee recalled its potential for driving awareness and change. Motivated by this memory, Krisdee re-entered the pageant world, first winning the title of Mrs. Capital City in South Carolina only 8 months post-reconstruction. Shortly after, in April 2022, Krisdee was crowned Mrs. South Carolina American. Her journey continued on the national stage, where, just three months later, she took home the crown and national title of Mrs. American 2022.

Winning Mrs. American presented Krisdee with opportunities for public speaking, connecting with fellow survivors, and discovering a deeper meaning in her cancer journey. She’s since joined Susan G. Komen for the Cure, serving as the Keynote Speaker for their Advocacy Day in Washington, DC, and recently shared her story on the Real Pink Podcast. During her reign, Krisdee also visited women cancer warriors at Walter Reed Medical Center.

Through her journey, Krisdee wants women to have answers to their questions and assurance that they are not walking this path alone. Her platform is clear: Women can thrive and still feel beautiful after breast cancer.

“It was important to me that I didn’t let cancer define me,” Krisdee said. “I really believe that was my mindset from the beginning. It was very important to always have the outlook that I was bigger than cancer, and I would defeat this.”

Learn more about Mentor and breast reconstruction at BreastImplantsByMentor.com

To learn more about Krisdee’s journey, visit www.KrisdeeClark.com.

*Krisdee Clark is being compensated by Mentor for her time and participation in sharing her story.

The sale and distribution of Mentor Breast Implant Devices are restricted to users and/or user facilities that provide information to patients about the risks and benefits of the device prior to its use in the form and manner specified in approved labeling to be provided by Mentor Worldwide LLC.

Important information: Prior to use, refer to the instructions for use supplied with this device for indications, contraindications, side effects, warnings and precautions.

Caution: US law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

Important Safety Information:

The MENTOR^® Collection of Breast Implants are indicated for breast reconstruction.

Breast implant surgery should not be performed in women:

• With active infection anywhere in their body
• With existing cancer or pre-cancer of their breasts who have not received adequate treatment for those conditions
• Who are currently pregnant or nursing

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in patients with autoimmune diseases (for example lupus and scleroderma), a weakened immune system, conditions that interfere with wound healing and blood clotting, or reduced blood supply to breast tissue. Patients with a diagnosis of depression, or other mental health disorders, should wait until resolution or stabilization of these conditions prior to undergoing breast implantation surgery.

There are risks associated with breast implant surgery. You should be aware that breast implants are not lifetime devices and breast implantation may not be a one-time surgery. The chance of developing complications increases over time. You may need additional unplanned surgeries on your breasts because of complications or unacceptable cosmetic outcomes. Many of the changes to your breast following implantation are irreversible (cannot be undone) and breast implants may affect your ability to breastfeed, either by reducing or eliminating milk production.

Breast implants are not lifetime devices and breast implantation may not be a one-time surgery. The most common complications for breast reconstruction with MENTOR^® MemoryGel^® Breast Implants include any reoperation, implant removal with or without replacement, and capsular contracture. The most common complications with MENTOR^® MemoryShape^® Breast Implants for breast reconstruction include reoperation for any reason, implant removal with or without replacement, and capsular contracture. A lower risk of complication is rupture. The health consequences of a ruptured silicone gel breast implant have not been fully established. MRI screenings are recommended three years after initial implant surgery and then every two years after to detect silent rupture. Breast implants are also associated with the risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), an uncommon type of lymphoma. An individual’s risk of developing BIA-ALCL with MENTOR^® Breast Implants is low based on the incidence of worldwide cases. The most common complications for breast reconstruction with MENTOR^® Saline-filled Breast Implants include re-operation, implant removal, capsular contracture, breast pain, and implant deflation.

Detailed information regarding the risks and benefits associated with MENTOR^® Breast Implants is provided in several educational brochures. For MemoryGel^® Implants: Important Information for Reconstruction Patients about MENTOR^® MemoryGel^® Breast Implants. For MemoryShape^® Implants: Patient Educational Brochure – Breast Reconstruction with MENTOR^® MemoryShape^® Breast Implants and Quick Facts about Breast Augmentation & Reconstruction with MENTOR^® MemoryShape^® Breast Implants. For MENTOR^® Saline-filled Implants: Saline-Filled Breast Implants: Making an Informed Decision. These brochures are available from your surgeon or visit www.mentorwwllc.com. It is important that you read and understand these brochures when considering MENTOR^® Breast Implants.

ARTOURA^® Breast Tissue Expanders and CONTOUR PROFILE^® Breast Tissue Expanders are used for breast reconstruction after mastectomy, correction of an underdeveloped breast, scar revision, and tissue defect procedures. The expander is intended for temporary subcutaneous or submuscular implantation and is not intended for use beyond six months. ARTOURA^® Breast Tissue Expanders and CONTOUR PROFILE^® Tissue Expanders contain a magnet within the internal injection domes and are NOT MRI compatible. The device could be moved by the MRI causing pain or displacement, potentially resulting in a revision surgery. DO NOT use the ARTOURA^® Breast Tissue Expander and CONTOUR PROFILE^® Tissue Expander in patients that have a previously implanted device such as pacemakers, drug infusion devices, artificial sensing devices, etc. that could be affected by a magnetic field. Mentor has not tested the effects of radiation therapy with ARTOURA^® Breast Tissue Expanders and CONTOUR PROFILE^® Expander devices. The incidence of extrusion of the expander has been shown to increase when the expander has been placed in injured areas: scarred, heavily irradiated or burned tissue, crushed bone areas, where severe surgical reduction of the area has previously been performed; and where steroids are used in the surgical pocket. Detailed information about indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions associated with the use of ARTOURA^® Breast Tissue Expanders CONTOUR PROFILE^® Expanders are provided in the Instructions for Use (IFU) available online at www.mentorwwllc.com

259827-231010

© Mentor Worldwide LLC 2023

2023-11-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by GSK.

Nurses use their knowledge, training and compassion to help patients cope with the most difficult times in their lives. Retired nurses, Peg and Debbie, share their stories of how they adjusted from nurse to patient after being diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer, along with their advice for anyone impacted by the disease.

These are the stories of Peg and Debbie and how they managed their disease.

Peg and Debbie are spokespeople for GSK. This is their experience and others’ may be different.

From nurse to patient

While both nurses recognized symptoms that seemed abnormal, they also had to face the reality that it can take time to reach a correct diagnosis.

After testing positive for COVID during the pandemic, Peg’s abdominal pain was assumed by her health care providers to be caused by COVID-related colitis. She had a number of abdominal CT scans due to her abdominal discomfort for several months that were inconclusive until an ovarian cyst and potential bowel infection were shown. Peg’s experience as a nurse told her she shouldn’t be developing cysts at age 65, so she immediately contacted her gynecologist. After undergoing laparoscopic surgery to address these issues, Peg was told in the recovery room that she had ovarian cancer. There are currently no recommended screening tests for ovarian cancer, and PAP smears do not detect the disease.¹

Upon her diagnosis, she met with her gynecologic oncologist within two days and underwent a total hysterectomy along with partial colectomy (removal of uterus and cervix, and part of the bowel) days later.

Although Peg found the transition to becoming a patient challenging, she also gained clarity about her role. “I told every healthcare professional I interacted with that I did not want to be spoken to like a nurse,” Peg explained. “I wanted to be treated like a patient — someone with a serious condition who needed a treatment plan that could help prolong my life.”

Debbie’s diagnosis was especially shocking to her as a former obstetrics and gynecology nurse. Though she routinely “reinforced the importance of regular PAP smears, breast self-exams, and mammograms” to her patients at the clinic, “symptoms of ovarian cancer were never a priority in patient education.” Debbie’s situation is not uncommon, as the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer can be similar to common health conditions.²

After Debbie mentioned irregular brown spotting she was experiencing at a check-up, an ultrasound discovered a thickened uterine lining and abnormal bilateral ovaries. The gynecologist explained that her ovaries showed cysts and lesions.

Debbie’s ovarian cancer wasn’t discovered until after she had surgery to remove a polyp, the thick uterine lining, and her tubes and ovaries. She was surprised by the diagnosis, as she had experienced none of the symptoms — such as pelvic pain — that the gynecologist had asked her about. Debbie’s experience is not abnormal, as ovarian cancer often produces symptoms caused by less serious conditions and can even cause no symptoms at all.¹

Debbie’s diagnosis disrupted plans to enjoy retirement at the beach with her husband. “I’ve always been a planner. In junior high, when I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said I planned to be a nurse,” said Debbie. “But I never planned to have cancer.”

Ovarian cancer facts

About 20,000 people will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer in the U.S. this year, according to current estimates from the American Cancer Society — and about 13,000 will die from ovarian cancer.³ In fact, ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths for women.³ The American Cancer Society reports that ovarian cancer often develops in older women, with about one-half of those diagnosed being 63 or older.³

First-line treatment for advanced ovarian cancer

For both women, their initial treatment involved at least one surgery, followed by chemotherapy. Another vital aspect of their treatment plans was the pursuit of maintenance therapy, a treatment approach that may extend the time before cancer comes back. Maintenance therapy can be an important approach to ovarian cancer treatment as about 85% of people with ovarian cancer experience recurrence after their initial treatment.⁴

In Peg’s case, she was eligible to receive a type of maintenance therapy, a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, that might be beneficial for her long-term care. These inhibitors work to prevent cells from repairing their damaged DNA, which may help slow the return of progression of cancer.⁵ “When discussing options with my oncologist, she recommended ZEJULA (niraparib) as a first-line maintenance treatment as my best course to help prolong remission,” Peg explained. Maintenance therapy options, like ZEJULA, may help delay certain types of advanced ovarian cancer from coming back.⁶

APPROVED USES
ZEJULA tablet is a prescription medicine used for the:

• maintenance treatment of adults with advanced ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer. ZEJULA is used after the cancer has responded (complete or partial response) to treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy

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

Peg’s doctor discussed the most serious potential side effects of ZEJULA with her, such as bone marrow problems called MDS (myelodysplatic syndrome) or a type of blood cancer called AML (acute myeloid Leukemia) which may lead to death. Routine monitoring of high blood pressure, heart rate and monitoring of blood counts will be required during treatment. ZEJULA has also been associated with PRES (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome) which may cause headaches, vision changes, confusion or seizures.

Peg experienced elevated blood pressure and headaches with her initial dose of ZEJULA. This was Peg’s experience, yours may be different. “It’s important to keep your doctor informed of any side effects you may be experiencing,” Peg added. Some of the more common side effects for ZEJULA are nausea, tiredness, constipation, and pain in the muscles or back. These are not all the potential side effects of ZEJULA; please review the Important Safety Information below, as well as the full Prescribing Information.

ZEJULA should be taken at the same time every day. Peg takes her treatment every night at bedtime and although the routine works for her, she strongly recommends other patients work with their doctor to find a regimen that works best for them.

“Today, my bloodwork is monitored monthly, and I still actively see my oncologist. It’s important to work with your physician to follow the monitoring schedule,” Peg said. “I had to put a lot of trust and faith in letting the professionals do what they knew how to do in helping me find the right treatment. I’m grateful to have found a maintenance treatment for advanced ovarian cancer that works for me.”

In Debbie’s case, she was also able to get through chemotherapy with manageable side effects. “After the third round of chemo, my doctor brought up the idea of using a PARP inhibitor as a maintenance treatment for advanced ovarian cancer,” said Debbie.

Debbie underwent genetic testing to discover that she was negative for the BRCA (BReast CAncer) gene. However, her tumor was positive for the homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) biomarker. Because of her HRD mutation, Debbie explained, “my doctor recommended ZEJULA which may help delay any potential recurrence.”

BRCA genes produce proteins that repair damaged DNA, and mutations in these genes can carry increased risks of certain types of cancers, such as ovarian cancer.⁷ HRD means that the body’s cell repair system no longer works properly, and therefore is unable to repair damaged DNA in the body’s cells.⁸ When a cancerous tumor tests positive for HRD, this means that its cancer cells have a harder time repairing themselves.⁸

Debbie experienced side effects including nausea, feeling winded with any exertion and dropping blood counts. This was Debbie’s experience, yours may be different. After adjusting the dose of ZEJULA and addressing her side effects, Debbie’s doctor was able to find the right amount of medicine that worked for her.

Everyone’s reaction to medication may be different, so both women stressed the importance of frequent communication with your healthcare team.

“I encourage others to listen to their bodies and not ignore subtle symptoms. Find a doctor who is willing to listen to you and educate you on your disease,” Debbie noted. “I’m now planning on living my life the best way that I can! Advanced ovarian cancer has changed a lot of things in my life, but one thing will never change: I’ll always be a planner.”

APPROVED USES
ZEJULA (niraparib, tablets 100 mg/200 mg/300 mg) tablet is a prescription medicine used for the:

• maintenance treatment of adults with advanced ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer. ZEJULA is used after the cancer has responded (complete or partial response) to treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy

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

Important Safety Information

ZEJULA (niraparib, tablets 100 mg/200 mg/ 300 mg) may cause serious side effects, including:

Bone marrow problems called Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) or a type of blood cancer called Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Some people who have ovarian cancer and who have received previous treatment with chemotherapy or certain other medicines for their cancer have developed MDS or AML during treatment with ZEJULA. MDS or AML may lead to death.

Symptoms of low blood cell counts (low red blood cells, low white blood cells, and low platelets) are common during treatment with ZEJULA. They can be a sign of serious bone marrow problems, including MDS or AML. These symptoms may include the following:

Weakness	Frequent infections	Blood in urine or stool
Feeling tired	Fever	Bruising or bleeding more easily
Weight loss	Shortness of breath

Your doctor will do blood tests to check your blood cell counts before treatment with ZEJULA. You will be tested weekly for the first month of treatment with ZEJULA, monthly for the next 11 months of treatment, and from time to time afterward.

High blood pressure is common during treatment with ZEJULA, and it can become serious. Your doctor will check your blood pressure and heart rate at least weekly for the first two months, then monthly for the first year, and as needed thereafter during your treatment with ZEJULA.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a condition that affects the brain and may happen during treatment with ZEJULA. If you have headache, vision changes, confusion, or seizure, with or without high blood pressure, please contact your doctor.

Before starting to take ZEJULA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• Have heart problems
• Have liver problems
• Have high blood pressure
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ZEJULA may harm an unborn baby and may cause loss of pregnancy (miscarriage)
• If you are able to become pregnant, you should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with ZEJULA and for 6 months after taking the last dose of ZEJULA
• If you are able to become pregnant, your doctor may perform a pregnancy test before you start treatment with ZEJULA
• You should tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
• ZEJULA may harm your baby. You should not breastfeed your baby during treatment with ZEJULA and for 1 month after taking the last dose of ZEJULA

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

The most common side effects of ZEJULA include the following:

Nausea Tiredness Constipation Pain in your muscles and back Pain in the stomach area Vomiting Loss of appetite Trouble sleeping Headache

Shortness of breath Rash Diarrhea Cough Dizziness Changes in the amount or color of your urine Urinary tract infection Low levels of magnesium in the blood

If you have certain side effects, then your doctor may change your dose of ZEJULA, temporarily stop, or permanently stop treatment with ZEJULA.

These are not all the possible side effects of ZEJULA. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information.

To learn more about this treatment option, visit ZEJULA.com.

Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

©2023 GSK or licensor.

NRPCOCO230010 October 2023

Produced in USA.

References

1. American Cancer Society. Can Ovarian Cancer Be Found Early? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection. Last Updated July 24, 2020. Accessed October 2023.
2. American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html. Last Updated April 11, 2018. Accessed October 2023.
3. American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Ovarian Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html. Last Updated January 12, 2022. Accessed October 2023.
4. Lorusso D, Mancini M, Di Rocco R, et al. The role of secondary surgery in recurrent ovarian cancer [published online August 5, 2012]. Int J Surg Oncol. 2012;2012:613980. doi:10.1155/2012/613980. Accessed October 2023.
5. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: PARP inhibitor. National Cancer Institute website. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/parp-inhibitor. Accessed October 2023.
6. ZEJULA Tablet PI. GSK 2023. Accessed October 2023.
7. National Cancer Institute. BRCA Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/brca-fact-sheet. Last Updated November 19, 2020. Accessed October 2023.
8. Target Ovarian Cancer. Homologous recombination deficiency. https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/hereditary-ovarian-cancer/homologous-recombination-deficiency. Accessed October 2023.

2023-11-05T17:03:00

(BPT) – Menopause is a natural transition every woman goes through. Yet, it remains misunderstood and often misidentified.

A groundbreaking study of more than 32,000 women may revolutionize this. The study, conducted by Phenology — a pioneering women’s health brand that provides non-hormonal menopause solutions — offers insights that debunk some of the most prevalent myths surrounding menopause. Knowing the facts can empower women to advocate for effective care from healthcare professionals.

Myth 1: Menopause usually happens after age 50.

According to Phenology’s study, the average age of menopause onset was 53, but women as young as 35 were observed in the early stage of perimenopause.

Ultimately, there’s no standard timeframe for the menopausal transition, which can last between 7 and 14 years. In the Phenology study, 50-year-old women were in the 25-75th percentile range across four different menopause stages: early perimenopause, late perimenopause, early postmenopause and late postmenopause. This means that at the age of 50, some women are just starting their journey in early perimenopause while others have already entered late postmenopause.

Myth 2: Postmenopause means it’s over.

Postmenopause is the last stage of menopause; but counterintuitively, it’s marked by an increase in symptom number and frequency. Phenology found that women experience an average of 11 symptoms during postmenopause, compared to 8 during perimenopause. Late postmenopause had the highest incidence of hot flashes (73%), night sweats (68%), brain fog (77%), and insomnia (70%). Sexual issues also intensified in this phase, with 62% of women reporting low libido and 52% noting vaginal dryness, which can lead to painful intercourse.

The label “post” in this case is somewhat deceiving, and doesn’t capture women’s actual experience.

Myth 3: Hot flashes are the main symptom worth treating.

Menopause is more than just hot flashes, with women experiencing an average of 9 symptoms simultaneously over the course of the transition. They range from physical — hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia and brain fog — to emotional — anxiety, mood swings, irritability and depression — to sexual, like low libido and vaginal dryness. These are frustrating at best, life-disrupting at worst, and plenty deserving of treatment.

Early perimenopause especially is marked by emotional symptoms that could be mistaken for mental health. Phenology’s study found that 72% of women in this stage reported mood swings, 70% felt anxiety, 67% experienced irritability and 60% indicated a depressed mood. Understanding that these emotional changes might be caused by hormonal shifts can help women get proper care.

Myth 4: Menopause is the same for everyone.

While all women will go through the menopausal transition, Phenology’s study found that the experience is remarkably different for each individual. Across 32,000 women, Phenology identified over 15,000 completely unique symptom combinations. Chances are, a woman and her closest friends will each experience different symptoms — making it near impossible to get accurate advice from peers.

With only 31% of OB-GYNs receiving formal menopause training, getting proper care from a doctor isn’t always easy, either. Private companies like Phenology are stepping in to fill this gap, leveraging technology to deliver the personalized, non-hormonal relief that 82% of women prefer. They’ve partnered with Vitamin Shoppe to make non-prescription menopause solutions more accessible. Women can now get personalized supplement advice at Vitamin Shoppe, paving the way for a transformed menopause experience.