Category: Brandpoint

2018-01-30T09:01:00

(BPT) – Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman’s life, filled with countless physical, emotional and lifestyle changes. Pregnant women often do research, read books or consult friends and family to determine what to expect during those nine months and how to best combat the symptoms that may arise. While issues like morning sickness and cravings are to be expected, there are several uncomfortable, but common, effects soon-to-be moms may be less likely to anticipate.

“A woman is going to experience numerous changes to her body during pregnancy,” says Dr. Alyssa Dweck, an OB-GYN, author and expert on women’s health. “Although there is abundant information about issues like backaches and morning sickness, there are a number of common symptoms women are less inclined to talk about because they either consider them taboo or embarrassing.”

While each woman’s pregnancy experience will be unique, Dr. Dweck shares some of the lesser-known, but common, health nuisances to expect when expecting:

1. Constipation

Some common causes of constipation among pregnant women include increased progesterone levels, which influences intestinal motility, increased pressure from the growing uterus and the recommended supplementation of iron. To help diminish constipation, women can try increasing their fiber and fluid intake and limit iron supplements to three times a week.

2. Yeast infections

The hormonal changes that come with pregnancy often increase the chance of developing a vaginal yeast infection. However, according to a 2016 Danish nationwide cohort study, even a single, low dose of fluconazole (the leading prescription pill to treat yeast infections) may increase miscarriage risk. Instead, Dr. Dweck recommends MONISTAT 7 for vaginal yeast infections, as it relieves symptoms four times faster and works on more of the most common strains of yeast than the prescription oral pill. Nevertheless, women should always check with their own healthcare provider before using any treatment during pregnancy.

3. Heartburn

Heartburn and indigestion are most frequent during the third trimester, as the growing uterus places pressure on the stomach and the muscle tone of the esophagus relaxes. To help minimize heartburn, eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, sit or stand after a meal and avoid spicy, greasy and fatty foods. OTC antacids are typically safe, but it is important to speak to an OB-GYN before taking.

4. Varicose veins

Many women develop varicose veins during pregnancy. As blood volume increases and the uterus enlarges, additional pressure is put on the veins in the pelvis, lower extremities and the rectal area. Elevate the legs to improve circulation, avoid sitting or standing in the same position for extended lengths of time and try to exercise regularly, if possible.

5. Body and facial hair growth

Hair is likely to grow faster and thicker during pregnancy on places other than just the head. Higher levels of estrogen extend the growth phase of hair, leading to less shedding and denser locks. Safe ways to get rid of these unwanted hairs during pregnancy include tweezing, waxing and shaving.

Regardless of whether a result of pregnancy is considered normal, pregnant women should readily consult their OB-GYN if they experience any changes or if they are looking for treatment solutions. Though health nuisances are bound to pop up during pregnancy, there are simple solutions to combat them so women can make the most of this wonderful time and prep for the arrival of baby. For more information, visit Monistat.com.

2018-01-30T06:01:00

(BPT) – Online vision apps can be a great resource for health-related information, but if you rely on them to preserve your eye health and detect potential problems, you could be doing more harm than good, the American Optometric Association warns.

“Eye health is critical to overall good health,” says Dr. Christopher Quinn, president of the AOA. “If someone chooses to forego an annual eye exam with a doctor of optometry because they think an online test or mobile app screening is enough, they’re making a mistake that could put their vision and health at risk.”

The AOA, which represents more than 44,000 doctors of optometry, optometric professionals and optometry students, supports state and federal policies that protect patients from the potential dangers of online vision test apps. Here are four of the many reasons why patients should not rely on online eye screenings or mobile apps:

1. Vision test apps or online tests can’t diagnose or treat serious eye problems.

These tools simply use measurements to gauge what is known as visual acuity, or sensitivity. However, many vision and eye health conditions don’t have obvious signs or symptoms in their earliest stages. Online tests can miss serious conditions that a comprehensive eye exam would catch.

They may be designed to test for near-sightedness or far-sightedness, but can’t adequately evaluate overall eye health. For example, an online screening might be able to detect symptoms of near-sightedness, but isn’t designed to catch signs of glaucoma.

2. Vision test apps aren’t held to the same standards as doctors of optometry.

People put their eye health at risk when they choose convenience over care and today, 17 states have regulations in place to safeguard patients from unproven technologies and practices that can compromise the established and proven standard of care. And there is good reason.

Right now, online vision screening services and mobile apps aren’t required to meet the definition of a comprehensive eye exam, or clinically prove their technologies provide the same level of care you would get from a qualified eye care doctor. In addition, they are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

3. Patients may not get the care they need.

Even if an app accurately indicates a problem with vision acuity, patients might not follow up as recommended with a doctor of optometry, who can diagnose issues and work with you to develop solutions to eye health and vision care needs.

Additionally, a comprehensive eye exam conducted by an optometrist can be an important step in identifying health conditions that might not have been detected otherwise, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. An optometrist can help you understand the seriousness of the condition and suggest and implement appropriate treatment.

4. You could be risking your eye or overall health.

Online vision screening apps might not catch signs of a serious problem. Missing the signs of an eye health or overall health issue can put you at risk.

“People may think they’re doing something good by using a mobile vision app,” Quinn says. “Unfortunately, an online eye test does not completely cover any one of the 12 components of a regular in-person, comprehensive eye exam, something everyone needs to ensure they’re protecting and preserving their vision.”

To learn more about vision health, visit www.aoa.org.

2018-01-26T10:29:00

(BPT) – There are 18.8 million veterans in the U.S., according to the most recent U.S. Census. More than 9 million are seeking treatment at their local U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs medical center, and more than 39,000 are homeless on any given night, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

There are many ways to help a veteran in need. Below are a few suggestions on how you can make a difference in a veteran’s life this year.

Tie your passion to your action.

We all have passions that bring us joy. There are many ways that suit your interests to give back while helping veterans in need. For example, do you like to spend time outdoors? Many organizations host volunteer activities like cleaning a veterans memorial in the community. Are you more of a people person? Give your time to a local veterans facility to connect with a resident in need of company.

Reach out to a veteran service organization to learn more.

The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), The American Legion and Sons of The American Legion are actively involved in veteran causes with local units across the U.S. They offer community through memberships, organize and hold volunteer events throughout the year. As a first step, visit the websites of each organization and look for a unit close to you. Meeting with these organizations or others can kick-start your efforts to get involved with the veteran community.

Donate a day of service.

Everyday life can get messy with full-time jobs and commitments. One way to identify free time for charitable activities is to use a day off engaging in community service. “Donate” your Memorial Day to help the ALA distribute handmade poppies that support veterans in local hospitals, visit a veterans facility or deliver a meal or care package.

Give a gift.

Extend your thankfulness to the veteran community by making a gift. Mark your calendar for Nov. 27, 2018, when you can participate in #GivingTuesday, a global giving movement, by making a monetary donation to an organization that dedicates its efforts to helping veterans. Whether you come together as a family, a company, a community or by yourself, a donation can make a real difference.

Helping a veteran can be a year-long commitment or a one-day activity. To learn more about how to take the first step, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.

2018-01-25T09:03:01

(BPT) – At age 64, Bob Carlson was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, and he felt the diagnosis was like “an expiration date being stamped on his life, like a milk carton,” and the time he had left “wasn’t nearly enough.” Bob, his wife, Julia, and doctors chose chemotherapy to combat his illness—but according to Bob, his quality of life after taking the treatments was non-existent.

Bob became so sick from the chemotherapy that he felt the treatments were almost worse than the disease itself. He talked to his doctor, who said there was nothing else they could do. Bob was on the verge of giving up hope when his physician sent him to a different research center. There, Bob met with another physician who presented him with a new option and renewed his fight.

Understanding the changing lung cancer treatment landscape

Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, representing approximately 13 percent of all cancer diagnoses. While a cure for lung cancer does not currently exist, cancer immunotherapy is changing the treatment landscape and improving the prognosis for many people with lung cancer. Several immunotherapy treatments are approved for lung cancer by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including some as a first-line treatment for advanced lung cancer patients.

Immunotherapy is widely considered to be the most promising new cancer treatment approach since the development of the first chemotherapies in the 1940s. Cancer immunotherapy treatments harness and enhance the innate powers of the immune system to fight cancer.

According to a report published in the Annals of Oncology by the Cancer Research Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of cancer immunotherapy research, there are over 2,004 immunotherapy agents in development with over sixty clinical trials evaluating immunotherapy combinations in lung cancer. There are 26 immunotherapies approved by the FDA, including six immunotherapy agents for the treatment of lung cancer.

“Today, the lung cancer space has the largest number of combination clinical trials underway, evaluating how two or more medications can work better when taken together. These trials hold much promise for patients, but there are still a lot of misperceptions surrounding clinical trials, with many people thinking that these studies are only an option after other treatments have failed,” said Dr. Jill O’Donnell-Tormey, chief executive officer and director of scientific affairs at the Cancer Research Institute. “However, many of the clinical trials currently underway are evaluating immunotherapy treatments for front-line use.”

The Cancer Research Institute offers the Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Trial Finder as a free resource to help patients match themselves with appropriate trials based on their specific cancer diagnosis, stage, and treatment history.

“We hope that the Clinical Trial Finder will help more people learn about potential clinical trial options earlier in their patient journey so that they might have better outcomes,” said Dr. O’Donnell-Tormey.

How a clinical trial made all the difference

In August 2013, Bob became the very last patient to enroll in a particular clinical trial for non-small cell lung cancer, evaluating a checkpoint inhibitor—a promising immunotherapy approach that works by “taking the brakes off” the immune system to allow it to mount a stronger and more effective attack against cancer.

Once he started the immunotherapy treatment in the clinical trial, Bob and his doctors realized in short order that the treatment was working. “We saw tumor reduction rather quickly—which was amazing. And to top it off, unlike chemotherapy, which involved lengthy infusions that took many hours and left me ill due to the side effects, the experience of having the immunotherapy treatment in this case only took about 30 minutes, and has very little impact on my quality of life. You take your medicine, and you go on with your life. I have had to make zero lifestyle changes,” said Bob.

Now, almost five years later, Bob and Julia are back pursuing their hobby of wildlife photography and travel. He is hopeful that more patients will benefit from emerging immunotherapy treatments—through new FDA-approved therapies and through clinical trial participation.

“My only wish is that I had known about the immunotherapy clinical trial sooner,” he continued. “And I hope that through continued research more immunotherapy treatments are discovered that work for all patients with all cancer types.”

There are many other cancer patients and survivors, like Bob, who have been given new hope thanks to cancer immunotherapy research and clinical trials. For more information on cancer immunotherapy and how to match with an open clinical trial, visit the Cancer Research Institute Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Trial Finder at https://www.cancerresearch.org/patients/clinical-trials.

2018-01-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – Dru Riddle of Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the estimated 7.5 million people afflicted with psoriasis across the United States. A nurse anesthetist and university professor, Riddle understands first-hand the importance of receiving the proper treatment as quickly as possible and treating the condition with safe, effective medicine. Diagnosed with psoriasis in 2003 and psoriatic arthritis (PA) in 2010, Riddle underwent the treatment trials and errors common to many sufferers of PA before he was connected with a health care provider who prescribed a more aggressive plan that included biologics. Before doctors put him to a biologic therapy, Riddle suffered for several years with skin lesions and joint pain. “Finally I was switched to an injectable biologic medication,” Riddle says. “Those medications have really helped control my disease and the symptoms.”

A condition that is more than skin deep

Psoriasis often presents as patches of itchy, flaky skin, while PA — which affects about a third of psoriasis patients — results in joint swelling and pain, which may cause permanent damage. Both conditions are a product of the body’s immune system attacking itself instead of the foreign invader that should be its target.

PA can usually be identified by psoriasis-like skin inflammations. However, sometimes the joint pain and swelling appear first. This can make it difficult for doctors to properly diagnose the condition.

Initially, Riddle’s condition was treated topically with little to no effect. The relief he found with the right medicines was life-changing and he has vowed to help others with PA find the right care.

“I recommend anyone with PA be extremely aggressive with their treatment,” Riddle says. “The risks of not treating your PA are so much greater than treating it.”

Understanding biosimilars

In his quest for the right treatment regime, Riddle was diligent about his self-care and joined a number of clinical trials for the types of biologics that have been so integral to his treatment plan. It was thanks to his proactive approach to treating his condition that he started learning more about biosimilars.

Biosimilars are safe, effective and affordable alternatives to conventional biologic medicines, similar to generic offerings in other medicinal categories. Widely used in Europe, biosimilars have faced a biologics-dominated market in the United States that has so far been successful in limiting their availability. Expanding the biosimilars market in the United States will require manufacturers, the government and regulatory groups to work together to craft new policies, making access to these potentially life-changing treatments their top priority.

Riddle applauds the option of safe, effective and affordable biosimilars for patients.

“The expense of the biologic medication can be prohibitive — they’re very costly,” Riddle says. “So some people may benefit from a more affordable biosimilar medication. That medication has the same efficacy, meaning it works just as well as the biologic.”

Learning more about your options

“There’s no need to be afraid of the medicine,” says Christine Simmon, Executive Director of The Biosimilars Council, a group working to support the broad components of the biosimilar industry and enabling increased access to safe, effective and affordable biosimilar medicines. “Learn more about your options, talk to your doctor and make sure you’re receiving the medication that is the most effective treatment for your condition.”

If you have psoriasis and/or PA, you deserve to know all of your options, including biosimilars. Your doctor can provide you the information you need on these treatment options. To prepare for your next doctor’s visit and have your initial questions answered, visit http://biosimilarscouncil.org/ today.

2018-02-08T16:01:00

(BPT) – The ability to see is one of our most precious gifts. Like most things in life, our vision may be impacted as we age. That’s why it’s important to learn about Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Prevalent among older Americans, it affects one in five adults age 65 and older, and is the leading cause of blindness for this population. While there is no cure for this condition, there are steps that you can take to help reduce the risk of progression, including:

1) Schedule routine eye exams. As early stages of AMD may not present any symptoms, you may not think to consult your eye doctor. Keeping routine eye exams that include eye dilation may help to identify the condition early, as well as help maintain overall eye health.

2) Address symptoms immediately. See your eye care professional right away if you experience sudden or gradual changes in vision quality. As AMD progresses, straight lines may appear distorted, central vision may look dark, blurry or white, or changes in color perception may become noticeable. If you have been diagnosed with AMD, you should also regularly check your eyes with an Amsler grid tool that helps track incremental vision changes.

3) Lead a healthy lifestyle. If you smoke, quit. Regular exercise can also help to maintain eye health and minimize the risk of progression. Other risk factors for AMD include obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

4) Eat right. A diet rich in green, leafy vegetables as well as healthy fatty acids may also help reduce the risk of progression. Foods that contain these nutrients include: spinach, kale, broccoli, cabbage, romaine and chard, and fatty fish such as salmon, sea bass, herring, whitefish, mackerel, anchovies and sardines.

5) Consider supplements recommended by the National Eye Institute. If you’ve been diagnosed with moderate to advanced AMD, The National Eye Institute recommends taking a specific nutrient formula based on the AREDS 2 study, that may help reduce your risk of progression. Talk with your doctor to see if an AREDS 2 formula eye vitamin is right for you.

To raise awareness of this public health issue, Bausch + Lomb, in collaboration with Prevent Blindness, the nation’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight, has launched the Why Eye Fight campaign.

To learn more about AMD, what steps you can take to help fight for your sight or to watch the patient stories or PSA, visit www.WhyEyeFight.com. You can also join the online conversation and share your story using #WhyEyeFight on Facebook and Twitter.

2018-02-08T10:32:00

(BPT) – Think of South Africa, and images of majestic savannas and roaming wildlife come to mind. A South African safari is an unforgettable experience, but no visit to the country is truly complete without a cultural immersion. The vibrant city of Durban combines the best of both worlds. Located along the Indian Ocean coast an hour from Johannesburg by air, Durban offers an eclectic array of activities where you can explore the city’s significant role in world history, the rich heritage of its Zulu people, and innumerable natural wonders — from the beach to the bush.

Experience authentic Zulu culture

Named for its dramatic surrounding landscape, the Valley of 1,000 Hills has been home to the Zulu people, South Africa’s largest ethnic group, for centuries.

Visitors can take an organized tour deep into tribal lands to experience Zulu culture with its exuberant ceremonies, traditional music and dancing. You’ll learn about Zulu beliefs and healing practices, break bread with local families and learn the hidden meanings behind their colorful beadwork. You can even arrange one-on-one sessions with the village healer or spend the night with a Zulu family in their home.

Walk in Gandhi’s and Mandela’s footsteps

Not everyone is aware that Mahatma Gandhi’s life work was inspired by his experiences in Durban. In 1893, he arrived as a young lawyer, and the discrimination he witnessed personally and against his fellow Indians drove him to start his worldwide movement of passive resistance fighting for the rights of the Indian population. At the Phoenix Settlement, you will see Gandhi’s house and the printing press he used to publish his newspaper, The Indian Opinion. Many of the more than one million Indians living in the city make the pilgrimage to this historical site alongside visitors from around the world.

Five years after his death, Nelson Mandela remains South Africa’s most revered public figure. 2018 marks a year-long celebration of his life and what would have been his 100th birthday on July 18. Honor his work when you’re in Durban by visiting the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, at the exact spot where he began his “Long Walk to Freedom” after being arrested for anti-Apartheid activism in 1952. Visit the striking monument and educational exhibition walking you through Mandela’s life and role in establishing a democratic South Africa.

Hit the beach at Umhlanga Rocks

Umhlanga Rocks, Durban’s laidback beach village, is on a picturesque stretch of the Indian Ocean. It beckons visitors with a scenic promenade passing by local landmarks including Umhlanga Lighthouse and Whale Bone Pier. A walkable downtown makes dining and nightlife easily accessible from the area’s many boutique hotels and guesthouses, and opportunities to get on the water abound — from surfing to deep sea fishing, scuba diving, whale watching and kiteboarding.

Discover an underwater wonderland

Consistently rated one of the top warm water diving and snorkeling sites in the world, Aliwal Shoal is also the spot to get up close and personal with blacktip reef sharks. Those brave enough can swim or dive alongside these mysterious creatures in the open ocean, but viewing from inside a cage is always an option.

Experience a Big Five safari

Back on land, the South African bush is less than four hours away by car. Private game reserves offer high-end safari lodge accommodations, minimal crowds and optimal chances for getting the perfect photos of the “Big Five” — elephants, rhinos, water buffalo, lions and leopards. In iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hippos, crocodiles, pelicans and flamingos roam Lake St. Lucia, while elephants, giraffes and leopards inhabit the adjacent grasslands.

Visit www.durbanexperience.co.za to learn more.

2018-02-08T10:31:00

(BPT) – Even though vaccines are one of the greatest health innovations of the last century, a new survey shows that among some adults in America there is a lack of awareness about the immunizations they need as adults.

According to an online survey of 1,000 American adults aged 18 years and older, there is a critical gap between awareness and action when it comes to vaccination.¹

Adults should talk to their healthcare providers about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s list of recommended adult vaccines. The best way to protect yourself and those closest to you is to vaccinate for life. So, ask your doctor if you are up to date on all your vaccines. It’s a simple step that can help protect you, your family and your community.

Nearly half of adults consider themselves to be “very” or “quite” knowledgeable about vaccines,² yet fewer than three in ten Americans are aware of the vaccines recommended for adults their age.¹

Most of us are familiar with the importance of vaccination during childhood; however, vaccination is equally important throughout adulthood, as the immune system begins to decline with age.³ Immunosenescence, also known as age-related decline in immunity, significantly contributes to the susceptibility of older adults to serious, yet preventable conditions including: influenza, pneumonia and shingles.³ Despite this, 65 percent of adults are not fully up to date on their vaccines.¹

Six million deaths are prevented globally each year as a result of vaccination. If global vaccination rates increased, even more deaths could be prevented.⁴

Vaccine-preventable diseases can cause long-term illness and even death. In fact, 99 percent of the more than 50,000 deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases that occur every year in the U.S. are in adults.⁵

Vaccination can also protect against other health problems. In fact, vaccinating against the flu can also help protect people against heart attacks and stroke.⁶

Despite longstanding recommendations for the use of many vaccines, adult vaccination rates remain low. In 2015, the flu vaccination rate for adults aged 19 and older was less than 45 percent, Tdap (Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis) vaccination rate for adults was only about 23 percent, and shingles vaccination rate for adults 60 and older was just about 31 percent.⁷

Medical costs related to vaccine-preventable diseases in older adults are high and are expected to grow substantially in the coming years. One study forecasts U.S. medical costs for Americans 65 and older in the Medicare population to be $4.74 billion annually by 2030 for just one vaccine-preventable disease.⁸

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¹ Vaccinate for Life consumer survey. Exploration based on Q9. Which of the following statements best describes how up-to-date you consider yourself to be on vaccinations. I am aware of the vaccines recommended to adults of my age and have received all of these recommended vaccinations. Total base all respondents n=1000.

2018-02-21T15:01:00

(BPT) – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 2 million poisoning incidents per year within the U.S., and more than 90 percent of these occur within the home. This winter, keep your family safe by learning more about the potential for poisoning, how to prevent it and how to get help if an incident occurs, most notably by calling the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow these tips to have a healthy and safe winter season:

1) Know which winter items are poisonous. There are many household items in use during the winter that may pose a specific poison risk, including antifreeze and snow salt.

Antifreeze is a poisonous liquid used in cars. It has a sweet taste that children and animals like. If even a little is swallowed, it can be harmful and can cause kidney damage and death. Keep antifreeze, household cleaners and all chemicals in the containers they came in with a tight cap and keep away from children and pets. Before throwing away an antifreeze container, be sure to rinse it with water and replace the safety cap.

Salt used on driveways and sidewalks in winter can harm a pet or child if eaten. Store such salt out of reach and in a locked cabinet.

2) Keep your home warm — and safe. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that has no color, odor or taste. The risk for CO poisoning increases in the winter, as the use of fuel-burning devices increases. Sources of CO include gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas stoves, gas ovens, kerosene space heaters, wood and gas fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, power generators and car engines. These devices make CO, primarily when they are not working properly or are not used in a properly ventilated space.

Signs of CO poisoning are similar to flu and other cold-weather-virus symptoms, including headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and confusion. To prevent CO poisoning, have at least one CO detector in your home. The best places for a CO detector are near bedrooms and close to furnaces. Have your heating system, vents and chimney checked every year by experts. Always follow product instructions for installing and repairing appliances that burn fuel, and never burn charcoal inside a house or garage. Additionally, do not use a gas oven to heat a house or apartment or use unvented fuel-burning devices indoors. Finally, never run a car in a closed garage.

3) Don’t let winter cold and flu season become more serious. Be sure that all medication, including over-the-counter cold medicine, is kept in locked cabinets, away from children and pets. Also, avoid mercury poisoning by using digital thermometers instead of glass mercury thermometers, which can break in a child’s mouth. Stay with children when taking their temperature. Spilled mercury should be cleaned up properly as it is a hazardous waste.

4) Save the number, save a life. The Poison Help line is your first line of defense against poisoning deaths and injuries. By dialing 1-800-222-1222, you will be connected to a local poison center staffed by trained, professional experts who can help you right away. Save the number in your phone today so you have it if you need it. You can also visit the Poison Help website at www.poisonhelp.hrsa.gov for more information on poison prevention.

2018-02-06T09:59:01

(BPT) – Bipolar I disorder is a condition that equally affects men and women, regardless of age, race, or ethnicity.¹ Approximately 1.5 million adults in America are living with this disease, yet it’s a condition that’s still chronically misunderstood and often misdiagnosed.² In fact, people with bipolar disorder may struggle an average of 10 years before they receive an accurate diagnosis.¹ That’s why knowing and understanding the symptoms is so important.

“One of the biggest difficulties with diagnosis is the wide variety of ways in which the disorder can manifest itself,” said Gary Sachs, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “Although every person with bipolar I disorder can experience it differently, these experiences do include features that fall into specific categories of identifiable symptoms.”

Whether you’re someone who has a history of mental illness or are concerned about a loved one who is struggling with their mental health, Dr. Sachs sheds light on bipolar I disorder and answers some important questions to help you better understand this condition.

What is bipolar I disorder?

Bipolar I disorder is a brain and behavioral disorder that causes unusual changes in mood, activity levels, energy, and judgment, impacting a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.³ Everyone has typical ups and downs, but in bipolar I disorder these can be more extreme. People diagnosed with bipolar I disorder have periods called “mood episodes,” which can be either manic, hypomanic, depressive, or mixed.³ Every patient experiences episodes differently, but it’s important to note that bipolar I patients have had at least one manic or mixed episode. When managing their condition, patients should keep an open dialogue with their healthcare providers.⁴

Can you tell me more about what it means to experience mania?

Many people know what it means to be depressed, but fewer understand mania. Someone experiencing manic symptoms of bipolar I disorder may have periods of unusually elevated feelings like extreme happiness, energy, or irritability. Some symptoms of manic episodes may include³:

• Feeling unusually happy, excited, or energetic
• Feeling restless, irritable, wired, or overreactive
• Having racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating
• Poor judgment with risk taking, indulging in impulsive behaviors, and having a heightened sense of self-importance

What does it mean to experience a mixed episode? Is it common?

Someone with bipolar I disorder can have a mixed episode when experiencing symptoms of mania and depression at the same time. Mixed episodes are more common than you may think. In fact, 40% of people living with bipolar I disorder have experienced a mixed episode, sometimes called a “mixed state.”⁵ Some of these symptoms include³:

• Feeling overly energized, while feeling very hopeless
• Feeling agitated, while having extreme changes in appetite, and having suicidal thoughts
• Having racing thoughts, while feeling “slowed down” or experiencing a loss of interest in something once enjoyed

Can you treat bipolar I disorder?

There is no known cure for bipolar I disorder, but symptoms may be managed through treatment. It is important for patients to partner with their healthcare providers, so that, together, they can determine an appropriate treatment plan. This may include counseling, support groups, and medicine. In fact, recently approved atypical antipsychotics have provided additional options to help people living with bipolar I disorder.

VRAYLAR^® (cariprazine) is a once-a-day prescription medicine that’s FDA-approved in adults for the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder.⁶ In clinical studies, VRAYLAR^® was proven to help manage manic symptoms in adults with manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. VRAYLAR^® showed significant improvement in overall manic symptoms compared to those who took a placebo (sugar pill). VRAYLAR^® was not studied to measure symptoms individually, and is not approved to treat hypomania, depression, or depressive symptoms.

Every patient experiences symptoms differently and not all patients respond to treatment in the same way. That’s why it’s important for patients suffering from bipolar I disorder to actively engage with their healthcare provider to determine which treatment path is appropriate for them.

IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION

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

VRAYLAR may cause serious side effects, including:

• Stroke (which can be fatal) in elderly people with dementia
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Call your healthcare provider right away if you have high fever; stiff muscles; confusion; changes in pulse, heart rate, or blood pressure; or sweating. These can be symptoms of a rare but potentially fatal side effect called NMS. VRAYLAR should be stopped if you have NMS
• Tardive dyskinesia (TD): Tell your healthcare provider if you cannot control the movements of your face, tongue, or other body parts. These could be signs of a serious and sometimes permanent side effect called TD. Risk of developing TD and the chance that it will become permanent are thought to increase the longer a person takes the medicine and the more medicine a person takes over time. TD can develop even after a person has been taking the medicine for a short time at low doses. TD may partially or completely go away if you stop taking VRAYLAR. TD may also start after you stop taking VRAYLAR
• Late-occurring side effects: VRAYLAR stays in the body for several weeks, even after you stop taking it, which could affect the timing of when you may experience side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have side effects (eg, uncontrolled movements of the body and face, muscle stiffness, or feelings of restlessness) as these may occur several weeks after starting or increasing dose of VRAYLAR
• Problems with your metabolism, such as:
  • High blood sugar and diabetes: If you have diabetes or risk factors for diabetes (eg, being overweight or family history of diabetes), your blood sugar should be tested before you start VRAYLAR and regularly during treatment. Complications of diabetes can be serious and even life threatening. Tell your healthcare provider if you have symptoms such as feeling very thirsty or very hungry, urinating more than usual, or feeling weak
  • Increased blood cholesterol or triglycerides: Your healthcare provider should check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels before and during treatment
  • Weight gain: Weight gain has been reported with VRAYLAR. Your healthcare provider should check your weight before and regularly during treatment
• Low white blood cell count: Low white blood cell counts have been reported with antipsychotic drugs, including VRAYLAR. This may increase your risk of infection. Very low white blood cell counts, which can be fatal, have been reported with other antipsychotics
• Decreased blood pressure: You may feel lightheaded or faint when you rise too quickly from a sitting or lying position
• Falls: VRAYLAR may increase risk of falls, which could cause fractures or other injuries
• Seizures
• Impaired judgment, thinking, and motor skills: Do NOT drive or use dangerous machinery until you know how VRAYLAR affects you. VRAYLAR may make you drowsy
• Increased body temperature: VRAYLAR may make you more sensitive to heat. You may have trouble cooling off. Be careful when exercising or when doing things likely to cause dehydration or make you warm
• Difficulty swallowing: VRAYLAR and medicines like it have been associated with difficulty swallowing

Who should not take VRAYLAR?

Do not take VRAYLAR if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Get emergency medical help if you are having an allergic reaction (eg, rash, itching, hives, swelling of the tongue, lip, face or throat).

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking VRAYLAR?

Tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions and if you have or have had:

• Diabetes or high blood sugar in you or your family
• High levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, or LDL-cholesterol; or low levels of HDL-cholesterol
• Seizures or conditions that increase your risk for seizures
• Low or high blood pressure
• Low white blood cell count

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, or if you plan to become pregnant. Using VRAYLAR in the third trimester may cause uncontrolled movements of the body and face, muscle stiffness, or feelings of restlessness and/or withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies. A special program (National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics) collects information on the safety of antipsychotic drugs, including VRAYLAR, during pregnancy. For information, contact the program at 1-866-961-2388 or visit http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. VRAYLAR may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how VRAYLAR works.

What are the most common side effects of VRAYLAR?

• The most common side effects were uncontrolled movements of the body and face, muscle stiffness, vomiting, indigestion, sleepiness, and restlessness.

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

Please also see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, which are also available at www.vraylar.com and https://www.allergan.com/assets/pdf/vraylar_pi.

References

1. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Bipolar Disorder Statistics. Available at: http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_statistics_bipolar_disorder. Accessed January 31, 2018.
2. National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar Disorder Among Adults. Available at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/bipolar-disorder-among-adults.shtml. Accessed January 31, 2018.
3. National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar Disorder. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml. Accessed January 31, 2018.
4. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.
5. Muneer, A. Mixed States in Bipolar Disorder: Etiology, Pathogenesis and Treatment. Chonnam Medical Journal. 2017 Jan; 53(1): 1–13. doi: 10.4068/cmj.2017.53.1.1.
6. VRAYLAR^® (cariprazine) [package insert]. Irvine, CA: Allergan USA, Inc.; 2017.

Allergan^® and its design are trademarks of Allergan, Inc.

VRAYLAR^® and its design are registered trademarks of Forest Laboratories Holdings Ltd., an Allergan affiliate.

Licensed from Gedeon Richter Plc.

© 2018 Allergan. All rights reserved.

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