Switching to Jivi (damoctocog alfa pegol), an extended half-life replacement therapy, from Kovaltry (octocog alfa), may help adults and children with severe hemophilia A experience fewer or no bleeds, according to a Canadian study. “Data from this study provide routine clinical evidence supporting the use of [Jivi]…

Prophylactic, or preventive, treatment with factor VIII (FVIII) replacement therapy for four years reduced annual bleeding rates by 91% for people with severe hemophilia A, a study from Taiwan reported. After switching from on-demand treatment to prophylaxis, patients also experienced a 90.8% reduction in annual joint bleed rates and reported…

Mother Nature was not kind to my area of Florida last year. First came Hurricane Helene, bringing widespread flooding. Just two weeks later, Hurricane Milton struck, unleashing high winds and another round of devastating floodwaters. The effects are still visible today: Businesses have shuttered, restaurants remain closed, and the damaged…

I am an advocate, born and bred. Being an advocate is simply part of my DNA. Even when I was a young girl, seeing someone be mistreated or experience prejudice angered me. The years have taught me how to fight my battles and fight for others, but when my first…

It finally happened. COVID-19 found me. After two and a half years of following the guidelines, I couldn’t outwit the virus. I had two vaccines and a booster on time, and I declined invitations. I wore a mask in Publix and Walgreens even when nobody else was doing it.

My mom passed away a few weeks ago. Over the past six years, it has been a great honor and privilege to be able to care for her. It was an opportunity to show love and appreciation for the person who helped shape my life and repay her for all she…

I am a patient. I am an expert on my own health experiences. I am an educator. I am an advocate. Hemophilia is a rare disease. Being a woman with a disorder thought once to be male-only makes it complicated to navigate. I…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared for laboratory use CRYOcheck Factor VIII Deficient Plasma with VWF, a way of detecting factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency in blood samples. Now available in the U.S., Precision Biologic’s manufactured plasma — the liquid part of blood that…

Most people with hemophilia A on preventive treatment with Hemlibra (emicizumab) will experience spontaneous or traumatic bleeds at some point, according to a study using real-world data from Israel. Results also indicated the risk of spontaneous bleeds while on Hemlibra is higher for older individuals. “Our findings indicate that…

My youngest son, Caeleb, recently turned 15. A celebration with his favorite dinner accompanied by homemade chocolate-peanut butter cheesecake ushered in another year filled with goals and dreams. After Caeleb blew out the candles, he looked up and said, “In three years I’ll be out of the…