Category: Brandpoint

2023-10-16T15:01:00

(BPT) – When many people think of eczema, they usually picture mild, itchy rashes on the skin. However, for those living with moderate-to-severe forms of the disease, daily activities can become more difficult due to recurrent signs and symptoms such as intense, persistent itching and dry, irritated, itchy rashes that can crack or ooze.

Danielle Jonas, businesswoman, children’s book author and wife of Kevin Jonas of the band the Jonas Brothers, has been living with moderate eczema and is ready to share her experience for the first time, and her journey to getting control of her symptoms. Danielle is partnering with Sanofi and Regeneron to help empower those living with moderate-to-severe eczema to feel comfortable with their own skin and is sharing some of her favorite tips that have helped her manage her own symptoms.

If you or your loved one are living with eczema that’s moderate or severe, keep reading below for inspiration from Danielle Jonas on how to be your own advocate.

1. Understand Your Signs and Symptoms

Danielle first noticed signs of moderate eczema after the birth of her second child, when she noticed a burning, itchy sensation on her scalp. She recalls how her symptoms progressed. “Eczema can appear on different parts of the body, but in my case, my scalp got so irritated, I couldn’t even move my hair without this burning, itchy feeling,” she said. “Some daily activities became difficult for me – even showering was hard because of the rashes on my head.”

Eczema signs and symptoms can be characterized by near-constant itching and dry, irritated, itchy rashes that can appear red, purple, gray or brown depending on skin tone. Scratching can lead to scarring and discoloration of the skin.. It’s important for people with moderate-to-severe eczema to understand these symptoms and know when to seek medical advice from an eczema specialist.

2. Confide in Your Support System

If you, or someone you love, are living with moderate-to-severe eczema, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Building a good support system, inclusive of your family, friends, eczema support groups and healthcare provider, can be an effective step toward learning more about your symptoms and how to manage them.

For Danielle, she remembers how her eczema symptoms affected her, “My skin felt so uncomfortable, I would try to find ways to get out of attending events, like joining my husband on tour,” she said. She realized, though, how taking time for the people and things she loves, like playing dress up with her daughters and watching romantic comedies with her husband, helped keep her mind off her symptoms for certain periods of time.

Danielle knows from personal experience how speaking with trusted individuals can also further your eczema journey for the better. “I was on this cycle trying different topical and prescription treatments and different doctors, until I finally found an eczema specialist that took my concerns seriously,” she said. “She was the one who opened my eyes about eczema being a chronic, inflammatory disease.”

3. Finding a Treatment Plan That Works for You

Danielle had seen multiple doctors and tried various treatments, including prescription topicals and others, before an eczema specialist suggested she try Dupixent (dupilumab).

Dupixent is a biologic treatment for people ages 6 months and older with moderate-to-severe eczema that is not well-controlled with topical prescription therapies, or who cannot use topical therapies. People shouldn’t use Dupixent if they are allergic to it or its ingredients. Serious side effects include allergic reactions that can sometimes be severe, eye problems and joint aches and pain. Please see Important Safety Information below.

Dupixent works by targeting a key source of inflammation inside the body, to help reduce itch and rashes. It is the only biologic medicine approved to treat moderate-to-severe eczema from infancy to adulthood.

After starting Dupixent, Danielle experienced less itching and clearer skin. “When I first realized Dupixent was working, I ran down the stairs crying with joy to tell my husband. I had just finished blow drying my hair, and I didn’t have as much of the same burning itch that I had before,” she said. “My journey is still ongoing – some days are better than others, but I am grateful to be more comfortable with my skin and I’m relieved that I found something that works for me. Everyone’s experiences are different, so talk to your eczema specialist about treatment options.”

Dupixent can help adult patients with moderate-to-severe eczema achieve clearer skin and less itch. In two clinical trials at 16 weeks, adults on Dupixent had clear or almost clear skin (37% compared to 9% not taking Dupixent) and significant itch reduction (38% compared to 11% not taking Dupixent).

The most common side effects in patients with eczema include injection site reactions, eye and eyelid inflammation, including redness, swelling, and itching, sometimes with blurred vision, cold sores in your mouth or on your lips, and high count of a certain white blood cell (eosinophilia).

Visit ShowUpAD.com to see more inspiring stories like Danielle’s, and to learn more about Dupixent and access the full Prescribing Information.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION & INDICATION

Do not use if you are allergic to dupilumab or to any of the ingredients in DUPIXENT^®.

Before using DUPIXENT, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

• have eye problems.
• have a parasitic (helminth) infection.
• are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should not receive a “live vaccine” right before and during treatment with DUPIXENT.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether DUPIXENT will harm your unborn baby.
  • A pregnancy registry for women who take DUPIXENT during pregnancy collects information about the health of you and your baby. To enroll or get more information call 1-877-311-8972 or go to https://mothertobaby.org/ongoing-study/dupixent/.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether DUPIXENT passes into your breast milk.

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

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you are taking oral, topical or inhaled corticosteroid medicines or if you have atopic dermatitis and asthma and use an asthma medicine. Do not change or stop your corticosteroid medicine or other asthma medicine without talking to your healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms that were controlled by the corticosteroid medicine or other asthma medicine to come back.

DUPIXENT can cause serious side effects, including:

• Allergic reactions. DUPIXENT can cause allergic reactions that can sometimes be severe. Stop using DUPIXENT and tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms: breathing problems or wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, fast pulse, fever, hives, joint pain, general ill feeling, itching, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, nausea or vomiting, or cramps in your stomach-area.
• Eye problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worsening eye problems, including eye pain or changes in vision, such as blurred vision. Your healthcare provider may send you to an ophthalmologist for an eye exam if needed.
• Joint aches and pain. Some people who use DUPIXENT have had trouble walking or moving due to their joint symptoms, and in some cases needed to be hospitalized. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or worsening joint symptoms. Your healthcare provider may stop DUPIXENT if you develop joint symptoms.

The most common side effects in patients with eczema include injection site reactions, eye and eyelid inflammation, including redness, swelling, and itching, sometimes with blurred vision, cold sores in your mouth or on your lips, and high count of a certain white blood cell (eosinophilia).

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of DUPIXENT. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 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.

Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It’s an injection given under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Your healthcare provider will decide if you or your caregiver can inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to prepare and inject DUPIXENT until you or your caregiver have been trained by your healthcare provider. In children 12 years of age and older, it’s recommended DUPIXENT be administered by or under supervision of an adult. In children 6 months to less than 12 years of age, DUPIXENT should be given by a caregiver.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information including Patient Information.

INDICATION

DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 6 months of age and older with moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis or AD) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical), or who cannot use topical therapies. DUPIXENT can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with atopic dermatitis under 6 months of age.

US.DUP.23.09.0012

2023-10-16T06:01:01

(BPT) – If you take a prescription medication, have you ever skipped a dose or refill due to cost? If so, you’re not alone. Taking medication as prescribed is essential to your health, but it’s difficult to choose between your own well-being and your financial well-being. One potential solution to this dilemma: personal prescription importation.

Prescription medications used to treat chronic or long-term conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease are a part of everyday life in many American households. In the past 12 months, 57% of adults aged 18 to 64 took prescription drugs at some time, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, 37% or 123 million Americans have skipped filling a prescription due to costs, according to a poll released this year by YouGov America. Inflation and economic uncertainty have put even more pressure on Americans’ budgets recently.

Now new survey and price comparison data from the Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation (CPPI) reveals that if you want to save money on your prescription medications, you may want to consider getting your prescriptions from a licensed pharmacy in Canada.

Canadian pharmacies offer potential savings

Americans choosing to import their prescription medications from licensed Canadian pharmacies report saving an average of $4,920 a year and an average of four times or 400% the savings compared to U.S. pharmacies, according to the CPPI survey.

The survey results reveal a trend of increasing savings for patients importing medications from Canada year over year for the last five years. Americans importing their prescription medications from Canada reported saving an average of $410 per month, compared to U.S. costs. Additionally, 99% of respondents in the report would recommend importation to their friends and family members.

“I have a heart condition where my insurance does not cover the cost of the $650 prescription. I’m able to buy my medication at close to cost from a Canadian pharmacy, saving me $600 a month,” said Jordan Chiappetta of Illinois.

Mary Libby, a registered nurse in Maine, had a similar experience. “Prior to being able to order my medication from Canada I was paying over $300 per month for cholesterol medication, which has no generic in the United States. I am able to get a 3-month supply from Canada for $85 which includes shipping,” she said.

How to find a safe pharmacy

If you’re considering prescription importation, it’s important to only work with licensed pharmacies in Canada. All pharmacies must be licensed to be approved by the Canadian International Pharmacy Association. CIPA has a long history of oversight of online pharmacy businesses, conducts periodic inspections of all dispensing facilities and has robust safety and privacy protocols to ensure patient safety.

Websites accredited by CIPA will always meet these requirements that help you feel confident you’re working with a safe, reputable pharmacy:

• Require a valid prescription before dispensing medications
• Obtain demographic and medical information and maintain a health profile with medication history to avoid adverse drug interactions
• Have a licensed pharmacist on staff to supervise dispensing of medications and provide consultation upon request
• Protect the privacy and confidentiality of your personal records and contact information
• Publish contact information for customer service
• Sell quantities of approximately a 3-month supply at a time
• Disclose pharmacy location prior to purchase

Visit PersonalImportation.org to learn more and find a licensed Canadian pharmacy. Learn more about how much you can save so that your health and your finances can both be a priority.

2023-10-13T11:31:00

(BPT) – While college is often a positive experience, it can also take a take a toll on students’ eyes. From intense screen time to late study sessions and nights out with friends, prioritizing eye health may not always be top of mind. While parents may not be there to oversee their children when they’re away at college, they can still share important tips to set them up for success.

Whether you are a student or a parent, Dr. Heidi Pham Murphy from Visions Optometry in Sacramento, CA, has a few ideas, as she regularly meets with college students in her practice and offers proper eye care tips.

“Often I see college aged patients come to my office who don’t realize how important it is to prioritize their eye health,” said Dr. Pham Murphy. “Missteps like not properly cleaning your contact lenses could have long-term consequences. There are a number of tips college students can follow to ensure they’re set up for success as they head back to campus.”

Parents, share these 5 eye health tips with your college kids:

1. Give your eyes a contact lens that delivers exceptional visual clarity

80% of classroom learning is done visually and it’s no surprise that college students spend most of their learning time looking at digital screens. Blue-violet light is everywhere, coming from screens, fluorescent light and the sun and scatters more which may result in decreased visual clarity.^*

If your student wears contacts, consider ACUVUE^® OASYS MAX 1-Day which filters about 60% of blue-violet light.^*

2. Follow the 20-20-20 rule

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: take a break every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. A great time to do this is on the walk between classes as it will give your eyes a break and prevent you from walking into someone else which can happen if you’re looking down at your phone.

When looking at a digital screen, you blink 60% less, which may lead to feelings of dryness and tired eyes. ACUVUE^® OASYS MAX 1-DAY contact lenses are designed to provide visual clarity and all-day comfort, which is especially helpful when enduring those long days of college life!

Another great option is 1-DAY ACUVUE^® MOIST contact lenses, which create a long-lasting cushion of moisture for 20 hours or more.

3. Simplify your busy schedule

College students live busy lives. They juggle academic and other activities ranging from class, studying, part-time jobs, and socializing with friends. The last thing college students want to worry about is the maintenance involved with cleaning their contacts each night.

For busy college students, daily disposable lenses are a great option. Each morning, pop on a new pair of contacts and take them off and toss in the trash at the end of the day. Replacing lenses each day decreases the incidence of adverse events associated with contact lens overwear. Make your parents proud. Spend less time worrying about your contacts and more time studying!

4. Prioritize your eyes day and night

College students’ schedules are constantly changing. Whether they are on their way to class, ready to hit the gym or off to the library for a study session, daily disposables such as ACUVUE^® OASYS MAX 1-Day provide exceptionally clear, comfortable vision across a wide range of lighting conditions. This lens provides UV blocking with 100% UVB and 99.9% UVA protection on top of the highest blue-violet light filtering at 60%.^*,†,‡,§ So, whether your student is indoors, outdoors or late-night studying, this lens has them covered!

5. Invest in your eye health

Many young college students think they’re invincible (as parents we can all reflect on those years when we felt we were invincible too) and don’t spend much time or effort focusing on their eye health. Make it a point each year to visit an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam and consider quality lenses to have clear, comfortable vision day after day. Invest in your eyes now when you’re young. Your older self will thank yourself later for having done so.

To find an eye doctor near your home or college, visit the ACUVUE^® eye doctor locator here.

Important Information for Contact Lens Wearers

ACUVUE^® Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional and ask for a Patient Instruction Guide, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guide.

________

^* Filtering of HEV light by contact lenses has not been demonstrated to confer any health benefit to the user, including but not limited to retinal protection, protection from cataract progression, reduced eye strain, improved contrast, improved acuity, reduced glare, improved low light vision, or improved circadian rhythm/sleep cycle. The Eye Care Professional should be consulted for more information.

^† Helps protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea & into the eye.

^‡ WARNING: UV-absorbing contact lenses are the NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed. NOTE: Long-term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities). UV-blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that wearing UV-blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders. Consult your eye care practitioner for more information.

^§ Versus publicly available information for standard daily use contact lenses as of June 2023.

PP2023AMB6420

2023-10-13T08:31:00

(BPT) – Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common contagious virus affecting the lungs and breathing passages. For most, an RSV infection comes with mild symptoms, like a runny nose, sneezing, or coughing. However, RSV can develop into a lung infection and may lead to hospitalization.

Tom, a GSK patient advocate and 70-year-old grandfather who had RSV in 2022, recounted, “My doctor explained that, because of my age, RSV could affect me worse than someone who was younger. I found out the hard way that this is true. My experience with RSV caused me to put my life on hold. I could not do the things I loved to do each day, like take my grandkids to school.”

Tom isn’t alone. RSV often spreads during the fall and winter months in most of the U.S. Older adults, including those with certain underlying medical conditions, are at increased risk. RSV causes ~177,000 hospitalizations in U.S. adults 65 and older each year.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help protect yourself for this fall and winter RSV season, which include:

• Talking to your doctor or pharmacist about RSV vaccination if you are 60 years or older
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20+ seconds/using an alcohol-based sanitizer
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoiding close contact with people who have cold-like symptoms
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces

This is the first RSV season where vaccinations are available. AREXVY (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine, Adjuvanted) is one of the available vaccines for older adults and was the first to be approved by the FDA for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by RSV in those 60 years and older. It is now widely available at all major U.S. retail pharmacies. Patients should ask their doctor or pharmacist if AREXVY is covered by their insurance.

What Is AREXVY?

AREXVY is an FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by respiratory syncytial virus in people 60 years of age and older.

Important Safety Information for AREXVY

• You should not receive AREXVY if you are allergic to any of its ingredients
• Fainting can happen after getting injectable vaccines, including AREXVY. Precautions should be taken to avoid injury due to fainting
• Some people with weakened immune systems may have reduced immune responses to AREXVY
• The most common side effects are injection site pain, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and joint pain
• Vaccination with AREXVY may not result in protection of all vaccine recipients
• Ask your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of AREXVY. Only a healthcare provider can decide if AREXVY is right for you

AREXVY is a single-dose shot that can be given at the same time as a quadrivalent influenza vaccine. The CDC recommends that adults 60 years of age and older may receive a single dose of RSV vaccine, based on a discussion between the healthcare provider and patient. Visit www.AREXVY.com to learn more.

Please see full Prescribing Information.

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