Let’s be real, you already know the facts.
Odds are you’re more than aware of the 3 to 4 times greater prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) among Black women compared to white women and the various health disparities in the Black community. When it comes to a disease that has such an unpredictable nature, this can be even more frustrating. So, we’re not going to tell you more about the truths you already know too well. Instead, we’re going to tell you about a possible plan of action to discuss with your doctor.
Introducing SAPHNELO® (anifrolumab-fnia) injection, for intravenous use: a first-of-its-kind treatment for your one-of-a-kind lupus. SAPHNELO is the first FDA-approved prescription medicine for adults with moderate to severe SLE who are receiving other lupus medicines in over a decade. It is not known if SAPHNELO is effective in patients with severe active lupus nephritis or central nervous system lupus. It is not known if SAPHNELO is safe and effective in patients under 18 years of age.
While Black women do share an increased burden from this disease, a universal truth about lupus is that no two cases are the same. From the way lupus manifests, to its areas of inflammation, to the impact on quality of life, everyone’s lupus journey is different. Having a lupus treatment option to consider for your unique situation is important to discuss with your doctor.
SAPHNELO works across different parts of the body and organs that lupus can affect, as well as both parts of the immune system. SAPHNELO has been shown to reduce lupus disease activity, which was consistent across different groups of people, regardless of race or ethnicity. SAPHNELO may also help reduce oral steroid use and lupus flares. Results may vary and always talk to your doctor. Please see Important Safety Information below.
Oral steroids are often used to control lupus disease activity, and a study has shown that chronic steroid use for SLE management is five times more likely in Black patients. It is important to know that long-term use of steroids can contribute to organ damage and other potential health risks. It is essential to educate yourself and discuss the benefits and risks for all treatments with your doctor to determine what is best for you.
There is no better advocate for your health than you. As a Black woman, you are a part of the largest population affected by lupus. Empower yourself with more knowledge of lupus and advancements in treatment options. Talk to your doctor to find out if SAPHNELO is right for you. In the meantime, visit SAPHNELO.com to learn more.
Check out this video to learn more about how SAPHNELO may help you be here for more.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
•Do not use SAPHNELO if you are allergic to anifrolumab-fnia or to any of the ingredients
•Before you receive SAPHNELO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- think you have an infection or have an infection that keeps coming back
- are scheduled to receive a vaccination or if you think you may need a
vaccination. You should not receive live vaccines during treatment with
SAPHNELO
- have or have had cancer
- are receiving other biologic medicines or monoclonal antibodies
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if SAPHNELO will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are, might be, or plan to become pregnant during treatment with SAPHNELO
• A pregnancy exposure registry monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to SAPHNELO. You can find out more information about the registry by calling AstraZeneca at 1-877-693-9268
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if SAPHNELO 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. SAPHNELO may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how SAPHNELO works.
SAPHNELO may cause serious side effects, including:
•Serious infections: SAPHNELO can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. You may be at a higher risk of developing respiratory infections and shingles (herpes zoster) during treatment with SAPHNELO. Infections could be serious, leading to hospitalization or death
•Allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, including anaphylaxis: Serious allergic reactions can happen during or after you get your SAPHNELO infusion. Tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
- swelling of your face, mouth and tongue
- breathing problems
- fainting, dizziness
- feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure)
•Cancer: SAPHNELO may reduce the activity of your immune system. Medicines that affect the immune system may increase your risk of certain cancers.
The most common side effects of SAPHNELO include:
- Upper respiratory infections
- Bronchitis
- Infusion reactions
- Shingles (herpes zoster)
- Cough
Infusion reactions can happen at the time of the infusion or shortly after, symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting, feeling tired or weak (fatigue), and dizziness.
These are not all of the possible side effects of SAPHNELO. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.
APPROVED USE
SAPHNELO is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) who are receiving other lupus medicines.
It is not known if SAPHNELO is effective in patients with severe active lupus nephritis or severe active central nervous system lupus. It is not known if SAPHNELO is safe and effective in patients under 18 years of age.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, for SAPHNELO.
You may report side effects related to AstraZeneca products by clicking here.
SAPHNELO is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.
©2022 AstraZeneca. All rights reserved. US-62058 Last Updated 7/22