Beyond the Diagnosis – The Essence

When Heather was finally diagnosed with lupus in her early twenties,
She had been living with lupus for years. She cries as she explains how unpredictable the disease had been up until that time and the way vital those answers were for her and her young son. Today, she is decided to encourage others facing similar challenges.

“I was always a very sickly child,” she says. “My first experience was when I was 12 and the doctor called me a mystery person. When I was 21, I was always tired. I remember the day I was diagnosed with lupus very well. I was lying in bed, having a hard time… I had a big red flare on my face, which I now know is called a butterfly rash. When I was finally diagnosed, everyone was so relieved that we knew what was going on.”

Heather struggled with the many complications of lupus, leaving her physically and emotionally hopeless. Despite this, she was determined to search out relief and joy in her journey to a healthier life.

“Some of my worst days have taught me the importance of mental strength, which comes from my desire to keep going and of course my relationship with my son. As a single mother, he has been a huge source of strength for me. This has been a lifelong struggle for him too, but he has been incredibly understanding, patient and supportive throughout our journey.”

Heather’s doctor called her a superwoman and helped her rekindle her already-burning sense of courage and resilience. Her strength to address the devastating effects of her disease prompted her to try a brand new medication beneficial by her rheumatologist.

“I felt like I was drowning, I was really suffering from the effects of my lupus and at times I wanted to give up,” she says with tears of relief. “My lupus was out of control and taking over my body. I was taking so many medications and they didn’t seem to help. My doctor talked to me about adding SAPHNELO® (anifrolumab-fnia).”

SAPHNELO is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) who’re taking other medicines for lupus. It will not be known if SAPHNELO is effective in patients with severe lively lupus nephritis or severe lively central nervous system lupus. It will not be known if SAPHNELO is secure and effective in patients under 18 years of age.

Studies have shown that SAPHNELO, when given together with other lupus medications, helped reduce disease activity in several parts of the body that lupus can affect.

“Since my doctor told me to add SAPHNELO, my hair loss has decreased, the rashes are starting to go away, and I have not been hospitalized.” Results may vary.

Heather joins a gaggle of lupus survivors who wish to help others discover treatment options they will seek advice from their doctor.

“Lupus is so silent that it’s not visible in some people,” she says. “Finding SAPHNELO helped me and gave me the chance to make a difference as an advocate and inspire others to make the same changes I made in myself.”

SAPHNELO is the only FDA-approved biologic for adults with moderate to severe lupus erythematosus that has been shown in a single study to significantly reduce steroid use in a subgroup of patients *’†’‡

Discuss your medications along with your doctor. Do not stop or change your medications unless your doctor tells you to.

*Compared to other lupus medications.
†A discount in steroid use was observed in two of the three studies, but this was not statistically significant.
‡The oral steroid dose was reduced to ≤7.5 mg/day during weeks 8 to 40, and the dose was maintained during weeks 40 to 52.

Heather has regained a way of purpose in her life and that of her son, and naturally, she will be able to do a few of the things she loves again.

Individual results may vary. Talk to your doctor to search out out if SAPHNELO is true for you.

Please see the full version Prescribing Informationon this Patient Information.

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Has Heather’s story inspired you to learn more about SAPHNELO? If so,
If you or someone you already know would love more details about this treatment, please visit
SAPHNELO For detailed information and to seek advice from your doctor.

SAPHNELO is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of firms.
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