Explore the Horizon: Why Self-Advocacy Can Be a Game Changer for Lupus

Let’s be honest: living with a chronic illness like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) comes with its challenges. If you are a lupus warrior, you know lupus and its symptoms can be unpredictable, and that can make things difficult. Sometimes, it seems lupus is in charge of your plans.

Being in more control of when, where, and how you show up in the world may be possible when you become your own biggest advocate for your care. Advocating for yourself is empowering and can be a game changer for managing your lupus.

No two cases of lupus are the same, and no one knows how lupus affects you better than you do, so having candid conversations with your doctor about your lupus and treatment goals can make a real difference and bring about new possibilities. One of these possibilities could be the first FDA-approved prescription medicine for adults with SLE in over a decade—SAPHNELO® (anifrolumab-fnia)—a first-of-its-kind treatment for your one-of-a-kind lupus.

SAPHNELO is for adults with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) who are on other lupus medicines. It is not for 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.

SAPHNELO works across different parts of the body and organs that lupus can affect and has been shown to reduce lupus disease activity. Results were consistent regardless of race or ethnicity. SAPHNELO may also help reduce flares and oral steroid use. Results with SAPHNELO may vary. Always talk to your doctor.

Did you know it’s been shown that Black patients with lupus are five times more likely to receive chronic steroids than non-Black patients? That can be a problem since long-term use of oral steroids can contribute to organ damage and other potential risks. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of your medicines to determine what is best for you.

As a Black woman, it’s important to advocate for yourself because you are part of the largest population affected by lupus. When you’re confident in your knowledge of lupus and the recent advancements in treatment options, you can feel empowered to have meaningful conversations with your doctor about your lupus and lupus treatment plan.

Please see the Important Safety Information below and visit SAPHNELO.com to learn more.

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.

You may report side effects related to AstraZeneca products.

To learn more about SAPHNELO, visit SAPHNELO.com and talk to your doctor.

lupus , lupus awareness , sponsored