Category: Brandpoint Health

2022-12-05T09:00:00

(BPT) – The end of the year is fast approaching. For patients living with diabetes, this is a great time to check your emergency kit and replenish it with any supplies and prescriptions while maximizing your insurance benefits.

The end of the year means your insurance deductible and FSA will soon reset for the new year. Now is the time to check if you’ve met your insurance deductible. If so, make a list of medications and supplies you’ll need at home and on the go that you can purchase with your FSA.

One thing to consider purchasing at the end of this year is a glucagon rescue pen like Gvoke HypoPen^® (glucagon injection). When you experience severe low blood sugar, it can be difficult to mix your own glucagon. Instead, opt for this pre-mixed, ready-to-use glucagon injection that all patients on insulin should have in their emergency kit.

Managing your diabetes can be stressful and costly, but saving on some of your health care expenses can help ease some of that burden. You’ll be glad you have this convenient rescue pen as a safety net when it matters most. Talk to your doctor about adding Gvoke HypoPen^® to your diabetes toolkit before your FSA funds expire and your deductible resets. To learn more, visit GvokeGlucagon.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT GVOKE

INDICATION AND SAFETY SUMMARY

GVOKE is a prescription medicine used to treat very low blood sugar (severe hypoglycemia) in adults and kids with diabetes ages 2 years and above. It is not known if GVOKE is safe and effective in children under 2 years of age.

WARNINGS

Do not use GVOKE if:

• you have a tumor in the gland on top of your kidneys (adrenal gland), called a pheochromocytoma.
• you have a tumor in your pancreas called an insulinoma.
• you are allergic to glucagon or any other inactive ingredient in GVOKE.

GVOKE MAY CAUSE SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, INCLUDING:

High blood pressure. GVOKE can cause high blood pressure in certain people with tumors in their adrenal glands.

Low blood sugar. GVOKE can cause low blood sugar in certain people with tumors in their pancreas called insulinomas by making too much insulin in their bodies.

Serious allergic reaction. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have a serious allergic reaction including:

• rash
• difficulty breathing
• low blood pressure

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

The most common side effects of GVOKE in adults include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• swelling at the injection site
• headache

The most common side effects of GVOKE in children include:

• nausea
• low blood sugar
• high blood sugar
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• headache
• pain or redness at the injection site
• itching

These are not all the possible side effects of GVOKE. For more information, ask your doctor. 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.

BEFORE USING

Before using GVOKE, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you:

• have adrenal gland problems
• have a tumor in your pancreas
• have not had food or water for a long time (prolonged fasting or starvation)
• have low blood sugar that does not go away (chronic hypoglycemia)
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

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

HOW TO USE

• Read the detailed Instructions for Use that come with GVOKE.
• Use GVOKE exactly how your healthcare provider tells you to use it
• Make sure your relatives, close friends, and caregivers know where you store GVOKE and how to use it the right way before you need their help.
• Act quickly. Having very low blood sugar for a period of time may be harmful.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you how and when to use GVOKE.
• After giving GVOKE, your caregiver should call for emergency medical help right away.
• If you do not respond after 15 minutes, your caregiver may give you another dose, if available. Tell your healthcare provider each time you use GVOKE. Low blood sugar may happen again after receiving an injection of GVOKE. Your diabetes medicine may need to be changed.

HOW TO STORE

• Keep GVOKE in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it.
• Store GVOKE at temperatures between 68°F and 77°F.
• Do not keep it in the refrigerator or let it freeze.

Keep GVOKE and all medicines out of the reach of children.

For more information, call 1-877-937-4737 or go to www.GvokeGlucagon.com.

2022-12-05T06:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Pfizer

Living with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis – also known as eczema – can be challenging.^[1] In addition to having the physical burden that includes flare-ups of red, itchy, painful skin, there can also be a significant emotional and social impact.^{[2],[3],[4],[5]} But those living with eczema aren’t alone. Eczema is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases, impacting people of all genders, races, ethnicities and ages.^{[2],[6],[7],[8]} There’s no time like the present to learn more about moderate-to-severe eczema, and to myth bust four common misconceptions about this condition.

Myth: Most people grow out of their eczema

Eczema most often occurs in babies and children. While childhood eczema may go away or get better with age, about 50% of pediatric patients may have recurrent symptoms into adolescence and adulthood.^[9],[10] In fact, there are about 6.6 million adults living with moderate-to-severe eczema in the U.S.

Myth: Eczema is “just a rash”

While eczema is often defined by itchy, dry, scaly or red skin, its reach extends beyond the surface of the skin.^[8] The physical burden of eczema can be relentless and demanding with a constant cycle of itching and scratching.^[2],[5]

A study of over 1,000 people showed that about 6 in 10 people struggle to control their moderate-to-severe eczema. It’s important to tell your doctor about your eczema signs and symptoms. This can help them suggest a treatment plan that’s right for you.^[11]

Myth: The cause of eczema is the same for everyone

Eczema occurs when inflammation of the skin and skin barrier defects change your skin’s ability to hold moisture. This can make your skin dry and easily irritated.^[2],[8] There are a number of things that can trigger eczema flares, including genetic, environmental and emotional factors.^[2]

For example, a child may be more likely to develop eczema if their parent has eczema, allergic rhinitis, asthma or food allergy.^[12] Some fabrics, food, sweat or even stress can also cause flares.^[2] Some research suggests that stress makes it harder for your skin to recover from damage caused by eczema.^[13] This extended healing time can then cause more stress — adding to a continuous cycle of stress and eczema.^[13]

Myth: Topical creams and ointments are the only options available to treat moderate-to-severe eczema

Although there is no cure for eczema, there are different treatment options available. Appropriate options depend on different factors, such as age, eczema severity and previous treatment history.^[14],[15] While current therapeutic approaches do include applying over-the-counter moisturizers and emollients, or prescription topicals, there are also oral and injectable medications, and phototherapy.^[15] One option may be CIBINQO (abrocitinib) – a once-daily prescription pill to treat adults with moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) that did not respond to other treatment and is not well controlled with prescription medicines, including biologics, or when they cannot be tolerated.^[16] Learn more at www.CIBINQO.com.

If you’ve had success with CIBINQO, consider sharing your story to help inspire others at www.CIBINQO.com/share-your-experience. It can feel great to make a positive impact for others, especially those who may be struggling.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION FOR CIBINQO

CIBINQO may cause serious side effects, including:

Serious infections. CIBINQO can lower your immune system’s ability to fight infections. Do not start CIBINQO if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. Serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body, have occurred in people taking CIBINQO or other similar medicines. Some people have died from these infections. Your risk of developing shingles may increase while taking CIBINQO.

Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before treatment with CIBINQO and monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB infection during treatment.

Before and after starting CIBINQO, tell your doctor right away if you have an infection, are being treated for one, or have symptoms of an infection, including:

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

CIBINQO can make you more likely to get infections or worsen infections you have.

There is an increased risk of death in people 50 years and older who have at least one heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and are taking a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor (such as CIBINQO).

Cancer and immune system problems. CIBINQO may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers, can happen. People, especially current or past smokers, have a higher risk of certain cancers, including lymphoma and lung cancers, while taking a JAK inhibitor. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice about having your skin checked for skin cancer during treatment. Limit the amount of time you spend in sunlight and avoid using tanning beds or sunlamps. When in the sun, wear protective clothing and use SPF 30+ sunscreen. This is especially important if you have very fair skin or a family history of skin cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.

There is an increased risk of major cardiovascular (CV) events such as heart attack, stroke or death in people 50 years and older who have at least one heart disease (CV) risk factor and are taking a JAK inhibitor, especially for current or past smokers.

Some people taking CIBINQO have had major cardiovascular events.

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

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

Blood clots. Blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE) can happen in some people taking CIBINQO. This may be life-threatening. Blood clots in the veins of the legs and lungs have happened more often in people 50 years and older, with at least one heart disease (CV) risk factor, taking a JAK inhibitor. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs in the past.

Get medical help right away if you have any signs and symptoms of blood clots including swelling, pain, or tenderness in one or both legs; sudden, unexplained chest or upper back pain; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Changes in certain laboratory test results. Your doctor should do blood tests before and during treatment with CIBINQO to check your lymphocyte, neutrophil, red blood cell, and platelet counts. You should not take CIBINQO if these counts are too low. Your healthcare provider may stop treatment for a period of time if there are changes in these blood test results. You may also have changes in other laboratory tests, such as your blood cholesterol levels. Your doctor should do blood tests about 4 weeks after you start treatment and 4 weeks after any increase in dose to check blood cell counts and as often as needed for other laboratory tests.

During the first 3 months of treatment with CIBINQO, do not take medicines that prevent blood clots except low-dose aspirin (=81 mg daily), if prescribed.

Before taking CIBINQO, tell your healthcare provider if you:

• have an infection, are being treated for one, or have one that won’t go away or keeps returning
• have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weak immune system
• have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB
• have had shingles (herpes zoster)
• have had hepatitis B or hepatitis C
• live, have lived, or traveled to certain areas (such as Ohio & Mississippi River Valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections. These infections may happen or worsen when taking CIBINQO. Ask your healthcare provider if you’re unsure if you have lived in an area where these infections are common
• have had any type of cancer
• have had blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs
• are a current or past smoker
• have had a heart attack, other heart problems, or stroke
• have kidney or liver problems
• have abnormal blood tests (low platelet count or white blood cell count)
• have any eye problems, including cataracts or retinal detachment
• have recently received or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. People who take CIBINQO should not receive live vaccines
• are or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if CIBINQO will harm your unborn baby. Pfizer has a Pregnancy Exposure Registry for pregnant women who take CIBINQO to check your health and the health of your baby. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking CIBINQO, ask your healthcare provider how you can join this pregnancy registry or call 1-877-311-3770 to enroll
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if CIBINQO passes into your breast milk. You should not take CIBINQO while breastfeeding
• are taking other medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. CIBINQO and other medicines may affect each other, causing side effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take aspirin or any antiplatelet therapies. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure

The most common side effects of CIBINQO include common cold, nausea, headache, herpes simplex including cold sores, increased blood level of creatinine phosphokinase, dizziness, urinary tract infection, tiredness, acne, vomiting, mouth and throat pain, flu, stomach flu, bacterial skin infection, high blood pressure, allergic skin rash to something you contacted, stomach pain, shingles, and low platelet count.

CIBINQO may cause fertility problems in females, which may affect the ability of females to get pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about fertility.

Separation or tear to the lining of the back part of the eye (retinal detachment) has happened in people treated with CIBINQO. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any sudden changes in your vision.

These are not all of the possible side effects of CIBINQO.

What is CIBINQO (si-BINK-oh)?
CIBINQO (abrocitinib) is a prescription medicine to treat adults with moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) that did not respond to other treatment and is not well controlled with prescription medicines, including biologics, or when they cannot be tolerated.

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

You are encouraged to report adverse events related to Pfizer products by calling 1-800-438-1985 (U.S. only). If you prefer, you may contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directly. Visit www.fda.gov/MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

CIBINQO is available in 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg pills.

Please click for full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING, and Medication Guide or visit CIBINQO.com

This article is sponsored by Pfizer Inc.

PP-CIB-USA-0230

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2022-12-05T06:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re worried whether you’re giving your dog the best food for their health, you’re not alone. The newest generation of pet parents consider their pet’s food choices to be just as important as their own. Compared to previous generations, the next generation of pet parents are five times more likely to add a topper to their dog’s kibble to elevate the dog’s mealtime experience, according to a fresh pet food study conducted by Wellness Pet Company with The Valen Group. That adds up to nearly 4 out of 10 next gen pet parents (38%) who are topping their dog’s food each day. The study also shows that millennial and Gen Z pet parents are willing to pay up to 15% more for a premium nutritional choice, driven by their desire to seek higher quality ingredients and nutrition for the health and wellness of their pet — so they can enjoy a lifetime of wellbeing together. This growing interest in providing four-legged family members with better fresh nutrition options led Wellness Pet Food to expand their Wellness^® Bowl Boosters^® line with the launch of Wellness^® Bowl Boosters Freshly™ in June 2022. These fresh toppers are supercharging dogs’ existing kibble with complete and balanced nutrition that dogs and pet parents love.

Dr. Danielle Bernal, global veterinarian with Wellness Pet Company, knows how high-quality fresh foods make a difference in dogs’ overall health and elevate mealtime excitement to a whole new level.

“Fresh, whole-food ingredients help give our dogs what they need, such as all-day energy, strong bones and immunity as we navigate life’s adventures together,” said Bernal. “With premium protein, rice and a variety of vegetables, our newest recipes are energizing the pet and pet parent relationship at mealtime, supporting all that they love to do together.”

If you’re unsure how to tell if your dog’s food provides sufficient nutrition to optimize their health, Dr. Bernal offers some important things to consider.

1. How do you know your dog’s food is supporting their physical well-being? Look for signs like:

• Healthy skin and shiny coat
• All-day energy that keeps them running and playing
• Healthy digestion so you know your pet is absorbing essential nutrients
• Strong teeth and bones that help them eat well and stay active
• Healthy immune system that keeps dogs feeling their best

2. What ingredients in fresh products like Wellness^® Bowl Boosters Freshly™ benefit your dog’s health and how?

• Guaranteed antioxidants like Vitamins A and E for immune system support
• Omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed or salmon oil for a lustrous skin and coat
• Calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones
• Wholesome veggies and grains like carrots and rice for natural dietary fibers to support digestive health and provide the energy your pet needs
• Increased nutrient absorption from highly digestible proteins, fats and carbohydrates to help fuel total wellbeing
• Fresh food toppers like Wellness^® Bowl Boosters Freshly™ provide increased total hydration to support daily activity and put less strain on major organs, and help aid overall kidney and urinary health
• With a homecooked texture and high-quality fresh ingredients, a fresh topper is the ultimate way to make mealtimes exciting and more bowl-licking delicious for your pup
• “Veterinarians and food scientists at Wellness Pet Company ensure that each recipe delivers more than just the finest quality ingredients,” Bernal noted. “Our recipes provide a complete and balanced meal that meets the nutrient, vitamin and mineral needs of a dog at any life stage to promote a lifetime of shared wellbeing.”

3. Suggestions for how pet parents can use fresh foods in their daily mealtime routine

Pet parents have options on how to feed their dog fresh food, whether they are choosing to top their existing kibble with fresh food or serving as a complete meal. Remember:

• Once thawed, fresh food needs to be refrigerated and enjoyed within five days.
• Choose flavors your dog will love — Wellness^® Bowl Boosters Freshly™ recipes, for example, offer a variety of ingredients: 1) Chicken and Butternut Squash, 2) Beef and Carrots, 3) Turkey and Sweet Potatoes — and 4) a recipe made specifically for puppies, with Puppy Turkey and Rice.

“With high-quality meats, healthy grains and wholesome veggies, this fresh food delivers a tasty boost that elevates every dog’s mealtime unlike any other, for a delicious meal that even the fussiest dog will love,” added Bernal.

Wellness^® Bowl Boosters Freshly™ not only supercharges your dog’s bowl but all that you do together: more backyard frolicking, longer walks, more road trips, cozier cuddles, more energetic play dates and of course more meaningful mealtimes.

Wellness^® Bowl Boosters Freshly™ recipes are now available in freezers at PetSmart and Petco, with delivery options via DoorDash, and for purchase online at Chewy.com. Learn more about Wellness Pet Food at WellnessPetFood.com.

2022-12-01T17:05:00

(BPT) – A knock on the door at Roy Gault’s home may have saved his life.

Roy, who is in his late 70s, was feeling fine when nurse practitioner Diana Dombrowski showed up at his home for a HouseCalls visit.

Mentally and physically, Roy felt sharp, and the last thing he thought he needed was an in-home health and wellness visit. But little did he know, he was on the brink of having a stroke or heart attack.

For UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members like Roy, HouseCalls is a yearly, in-home health and wellness clinical service — a check-in care visit that comes as a health plan feature, at no additional cost. The visit helps members stay on top of their health and well-being between doctor appointments.

During the visit, a licensed physician or nurse practitioner will review an individual’s medical history, answer questions, perform a physical exam and offer a health screening. These visits also give HouseCalls licensed health care professionals the opportunity to assess the social, emotional and environmental needs of a member that usually cannot be assessed in a clinic setting.

On a typical day, Diana spends around 45 minutes to an hour with each person, taking the time to discuss concerns and answer questions.

“Having that time is so unique and important,” Diana said. “We have the time to help people feel comfortable opening up. And we have the time for that coaching, advocacy and wellness education.”

Why prevention matters

For Roy, it started as a routine visit. Diana explained the purpose of the HouseCalls program and its benefits and noted that on the surface, Roy appeared to be quite healthy.

“He wasn’t exhibiting any concerning physiological symptoms,” she said.

However, that quickly changed.

During the exam, although Roy wasn’t feeling dizzy or lightheaded, his pulse registered very low. Then, she took his blood pressure and it was very high.

“Combined with his pulse rate reading that was concerningly low, right there, I stopped the visit. I told him, ‘We need to get you to urgent care or the ER right now,’” she said.

Diana moved into action. She called urgent care first and reported what was going on. The triage nurse recommended heading straight to the emergency room. Diana called the ER to give them the background on Roy’s situation.

Empowering positive outcomes

On Diana’s advice, Roy got in the car with a friend who drove him to the ER.

“When we got there, the hospital staff were waiting for me because Diana had called them and explained the urgency of the circumstances,” he said. “Immediately, I was admitted and worked on.”

Roy had, indeed, been dangerously close to a major stroke or heart attack and stayed in the intensive care unit for three days.

When Diana called to check in a week later, Roy explained he was now seeing a cardiologist and set up with a primary care provider.

“It felt so good to know that he had that continuity of care in place,” she said.

Speaking about his experiences, Roy said, “I have encouraged so many people I know — my family, my circle of friends — about the importance of this preventive care,” he said. “What you see in the mirror might not be what’s going on. It’s your life, you need to preserve it.”

“You can feel well and be fully functional,” Diana said, “but there are things happening beneath the surface that can put you at such high risk for a major event that can change the rest of your life.”

Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply. HouseCalls may not be available in all areas.

2022-12-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – While many adults experience constipation at various times in their lives and know how uncomfortable it can be, when those symptoms are severe and stick around for long periods of time, you may be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) or chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC).

In addition to severity and duration, symptoms of both IBS-C and CIC may include infrequent or hard-to-pass bowel movements (BMs), straining, bloating and not feeling you’ve fully evacuated after a BM. For those with IBS-C abdominal pain is also commonly experienced.

These past few years have been difficult for people with these conditions. According to a 2022 Salix-sponsored survey of adults living with IBS and CIC, 49% of those polled reported their symptoms were more challenging to manage over the last 12 months, and 45% said they developed the condition within the past two years.

Additionally, many have not found complete relief. Many sufferers rely on over-the-counter (OTC) remedies which, the survey found, almost half of those polled reported they were not satisfied with the OTC treatments they’ve used.

If you’re experiencing long bouts of constipation, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider about your symptoms to determine if you have IBS-C or CIC. To help with the diagnosis, be prepared to describe your symptoms and how long you’ve had them.

Your doctor may also show you the Bristol Stool Form Scale, a visual representation of seven different types of BMs that’s used to identify your stool type. It may also be helpful to keep a diary to track flare-ups and possible triggers. This may help you and your doctor discuss the treatment plan that may work best for you. It is also a good idea to use that diary to track any other symptoms you may experience beyond constipation. For people suffering from IBS-C, those may include abdominal pain.

While at first you may feel awkward speaking with your doctor about bowel movements, the more informed and open you are about it, the better able they will be to properly diagnose and discuss treatment options with you.

To learn more about IBS-C and CIC symptoms and a treatment option for adults, click here.

Sponsored by Salix Pharmaceuticals

2022-12-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – Take charge of your health. Click here to learn more about endometrial cancer; resources are available for you, including a helpful discussion guide on when (and how) to talk to your doctor.

2022-12-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – To access more information about cancer, click here.

2022-12-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – Patient registries are a way for researchers to collect data outside of clinical trials to increase understanding of the natural history of a particular condition. The data are used to study outcomes, monitor best practices within the framework of the standard of care, and accelerate the development of new treatment options. Classic CAH is a rare, genetic condition with multiple hormone abnormalities and complex symptoms affecting many organs, including the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis or balance in response to stress. The real-world data found in patient registries are especially important for rare conditions such as classic CAH where such data is limited. The CAHtalog™ (Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Patient and Clinical Outcomes in Real-World Practice Settings) Registry aims to support patient-centered research, by creating a database for use in research to enhance the scientific community’s foundational knowledge of classic CAH, and ultimately help patients who live with the condition.

Advancing Research in Classic CAH

To develop new treatments for classic CAH, researchers and scientists require an in-depth understanding of how the condition and the current treatment options impact patients and caregivers. Due to the complexity of treating classic CAH and because the condition is rare, adequate long-term data are lacking. Therefore, more complete and central data collection of standardized, research-ready information is needed to better understand the disorder and how to best manage it.

Standard registries require someone from a clinician’s office to enter patient data of interest from charts. In contrast, the CAHtalog™ Registry is a direct-to-patient registry that uses technology that enables data to be captured by extracting the relevant data from a patient’s charts. With the real-world data provided through patient medical records, researchers gain a better understanding of the condition as patients receive routine care from their doctors.

Researchers can use this data to understand how classic CAH progresses, how it is typically monitored and managed, and how current treatments can impact clinical outcomes of interest in these patients. All this information provides important context on the natural history of the condition that is invaluable for developing new treatment options, especially for a rare disease like classic CAH.

“Registries like this one are of crucial importance to researchers working to advance the treatment of conditions such as CAH,” said Karen Lin Su, M.D., Medical Director at the CARES Foundation. “The data provide the most realistic window into the needs that we are looking to solve. Participation helps to further research for the CAH community, contributing to advancements in care that can impact generations.”

Coming Together for a Cause

CARES Foundation, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc, and PicnicHealth are committed to furthering the understanding of classic CAH and fostering the development of new treatment options, an endeavor that requires a greater understanding of both the disease and its impact on the lives of patients and caregivers.

CARES recognized the need for data compilation and saw an effective pathway to establish a patient-centered registry through collaboration with Neurocrine Biosciences and PicnicHealth.

• CARES, a non-profit organization solely dedicated to those impacted by CAH, supports CAH research and has helped plan and implement the registry.
• Neurocrine Biosciences, a biopharmaceutical company, is sponsoring the registry to support the scientific and medical communities in increasing their understanding of CAH.
• PicnicHealth, an innovative electronic health records company, uses its research platform to collect and encrypt patients’ medical records when they enroll, structure the anonymized data for use by researchers, and provide patients with access to their consolidated records.

Most importantly, patient participation in research initiatives like this one may play an essential role in advancing CAH treatment and care.

Benefits to You

Not only may the CAH community benefit from your participation, but you will have ready access to your digital medical records following enrollment. Specifically, PicnicHealth will digitize and encrypt all your medical records and arrange them into a timeline, which you’ll be able to access and share with your medical providers to help inform future care. Additionally, you can earn up to $150 per year with the completion of optional surveys.

How Do I Sign Up?

Adults and children living with classic CAH who have received care in the U.S. can visit picnichealth.com/CAH to enroll in just a few minutes. Contributing to the registry is simple and does not involve medical tests, study medications, or in-person visits.

With your consent, PicnicHealth will gather and de-identify your medical history and compile it with information from other participants to create a valuable resource for researchers. Your personal information will never be shared with researchers—only aggregated anonymized data is shared—and PicnicHealth uses advanced technology and processes to keep your information safe.

“Signing up for the CAHtalog Registry was very simple, and I am proud I was one of the first to join,” said Lesley Holroyd. “It is so fulfilling to know that I am contributing to research that could one day benefit me and other people living with CAH.”

To learn more about the CAHtalog™ Registry and to sign up, visit picnichealth.com/CAH.

©2022 Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CAP-PIP-US-0006 12/2022

2022-11-30T13:09:38

(BPT) – This content is sponsored and provided by Myovant Sciences and Pfizer Inc.

Did you know that men are less likely to go to the doctor than women? A study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control in 2018 found that nearly a quarter of men had not seen a doctor in the past year – while only half as many women reported the same. Some men may try to “tough it out” when they have an issue, rather than seeking help, but it is important to receive regular preventative care and manage any new or existing conditions in order to stay healthy. In addition to taking stock of your own health, it’s also a good idea to check in with the men in your life to make sure they’re taking care of themselves.

Take a few moments to review the following five frequently asked questions about prostate cancer to ensure you have a few key facts about this surprisingly common and potentially serious disease – including what you can do if you or a loved one is diagnosed.

1. How common is prostate cancer?

Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in American men, other than skin cancer, and is the second leading cause of cancer death for men in the U.S. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 268,000 new cases of prostate cancer in 2022.

Risk factors for prostate cancer include older age (most commonly after age 65), race, family history and genetic factors.

2. Who should be screened for prostate cancer?

The American Urological Association (AUA) prostate cancer screening guidelines suggest men 55 to 69 years old have a discussion with their doctor about whether to get screened for prostate cancer. Men with a family history of prostate cancer and Black men may be at a higher risk for prostate cancer and can talk to their doctor about getting screened at an earlier age.

3. What can you do if you or a loved one is diagnosed with prostate cancer?

When someone is diagnosed with prostate cancer, they should talk to their doctor, who will work with them to assess their personal situation and determine how to help manage the disease. Some patients may feel overwhelmed, so it is important they take time to absorb the information their doctor shares with them. Asking any questions that come to mind is also crucial in order for patients to feel confident about their path forward.

Additionally, coping with a serious condition like cancer can take an emotional toll on the individual patient, so it is important for patients to take care of their mental health. Receiving a diagnosis of cancer can cause a range of feelings including disbelief, fear, anger, anxiety, and depression. Many prostate cancer patients experience severe levels of depression, which can negatively affect their treatment progress and disease course. Adding to this, prostate cancer may be seen as a private disease, which can be emotionally isolating.

Support from friends and family is also incredibly important, so if one of your loved ones has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, know there are many resources that can help you learn how to best support them.

4. What does it mean for prostate cancer to become advanced?

Prostate cancer is considered advanced if it is recurrent (meaning it has returned after initial treatment), locally advanced (meaning it has spread to tissues near the prostate) or metastatic (meaning it has spread to other parts of the body).

Some men with advanced prostate cancer may experience problems passing urine or may see blood in their urine. Some may also feel tired, weak or lose weight. However, some men with advanced prostate cancer may not have any signs or symptoms. While advanced prostate cancer cannot be cured, there are ways to treat it, once detected.

5. What are some potential treatment options?

If prostate cancer is detected, healthcare providers may suggest different treatment options based on the results of test findings, the stage of the cancer, and the patient’s overall health. It’s important for patients to work with their doctors to understand and assess each option and determine what is best for them.

For advanced prostate cancer, first-line treatment often includes androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), which can lower levels of testosterone – a hormone that most prostate cancer needs to grow. One ADT option is ORGOVYX^® (relugolix), the first and only oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist prescription medicine used in adults for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Unlike other forms of ADT, ORGOVYX is a pill, not an injection. Please see Important Safety Information below and full Prescribing Information and Patient Information for ORGOVYX. For more information about ORGOVYX, visit www.ORGOVYX.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND USE

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking ORGOVYX?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• Have any heart problems, including a condition called long QT syndrome.
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ORGOVYX can harm your unborn baby and cause loss of pregnancy (miscarriage).
• Have a partner who is pregnant or may become pregnant.
  • Males who have female partners who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with ORGOVYX and for 2 weeks after the last dose of ORGOVYX.
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ORGOVYX passes into your breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines or treatments you receive, including: prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Taking ORGOVYX with certain other medicines can affect how ORGOVYX works or may cause side effects.

You should not start or stop any medicine before you talk with your healthcare provider who prescribed ORGOVYX.

What are the possible side effects of ORGOVYX?

Serious side effects of ORGOVYX include:

• Changes in the electrical activity of your heart (QT prolongation). Your healthcare provider may check your body salts (electrolytes) and the electrical activity of your heart during treatment with ORGOVYX. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any signs or symptoms of QT prolongation, including:

dizziness fainting

feeling that your heart is pounding or racing (palpitations) chest pain

Most common side effects of ORGOVYX include:

hot flushes increased blood sugar levels increased blood fat (triglyceride) levels muscle and joint pain decreased blood hemoglobin levels

increased liver enzymes tiredness constipation diarrhea

ORGOVYX may cause other side effects including weight gain, decreased sex drive, and erectile function problems.

ORGOVYX may cause fertility problems in males, which may affect your ability to father children. Talk to your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.

These are not all the possible side effects of ORGOVYX. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects or if you have a side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

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

What is ORGOVYX?

ORGOVYX is a prescription medicine used in adults for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

It is not known if ORGOVYX is safe or effective in females or children.

2022-11-29T15:07:00

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