When In The US, Do As Italian Women Do: Use Collagenil

This is a post sponsored by Uniderm, which compensated FabOverFifty to write it. Regardless, we only recommend products or services that we believe will be helpful for our readers, as we’ve been doing for almost 11 years! 

After showering – morning or night – I pat my cleansed face dry and immediately apply two products from Italy that I swear start working the minute they touch my skin: Bio Longevity Serum and Re-Pulp 3D. My complexion instantly looks flush and healthy. And, after using this duo exclusively for three months straight, the folds on either side of my nose are less pronounced, and my overall skin tone and texture are brighter and smoother.

   Geri Brin, Founder of FabOverFifty

As editor of a website for women 50+, I have tried a parade of serums, creams and lotions over the years, and liked a number of them. These two products I don’t just like. These I adore. Maybe that’s because they’re formulated by a company that wasn’t born yesterday in an effort to capitalize on the anti-aging craze sweeping the country. 

Bio Longevity and Re-Pulp come from Rome-based Collagenil, which has been in the beauty business since 1985, when it teamed up with the Italian Society of Aesthetic Medicine to create products. That’s a whole lot of experience over many decades, and Collagenil remains a leading choice among Italian women who take especially good care of their appearance and skin. Improving tone, laxity, sun damage and pesky wrinkles like crows feet are among their most pressing concerns. Bio Longevity and Re-Pulp are part of a complete Collagenil collection that addresses all of them! 

Collagenil enjoys a devoted following with women throughout Europe and has started to spread the good word to their American sisters.

Enter code FABOVERFIFTY30 at checkout for 30% OFF Bio Longevity and Re-Pulp 3D from November 20 (12:00 am) until December 20 (11:59 pm). One time only.

 

Besides the decades of experience behind it, Collagenil is a cosmeceutical collection, which means the products offer both aesthetic and therapeutic (medical or drug-like) effects, and are intended to benefit our skin health and beauty. Like cosmetics, they’re applied topically as creams, serums or lotions, but contain active ingredients and delivery methods that  help improve our skin tone and texture, pigmentation and fine lines.

Beauty might only be skin deep, but we want to do everything we can to maintain the beauty of our skin. Especially as we age. Collagenil doesn’t skimp on active ingredients, so its formulas work more effectively.   

Lakesis, an oil extracted from the sap of a tree in Greece, is the magical anti-aging ingredient in Bio Longevity Serum. It helps my skin seem younger, thicker and firmer by strengthening its underlying structural framework. Blue microalgae, another key ingredient, has antioxidant properties that help hydrate, revitalize and tone my skin. I use the serum morning and evening on my face, neck and decollete. 

Bio Longevity Serum works on my wrinkles, fine lines and all of the areas that stress and years of California sun have weakened,” says Diana P, another devoted fan. “This serum makes me look and feel 10 years younger.” 

The microspheres of hydrating and plumping hyaluronic acid and botanical molecular complex in Re-Pulp 3D cream restore the color and natural contours of my face.  Another plant extract in the formula is thought to reduce the muscle tension that produces wrinkles. Acting like a safe herbal alternative to a well-known injectable, the extract minimizes wrinkles and age lines. 

My skin seemed smoother and tighter within a day of the first application, and the grooves on either side of my nose are noticeably reduced. I massage Re-Pulp – morning and night – into the areas of my face with the most sagging, such as my cheeks, cheekbones and around my nose. 

Originally available exclusively by prescription from aesthetic doctors and surgeons, Bio Longevity Serum and Re-Pulp 3D are reasonably priced so more women can take advantage of their outstanding benefits. 

AND START DELIVERING COLLAGENIL’S INDISPENSABLE INGREDIENTS TO YOUR SKIN

Enter code FABOVERFIFTY30 at checkout for 30% OFF Bio Longevity and Re-Pulp 3D from November 20 (12:00 am) until December 20 (11:59 pm). One time only.

Treat Dry, Crepey Skin All Year

Crepe Erase compensated FabOverFifty with an advertising sponsorship to write this article. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I believe will benefit my FOFriends.—Geri Brin

Winter is visiting, which makes this the perfect time to start protecting your skin from the harsh winds and stinging cold. Take it from me. The skin on your body can stay soft, supple and sensationally smooth throughout the winter – and all year round – if you do what I’ve been doing for the last three years. My legs, my arms, my hand, my neck – all smooth!  I’ll tell you the thrilling reason why in a moment.

Dry skin is common in later life.

We naturally lose oil glands as we age, and the overheated indoor air we rely on to keep our homes comfortable during the winter makes the problem worse! Think about a favorite pair of leather shoes that’s stretched out and cracked after years of wear.  Like leather, your skin has countless pores that absorb or release moisture. When it releases too much of its moisture, it will dry up. If it dries up too much, cracks may form, especially on your elbows and feet. What’s more, your skin loses its wonderful foundation of collagen and elastin, making it loose and saggy. 

Even if you continually use body lotion from Thanksgiving to Easter it won’t provide lasting hydration or softness, and won’t do a thing for the crepiness. I’ve bought dozens of lotions and body creams–drugstore to high end– over the years, so I can speak from experience.

As editor of a popular website, I’m often invited to try out all kinds of beauty products. One brand–Crepe Erase™—jumped out at me because I’ll never forget seeing the actress, Jane Seymour, talk about it on TV. She looks amazing, at 69, and has been using Crepe Erase for years, a fine endorsement right there!

The formula features TruFirm Complex, an exclusive blend that includes three plant extracts, to help reinforce our skin’s netting, so the skin can appear tighter and firmer, and looks like it did when we were younger. Crepe Erase also contains seven powerful hydrators, including coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, olive oil, beeswax, cassava and Vitamin E, which absorb quickly and work to visibly soothe and renew the skin.

Crepe Erase is the #1 Selling Anti-Aging Body Treatment System for Dry, Crepey Skin*

(*Based on Crepe Erase sales data & IRI & NPD sales data for 2017.)

The Essentials Kit only includes two simple steps:

I grab my bottle of Exfoliating Body Polish when I shower, to lift away dead, rough surface cells and make my skin look smoother and more radiant. (By the way, don’t take long, hot showers because they’ll dry your skin even more!)  After the shower, I massage the Intensive Body Repair Treatment, with the TruFirm Complex, into the crepey skin around my neck, chest, arms and legs. The Body Polish has a beautiful, fresh scent and the Repair Treatment absorbs quickly and isn’t one bit greasy.

As I mentioned earlier, the skin on my body has felt smooth and hydrated for a few years, including during one exceptionally bitter winter. I’ve learned that the more consistently you use skincare products, the better the results. Adding Crepe Erase to my skincare routine has paid off when I need it most!

Crepe Erase™ isn’t a glorified body lotion. Trust me, it feels like I’ve tried them ALL.  If my word isn’t enough, look at these superb results from a 4-week Crepe Erase clinical study, not to mention the extraordinary before-and-after images they revealed on QVC.

98% EXPERIENCED IMPROVEMENT IN EVENNESS OF SKIN TONE ON THEIR DÉCOLLETÉ.

90% SHOWED IMPROVEMENT IN THE LOOK OF SKIN FIRMNESS ON THEIR ARMS.

88% OF WOMEN EXPERIENCED AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE LOOK OF SKIN ROUGHNESS ON THEIR LEGS AND KNEES.

{Based on average results of a 49 person evaluation by an expert clinical grader}

Results will vary.

Crepe Erase is so confident that you’ll love its products, it invites you to use them for 60 days, and, if you’re not satisfied, you can return the tubes–EVEN EMPTY–for a full refund, less s&h! This offer even gives me more confidence that these are quality beauty products. Plus, the line is incredibly reasonable in the first place!

and save 20% on the Crepe Erase Introductory Deluxe Kit + get FREE SHIPPING + a FREE GIFT valued at $38.

PS: While you’re at it, think about giving a Crepe Erase kit to your mom, daughter, sister or best pal so they’ll be as smooth as you in 2021.

Living in the Dark: Gail’s Story of Finding an Explanation for Her Mysterious Symptoms

This post was developed in collaboration with Lundbeck.

Gail had symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness and nausea for most of her adult life, but had trouble articulating them to her doctor.

“It felt like a black cloud was following me. I would experience extreme dizziness and nausea after I stood up, and it felt like I was going to black out. When I would talk to my doctors about what I was experiencing, they would say it was because of my thyroid or that I needed a B12 shot.”

Gail’s health issues also affected her career.

“Before I retired, I was an elementary school music teacher and the symptoms I was experiencing greatly impacted my life. I started to hide my symptoms at work by spending most of my day sitting. The symptoms were making my world smaller and smaller. I started staying in my house more and avoided driving as much as I could.”

Gail was finally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1999. She figured the reason why she had been experiencing the symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and the feeling like she was going to black out for all of those years was because of her undiagnosed Parkinson’s disease, but she came to find out that wasn’t the case. “After I retired and moved to Florida in 2000, I had to find a new neurologist. At one of my appointments, I mentioned my symptoms which prompted him to take my blood pressure readings in

different positions, including both sitting and standing, whereas my previous specialist would only take them while I was sitting down.”

It was after this appointment that she learned that the symptoms she had been experiencing all of her adult life weren’t typical for everyone with Parkinson’s.

“Ten years after my Parkinson’s diagnosis, my neurologist told me I had symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, or nOH. I felt total relief when I found out that my symptoms were not from my Parkinson’s, but from a separate condition that is associated with neurodegenerative conditions, like Parkinson’s. The best news of all was when he told me that the symptoms could be managed.”

Gail’s neurologist informed her that there was a clinical trial starting for a drug called NORTHERA® (droxidopa) and he thought she would be a good candidate for it. “I was glad to know there was something I could try, to see if it would help manage my symptoms. I decided to participate in the clinical trial and fortunately for me, taking NORTHERA has helped relieve my symptoms, though NORTHERA might not work the same for everyone.” Please review the full Use for Northera and Important Safety Information below, including a boxed warning for Supine Hypertension.

Gail was so motivated to help others advocate for themselves that she decided to become an nOH Champion. nOH Champions are a network of patients and care partner ambassadors dedicated to educating and supporting others living with or caring for someone who has nOH. As an nOH Champion, Gail has the opportunity to share her story and raise awareness of this lesser-known condition, while empowering others at various stages of their journey. The nOH Champion program is a national program and is sponsored by Lundbeck, the manufacturer of NORTHERA.

“When people think about Parkinson’s, they tend to focus on the motor aspects of the disease, including tremors, loss of balance or difficulty moving. I wanted to share my story to encourage others who might be living with Parkinson’s disease or other neurodegenerative diseases to talk to their doctor if they are experiencing symptoms like I was. There may be a way to treat these symptoms, you just need to ask the right questions.”

      Dr. Salima Brillman

To learn more about nOH and how NORTHERA® helps treats it, Salima Brillman, MD, Neurologist and Movement Disorder Specialist from the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center of Silicon Valley, provides the following information:

What is nOH?

“Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension is a lesser-known condition that can be associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy and pure autonomic failure. It’s due in large part to

the fact that the body does not release enough norepinephrine upon standing. As a result, blood vessels are unable to tighten as they should, preventing the blood from circulating back up to the heart and brain. This deficiency is what causes symptoms like lightheadedness, dizziness or the feeling of blacking out, among other symptoms.”

How prevalent is nOH in people with neurodegenerative conditions?

“Symptomatic nOH can present itself in about 20% of people living with Parkinson’s disease, 80% of people living with multiple system atrophy and nearly 100% of people with pure autonomic failure. Like Gail, many people don’t realize they are living with this manageable condition, which is why it’s so important to raise awareness of it.”

How is nOH diagnosed?

“As Gail mentioned, one way that nOH can be diagnosed is by a physician taking blood pressure readings while standing and sitting or during a tilt-table test, along with monitoring heart rate. If there is a sustained drop in blood pressure without an increase in heart rate, it’s suggested that the symptoms are from nOH.”

What is NORTHERA and how does it work?

NORTHERA is a prescription medication that has been shown to improve symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness and the feeling of blacking out. It is the only FDA-approved treatment specifically studied in patients with symptomatic nOH. The exact way it works is unknown, but it has been shown to have a small and temporary increase in norepinephrine. It’s important to talk with your doctor before starting or stopping any medications. Your healthcare provider should always be your first source of information and care.”

USE OF NORTHERA (droxidopa) CAPSULES (100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg)

NORTHERA (droxidopa) is a prescription medication used to reduce dizziness, lightheadedness, or the “feeling that you are about to black out” in adults who experience a significant drop in blood pressure when changing positions or standing (called symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH)) and who have one of the following:

—  Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disease that causes slowness in muscle movement as well as shaking in the hands

— Multiple system atrophy (MSA), a Parkinson’s-like disorder with more widespread effects on the brain and body

— Pure autonomic failure (PAF), a neurodegenerative disease that results in frequent drops in blood pressure upon standing

— Dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency, a condition where the body cannot make enough of the hormones that help regulate blood pressure

— Non-diabetic autonomic neuropathy, an inability to maintain blood pressure upon standing that can be caused by a number of rare diseases

Effectiveness beyond 2 weeks of treatment has not been established, and your doctor will decide if you should continue taking NORTHERA.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: SUPINE HYPERTENSION (this is high blood pressure while      lying down)

When lying down, elevating the head and upper body lowers the risk of high blood pressure. Check your blood pressure in this position prior to starting and during NORTHERA treatment. If you experience high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about your NORTHERA treatment.

Do not take NORTHERA if you have a known allergy to NORTHERA or its ingredients.

• NORTHERA may cause high blood pressure when lying down, which could lead to strokes, heart attacks, and death. To reduce this risk of supine hypertension, take your late afternoon dose of NORTHERA at least 3 hours before going to bed.

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening side effect reported with NORTHERA. Call your doctor right away and go to the nearest emergency room if you develop these signs and symptoms: high fever, stiff muscles, movements that you cannot control, confusion or problems thinking, very fast or uneven heartbeats, or increased sweating. NORTHERA should be stopped immediately if NMS is diagnosed.

• If you have coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeat, or heart failure, NORTHERA may worsen the symptoms of these disorders. Call your doctor if your symptoms become worse.

• NORTHERA may cause allergic reactions. Stop taking NORTHERA and contact your doctor right away, or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction such as: fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, swelling, trouble breathing, hives, or rash. NORTHERA contains tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No. 5), which may also cause an allergic reaction, especially if you have had a reaction to aspirin.

• The most common side effects with NORTHERA are headache, dizziness, nausea, and high blood pressure.

• Taking NORTHERA with other medications may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if you take prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.

• You should not breastfeed during treatment with NORTHERA.

• If you plan to become or are currently pregnant, talk to your doctor as it is not known if NORTHERA could harm your unborn baby.

• Take NORTHERA the same way each time, either with or without food.

• If you miss a dose of NORTHERA, take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not double the dose.

For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning for supine hypertension, or go to www.NORTHERA.com.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

©2020 Lundbeck. All rights reserved. NORTHERA is a registered trademark of Lundbeck NA. Ltd. DRX-B-100390

Authorized Generics: What You Should Know

Greenstone compensated FOF to write this “sponsored post.” Regardless, we recommend only products or services that we believe will be helpful for our readers. All insights and expressed opinions are our own. —Geri Brin

Caregiving seems to be part of most women’s DNA, so it’s unsurprising that in the United States, we make 80 percent of healthcare decisions for our families, according to Department of Labor statistics.1 We’re making choices not just for our own health but for the well-being of our partners, our parents, and our children. Some of our most important healthcare decisions are the types of prescription medications we’re taking.

“Gone are the days when we filled the prescriptions our doctors wrote for us, no questions asked. Today, we can easily research every medication to understand how it may benefit us and our loved ones,” said 62-year-old Ginny Baxter, who picks up medication prescribed to her and her husband on a regular basis given their health conditions.

Ginny is pleased when a generic option is available for her or her husband, she explained. “I know they cost less than the leading brand name medications, work the same way, and provide the same clinical benefits,” Ginny said. But she likely would be surprised to learn about a third, lesser-known class of drugs, called “Authorized Generics.”  

SO, WHAT’S AN AUTHORIZED GENERIC?

➠  An Authorized Generic is produced by the manufacturer that created the original brand name drug. It’s also typically made in the same manufacturing facility as the original brand. Generally, the main difference between an Authorized Generic and the brand name is that the Authorized Generic doesn’t have the brand name on the label.2

  Authorized Generics are the same size and shape as the branded versions.2

  Authorized Generics may have different markings on the medications and, in limited cases, may be a different color than the branded versions.2

  Authorized Generics are available at generic pricing. Bear in mind, however, that a number of factors will determine what you’ll pay for your medicine, including insurance co-pays, pharmacy charges, and savings cards. You should contact your insurer or pharmacy for specific price information.

AND, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AUTHORIZED GENERIC AND OTHER GENERICS?

All generic medicines must meet FDA standards for approval and are considered by the FDA to be as safe and effective as the branded drugs. They also meet the same standards of quality and manufacturing as the brand name drug. However, they’re developed and produced by a company other than the original brand name manufacturer.3

Generics also may have minor differences from brand name drugs, including their inactive ingredients, shape, size, or color. Although inactive ingredients usually are harmless substances that don’t affect the body, certain patients may not tolerate them well.3-4

Now you understand the important facts about Authorized Generics and how they differ from the generics you’ve known about for years. It’s time then to visit the FDA website to learn if they’re available for the medications you or your loved ones are taking.

IF YOU’RE LEARNING ABOUT AUTHORIZED GENERICS, YOU MAY HEAR ABOUT GREENSTONE

Greenstone, a US-based company owned by Pfizer Inc., has long been providing Authorized Generic versions of original brand name drugs, and sells over 70 of Pfizer’s leading brand name drugs as Authorized Generics. This currently includes six of the 25 most-prescribed medicines in the United States, across a broad spectrum of diseases and conditions. Greenstone also provides Authorized Generics from other manufacturers, in addition to several generics. The company receives its product materials from a global network of suppliers, and its sites in North America and Europe manufacture 100% of Greenstone’s Authorized Generics. You can find the list of its generics here.

If an Authorized Generic is available for your medication but your pharmacy does not carry it, ask the pharmacist if he or she can order it. Greenstone also offers a Pharmacy Locator Service at 1-855-222-8588 to personally help you find one of its medications at a pharmacy near you.

“So, the next time one of your doctors writes a prescription, make sure to check whether an Authorized Generic is available. And talk to your pharmacist about Authorized Generic versions of your prescribed medications,” said Geri Brin, founder of FabOverFifty.com

AND EXPLORE YOUR PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION OPTIONS

References:
S. Department of Labor. Fact Sheet – General Facts on Women and Job Based Health. https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/EBSA/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/fact-sheets/women-and-job-based-health.pdf. Accessed April 28, 2020.
US Food and Drug Administration. FDA list of authorized generic drugs.
US Food and Drug Administration. Generic drugs: Questions and Answers. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/questions-answers/generic-drugs-questions-answers. Accessed February 18, 2020.
Smith Marsh DE. Bioequivalence and Interchangeability of Generic Drugs. Merck Manual. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/drugs/brand-name-and-generic-drugs/bioequivalence-and-interchangeability-of-generic-drugs. Accessed February 18, 2020.

Help Maintain Your Vitality At A Time You Need It Most

ChromaDex compensated FOF with an advertising sponsorship to write this post. Regardless, we only recommend products or services that we believe will be helpful for our readers. All insights and expressed opinions are our own. —Geri Brin

I congratulated myself when I started moving my body more – especially away from the refrigerator – during our stressful time. It’s tough to discipline myself while I’m confined at home, but I don’t want to wind up unhealthy when this is all over. Besides, consistent exercise and healthy eating do make me feel emotionally and physically better than laying around and snacking all day!

Unfortunately, even if I’m working hard to keep my energy up when my nerves are constantly on edge, it’s not enough. Decreased cellular energy production is a natural byproduct of aging itself, with many of our lifestyle choices adding insult to injury.

Over time, alcohol consumption, overeating, and a sedentary lifestyle are among the “stressors” that can play havoc with our “cellular metabolism.” If you were as poor a biology student as I, you’ll want to know that “cellular metabolism” encompasses all the biochemical reactions inside living organisms that keep us alive—and healthy!

Now we’re confronted with an unexpected stress in our lives, which complicates matters even more.

Scientists have learned this critical fact about aging: It significantly reduces the level of the most important molecule in every single cell of our bodies, called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). We all absolutely need NAD, they discovered, because it allows our cells to convert the fats, proteins and carbohydrates we eat into the energy we need to stay in shape. It also helps activate longevity genes, which control cellular aging, as well as all those chemical and biological processes that help us stay fit and healthy.

>> Help combat the normal effects of aging during our “new normal.”

Even if we do cardio and weight-bearing exercises all week, consume a diet of nutritious whole foods, get adequate sleep, and stay away from smoking and drinking, the unavoidable stresses of life will cause our NAD levels to decline. But a brilliant scientist has discovered that nicotinamide riboside (NR), a natural nutrient found in small amounts in milk, may actually help our cells replenish their NAD and support energy production in the cells.   

So, it makes complete sense that taking a supplement with a nature-identical form of NR will help increase our bodies’ NAD levels, and help maintain our vitality. ESPECIALLY NOW! 

Dr. Charles Brenner, the Stanford-educated PhD who discovered the connection between NR and NAD, is the Chief Scientific Advisor behind TRU NIAGEN®, the only NR supplement that we can buy directly from ChromaDex, the worldwide patent-holder and innovator behind it. When the scientific community first looked at Dr. Brenner’s research, I was excited to see that he had discovered something which research suggests has the potential to help us maintain our cellular health as we age.

I started taking TRU NIAGEN® every morning long before my life was severely interrupted. I feel as though it has given me overall feelings of wellbeing and consistent energy. A single serving every day produces clinically significant increases in NAD levels, supporting my desire to continue aging the best I can, even during my confinement. 

I have also started an exercise program at home and am trying my best to avoid eating unhealthy snacks all day long. 

The #1 Selling Anti-Aging Body Treatment For Dry, Crepey Skin Just Got Even Better*

Crepe Erase® compensated FabOverFifty with an advertising sponsorship to write this post. Regardless, we only recommend products or services that we believe will help you. All insights and opinions are our own. —Geri Brin

I try to keep a reserve of the beauty products I love so I’m never caught empty handed. When I was about to reorder one of my favorite products, which makes the skin on my body the smoothest, firmest and most hydrated it’s felt in years, I noticed they’ve come out with an improved version. I love when a good thing gets even better, so I ordered right away.

Now, after using new Crepe Erase® Advanced for about six months, I’m more in love than ever!

Dry, delicate skin is common later in life, since our glands naturally produce less oil. And dry skin can crack, especially on our elbows and feet. What’s more, our skin loses its wonderful foundation of collagen and elastin as we age, making it loose and saggy on areas like our neck and chest, inner arms, even on our knees and hands. Looking almost like crepe paper, it’s called “crepey skin.” 

I first discovered Crepe Erase when I was invited to try it as the editor of a popular website. It jumped out at me because I remembered seeing the actress, Jane Seymour, talk about it on TV. She looks sensational, at 68, and has been using Crepe Erase for years, a fine endorsement right there! It’s also a big big seller on QVC, where they call it anti-aging for your body.”  That definitely got my attention.

Crepe Erase isn’t a glorified body lotion. Trust me, it feels like I’ve tried them ALL. The secret ingredient that powers Crepe Erase Advanced is TruFirm Complex, a powerful botanical blend specially formulated for dry, crepey, aging skin. Its three naturally derived extracts–apple, dill and sage–help reinforce our skin’s netting, so the skin can appear tighter and firmer, and look like it did when we were younger. Crepe Erase Advanced also contains nine Super Hydrators, including coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, olive oil, beeswax, cassava and Vitamin E to deliver 48 hours of intense hydration. And, they absorb even faster and more effectively than the original formula to visibly smooth, firm and renew the skin.

A breakthrough in skin care science, TruFirm Complex is available exclusively in Crepe Erase! 

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Crepe Erase® is the #1 Selling Anti-Aging Body Treatment System for Dry, Crepey Skin*

(*Based on Crepe Erase® sales data & IRI & NPD sales data for 2017.)

The five-piece Deluxe Kit, Jane’s favorite, also treats your skin above the chin! 

Before stepping into the shower, I massage the luxurious and rejuvenating Refining Facial Scrub with TruFirm over my whole face, down to my neck.  It gently removes rough, dead skin cells to give me softer, smoother, firmer and brighter skin. Paraben free, too! 

In the shower, I grab my bottle of silky Body Smoothing Pre-Treatment with TruFirm and gentle exfoliators to lift away dead, rough surface cells and make my skin look smoother and more radiant. The lovely, fresh scent is a bonus! (By the way, don’t take long, hot showers because they’ll dry your skin even more!)  

After the shower, I massage the Advanced Body Repair Treatment with TruFirm into the crepey skin around my neck, chest, arms and legs. Just like its name says, this lightly whipped formula restores firmer, healthier-looking skin all over my body. Absorbs quickly and isn’t one bit greasy.

Even after a late night, I can count on my Flaw-Fix Eye Cream to instantly reduce the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles. It absorbs quickly and can be used at night and in the morning. Great as a hydrating mask, too. 

I never leave home without applying Restorative Facial Treatment, a  deluxe, ultra-hydrating formula with TruFirm and a blend of moisturizing oils. Along with its sister products, its plumps, smoothes and firms, and diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles. 

As I mentioned earlier, the skin on my body hasn’t felt this smooth and hydrated in many years. I’ve learned that the more consistently you use skincare products, the better the results.

Crepe Erase is so confident that you’ll love its products, it invites you to use them for 60 days, and, if you’re not satisfied, you can return the tubes–EVEN EMPTY–for a full refund, less s&h! This offer even gives me more confidence that these are quality beauty products. Plus, the line is incredibly reasonable in the first place!

There’s more. Order the Deluxe Kit and receive our 4-in-1 Eye Renewal Capsules as a free thank you gift. Packed with intense, concentrated moisturizers for an eye-opening experience. A $38 value.

and save on Crepe Erase Advanced + get FREE SHIPPING today!

We Can Finally Afford Personal Training When We Need It Most!

Keeping sane is going to take all our wits during these trying times. Keeping fit may be nearly impossible, what with gyms closed and our limited ability to take vigorous walks. Then there’s our proximity to the kitchen during our self-imposed (and crucial) quarantine. We can be super disciplined and start a daily exercise program, but that’s hard enough when life is relatively normal.

What if I said you could have a certified personal trainer – right at home – who would create a customized exercise program for you. Guide and motivate you. And, you could work out on your own time, for a fraction of the cost of a membership at even a moderately priced gym.

sneaking a chocolate covered graham

That’s just what I’m doing, thanks to Ladder, a brilliant new app created by fitness and tech experts.  And so can you. Ladder gives us real-time virtual access to personal trainers at a super affordable price. And, it gives trainers the chance to grow their businesses when they’ve lost access to the gyms where they work. “We wanted to offer a convenient solution to reversing unhealthy habits,” said Randi Stock,  a Ladder spokeswoman. And, it’s certainly easy to ignore healthy habits during this trying time in all our lives.

MEET YOUR PERSONAL TRAINER TODAY 

It’s simple and quick to be matched with your perfect coach, receive your personalized program and get started.   

STEP 1

Answer eight questions about your personality and fitness, such as Would you rather do something new, something familiar or both? and How would you describe your general health? 

STEP 2

You’ll get a message from your new coach right on the Ladder app, where you get to know each other. My coach, Bobby, asked me about my experience with exercising, my goals, how many days during the week I’d like to dedicate to working out, my diet, injuries, physical limitations and access to exercise equipment.   

                       the body weight squat

Learning that I try to stay away from carbs because I can’t help binging on them, Bobby responded, “Most of the internet tends to make carbs out as ‘evil,’ when they actually can be really good sources of disposable energy!  To lose weight, it all depends on putting out more calories than we take in. Those calories can be carbs, fats, or protein, but at the end of the day it’s calories that matter.” Bobby then asked if I’d be open to recording my meals, which would help me be more conscious about my diet. I said I would. 

By the way, even if you don’t have a single piece of apparatus, your coach will design your custom at-home workout based on your comfort level and whether you want help building strength, increasing mobility or just staying active and healthy. He or she also will make sure the program works with any past injuries or existing health conditions.

 

STEP 3

Your coach will send your workout routine to your iPhone or iPad through the Ladder app, which is formatted beautifully.  Each exercise is slowly and clearly demonstrated on a short (20 seconds max) how-to video, which is accompanied by a concise written description. Your custom routine is created from Ladder’s extensive library of exclusive videos. When you’ve completed each workout, you send your coach a notification so she can see what you’re accomplishing. 

Based on my two weeks of experience, it works best to watch a video, try the exercise, then read the description.  After repeatedly doing the exercises you won’t need the videos or descriptions, but it’s still smart to watch precisely how they’re done once in a while. They’re great reference tools to look at as you go through your workout.

If you’re still not sure how to do an exercise, you can text your coach right on the app, which I did a number of times when I  was starting out. I also sent Bobby short videos of me performing a couple of exercises so he could critique my form.

Bobby is one of about 150 expert trainers across the country who are perfect fits for the Ladder platform. But it doesn’t matter where they’re located since you’ll be working out virtually. What matters is that you’ll be getting a progressive program that really works for you.  That’s worlds better than self-prescribing exercises you think you might need right off of the internet but won’t necessarily help you achieve your goals. 

What’s more, a real person will push and cheer you on so you get and stay motivated. Your Apple watch or a YouTube video can’t offer the crucial human element. And, as you give your trainer feedback, your program will become more and more customized for your level of expertise. “The more feedback you provide, the better your experience will be,” Randi stressed

            one of the exclusive videos from the Ladder library

Feeling pretty sore after I started exercising, for example, I asked Bobby if I should work through it. He suggested a  mobility routine which wouldn’t be overly strenuous but would keep me active and alleviate some of the soreness. It worked! 

“You develop a relationship with your coach, who is invested in your success right along with you. Ladder creates a system of accountability between the two of you,” Randi stressed.  

Bobby and I have established a pretty good daily communication system since we started working together a couple of weeks ago.  We often message in real time. Ladder encourages all trainers to get back to clients within a few hours. 

“Fitness is critical for longevity, especially as you age and your body’s performance starts to  decrease before you even turn 50,” Bobby said. “It’s especially important during this stressful time to keep your body moving and give it exactly what it needs! Ladder lets me customize  workout sessions for every individual and coach them on habits, nutrition, and more through the app! I love tailoring my clients’ routined to their lifestyles and to discover how they can fine-tune their health from all angles!”

I know the exercises are working because my muscles – which were extraordinarily tight  – are now limber. And, the routines are becoming easier. Once I master the round of current workouts, Bobby will send me a new one!  Recording my meals has also helped me stay on the right track.  (Psst: I’m afraid to cheat because I don’t want to tell Bobby, and I’m a bad liar, so I guess being accountable and building up good daily habits are good things.) 

THERE ISN’T A BETTER TIME TO START WORKING OUT WITH YOUR OWN DIGITAL PERSONAL TRAINER AT HOME. 

AND GET TWO WEEKS FREE, EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE FABOVERFIFTY COMMUNITY.

(After that, the cost is phenomenal, as in super reasonable).

Honoring His Treatment Experience After a Leukemia Diagnosis

This post was developed in collaboration with Novartis

During a Sunday phone call 15 years ago, Mitch learned he had leukemia from a doctor who talked so fast, Mitch couldn’t make out his name. His own doctor had told him the day before that his white blood cell count was off on his recent blood tests, and she wanted him to see a specialist right away. She never mentioned leukemia. Being a “broad brushstroke kind of guy,” Mitch didn’t ask questions. He’d learn what was up from the specialist, he thought.

Engaged in his treatment: Actual patient Mitch discusses his journey with CML

When the fast‐talking doctor called, he asked Mitch a litany of questions about his health. “‘Did you ever have this? Did you ever feel that?’” Mitch remembered him asking. When Mitch responded no to all the questions, the doctor said, “That’s great, because with leukemia we tend to think of these things.” He then told Mitch to have a good day and hung up!

“My wife was out with a girlfriend and I was alone,” said Mitch, a small business owner in Biddeford, ME, who was 45 years old at the time. “I was in a mild state of shock. When you hear the word ‘leukemia’, it doesn’t exactly conjure up the idea that this will be fine.” He tried not to dwell on it for the rest of the day. “I’ll know what I’ll be facing when I see the specialist tomorrow,” Mitch remembered thinking. He never learned the identity of fast talker. He just knows that was probably the worst phone call of his life.

“It’s the classic signature of Ph+ CML, and we’ve got to get your white blood cell count down,” the specialist matter-of-factly told Mitch. “You’d be in the hospital if the count was any higher. After that, we’re going to introduce you to a drug that’s been very successful in treating this type of leukemia,” the doctor explained to Mitch.

Ph+ CML are the initials for Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia – a type of blood and bone marrow cancer which is associated with a mutation in the genes called the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome. This triggers the bone marrow to grow abnormal white blood cells uncontrollably. This form of leukemia is most often diagnosed in people over 60, but can occur in younger adults, as it did with Mitch.

The specialist made it clear that Mitch had a serious illness known as Ph+ CML in chronic phase and needed treatment. Other than feeling “a little tired and out of sorts,” Mitch said he had no other symptoms. “I was working 60 or 70 hours a week. Being tired and feeling out of sorts at times is part and parcel of the whole thing, so I didn’t think anything of it,” Mitch noted.

THE TREATMENT JOURNEY: BUMPY, THEN SMOOTH SAILING

Over the next five years, Mitch’s leukemia was treated with two drugs, and while they kept his white blood cell count in check, he faced unfortunate side effects. Fortunately, another drug – Tasigna® (nilotinib) capsules – had received FDA approval by this time, and patients like Mitch, who endured side effects with other drugs, were having some success with this one. Tasigna can cause side effects, however, such as headache, nausea and potentially other serious outcomes.

Mitch has been taking Tasigna twice a day for the last 10 years, and his white blood cell count is under control. While the experience with Tasigna is different for every patient, Mitch has not reported experiencing side effects “worth mentioning.” After his doctors cautioned him about a potential side effect called QTc prolongation, a serious and possibly life‐threatening heart problem that causes an irregular heartbeat, Mitch is careful to note if he becomes lightheaded, faint or senses an irregular heartbeat.

Mitch is proud of his role in his treatment process for Ph+ CML: Going for blood work every single week, at first, to determine his white blood count and giving bone marrow samples once a month. “It’s like ice core drilling in the Arctic,” Mitch jested. “They use a small core drill to take marrow from my hip.” He takes Tasigna twice a day, 12 hours apart. What’s more, he also can’t eat for two hours before and one hour after his dose.

“It’s my responsibility to honor the process,” Mitch advised. “You really need to be engaged in your treatment. How can I expect the most out of my doctor if I’m not giving it my best? I’m part of a club and I have an obligation to follow the rules. It’s not just about me; it’s about my family. And, it’s about the thousands of people who worked incredibly hard to bring this drug to market, which makes an impact on the lives of thousands every year.”

Mitch hopes his own experience will help others who have been diagnosed with Ph+ CML, which is why he’s excited to be part of an important Tasigna campaign called Your Blood Demands to Be Heard. “If you own your treatment journey every step of the way, as I’ve owned mine, you can have a better chance for success,” he stressed.

Mitch has inspirational overarching advice for anyone recently diagnosed with Ph+ CML: “There’s a great deal of hope, with years and years of research behind this disease. Just make sure to follow your treatment plan to a tee. Every. Single. Day!”


MITCH’S INSIGHTS

This 15‐year veteran of Ph+ CML also offered seven specific strategies on how he successfully incorporated his treatment into his life:

       JUGGLING ON AND OFF DAYS: “You will learn how to predict good days and bad days and operate accordingly. When I became tired, I’d have to be mindful that it wasn’t safe to climb ladders in my job or walk as far and as long as I once did. I knew my clients wanted to see me being engaged and energetic, so I’d reserve those activities for the good days.”

       USING KNOWLEDGE AS POWER: “I made sure to completely understand early on what I needed to do, when I needed to do it, and what was supposed to be happening with my body. Be mindful of side effects. I was probably a little more ignorant than I should have been.”

       SHOWING UP: “Monitoring your blood count is a key part of the process, so when the doctor told me to show up for blood work or other testing, I knew I had to show up.”

      ➠ MINDING THE MEDS: “You might feel so good, you decide to stop taking the meds. But you shouldn’t change your routine without discussing it with your doctor.”

      ➠ LOOKING AT THE BIG PICTURE: “You have to play an active part in your treatment. I’m not engaged in the minutiae, in all the numbers and information the doctors must review, but I always discuss my test results with the doctor or a nurse. I want to know whether everything looks good or whether I had a blip that month. I’m more thumbs up or thumbs down. How am I doing this week and this month? Other patients want to know every number and what it means, but that’s not me.”

      ➠ SETTING THE TIMES FOR TASIGNA: “It might take a while to establish a comfortable routine for taking the medication, since you need it two hours before a meal, and you can’t eat for an hour after the dose. Mornings are super easy for me, since I usually wake up at 6 am and I don’t typically eat breakfast until 8 am. I put the pill on the table next to the bed, pop it in at 6 am and go back to sleep. The timing is more difficult for me in the evening if I’m having dinner with a client or a friend than when I’m home with my wife. It’s not mind‐bending advice, but you have to figure it out on your own.”

      ➠ TRUSTING YOUR DOCS: “It’s more important that I trust the competence and the capability of my doctors and key members of their staff. If that breaks down, I’d look for someone else I can trust. It’s great if you like them, too, but not essential.”

Mitch says his disease is under control, but he’ll likely be on Tasigna for the rest of his life. His blood is tested every six months, and he doesn’t need bone marrow checks at this point, unless something unusual were to show up in his blood. Does he worry? “Heck yeah, every six months it’s like the biggest job interview of my life or waiting to get the biggest contract. I know that Ph+ CML will forever be part of my life, but it doesn’t have to sit at the head of the table. It can sit off to the side just as long as I recognize that it’s there,” he said.

Know your blood count, what the numbers mean, and get a treatment that can help.

To learn more about Tasigna and Mitch’s story, please visit bit.ly/39MghBg.

APPROVED USES

TASIGNA® (nilotinib) capsules is a prescription medicine used to treat:
• Adults with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase

• Adults with Ph+ CML in chronic phase and accelerated phase who no longer benefit from, or did not tolerate, other treatment, including GLEEVEC® (imatinib)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT TASIGNA® (nilotinib) Capsules

QTc Prolongation and Sudden Death: TASIGNA can cause QTc prolongation, a possibly life‐ threatening heart problem. QTc prolongation causes an irregular heartbeat, which may lead to sudden death. Call your doctor right away if you feel lightheaded, faint, or have an irregular heartbeat while taking TASIGNA. These can be symptoms of QTc prolongation.

• Your doctor should check your heart with a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Do not take TASIGNA if you have long QTc syndrome or low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood

• TASIGNA can interact with many medicines and supplements. This may increase your chances for serious and life‐threatening side effects. Do not take any other medicine while taking TASIGNA unless your doctor tells you it is okay to do so

• Food and grapefruit products increase the amount of TASIGNA in your body. This may increase your chances for serious and life‐threatening side effects. Take TASIGNA on an empty stomach

     ° Avoid eating food for at least 2 hours before the dose is taken, and avoid eating food for at least 1 hour after the dose is taken

     ° Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and any supplement containing grapefruit extract while taking TASIGNA

TASIGNA can cause serious side effects that can even lead to death. During treatment with TASIGNA your doctor will do tests to check for side effects. These tests will check your heart, blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets), electrolytes (potassium, magnesium), cholesterol, blood sugar, and pancreas and liver function. Your doctor may have you stop TASIGNA for some time or lower your dose if you have side effects. You should follow your doctor’s instructions. Serious side effects include:

• Low Blood Counts: Low blood counts are common with TASIGNA but can also be severe. Your doctor will check your blood counts regularly during treatment with TASIGNA. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low blood counts including:

     ° Fever, chills, or other signs of infection

     ° Unexplained bleeding or bruising

     ° Shortness of breath

     ° Unexplained weakness

• Decreased Blood Flow to the Legs, Heart, or Brain: People who have recently been diagnosed with Ph+ CML and take TASIGNA may develop decreased blood flow to the legs, heart, or brain. Get medical help right away if you suddenly develop any of the following symptoms:

     ° Chest pain or discomfort

     ° Numbness or weakness

     ° Problems walking or speaking

     ° Leg pain or your leg feels cold

     ° Change in the skin color of your leg

• Pancreas Inflammation (Pancreatitis): Call your doctor if you have symptoms including sudden stomach area pain with nausea and vomiting

• Liver Problems: TASIGNA can increase your risk of liver problems. People who have had liver problems in the past may be at risk for getting liver problems with TASIGNA. Call your doctor, or get medical help right away if you develop any symptoms of liver problems including stomach area (abdominal) pain, yellow skin/eyes, and dark‐colored urine

• Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): TLS is caused by a fast breakdown of cancer cells. Your doctor may do blood tests to check you for TLS. TLS can cause you to have kidney failure (with the need for dialysis treatment) and/or an abnormal heartbeat

• Bleeding Problems: Serious bleeding problems and death have happened during treatment with TASIGNA. Call your doctor right away if you develop signs and symptoms of bleeding such as uncontrolled bleeding, changes in eyesight, unconsciousness, sudden headache, or sudden confusion about your surroundings

• Total Gastrectomy: Tell your doctor if you have had a surgical procedure involving the removal of the entire stomach (total gastrectomy). Your doctor may need to change your dose

• Lactose: Tell your doctor if you have a severe problem with lactose (milk sugar) or other sugars. TASIGNA capsules contain lactose. Most people who have mild or moderate lactose intolerance can take TASIGNA

• Fluid Retention: Your body may hold too much fluid (fluid retention). Symptoms of fluid retention include shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, and swelling

• Abnormal Growth or Development in Children: Effects on growth and development have happened in children with chronic phase Ph+ CML during treatment with TASIGNA. Some children and adolescents who take TASIGNA may have slower than normal growth

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: TASIGNA should not be used during pregnancy since it may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor right away. If you are able to become pregnant, your doctor should perform a pregnancy test before you start TASIGNA. Effective birth control should be used during treatment and for at least 14 days after your last TASIGNA dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment with TASIGNA and for at least 14 days after the final dose

• Treatment‐Free Remission in Adults: Your doctor will monitor your CML during treatment with TASIGNA to see if you are in remission. After at least 3 years of treatment with TASIGNA, your doctor may do certain tests to determine if you continue to be in remission. Based on your test results, your doctor will decide if you are eligible to try stopping treatment with TASIGNA. This is called treatment‐free remission (TFR)

     ° Your doctor will carefully monitor your CML during and after you stop taking TASIGNA. If your test results show your CML is no longer in remission, your doctor will restart TASIGNA treatment

     ° It is important that your doctor does frequent monitoring to find out if you need to restart your TASIGNA treatment. Follow your doctor’s instructions about restarting TASIGNA if you are no longer in TFR

• Drug Interactions: TASIGNA can interact with many medicines and supplements. This may increase your chances for serious and life‐threatening side effects. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and over‐the‐counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements

If you need to take antacids (medicines to treat heartburn) do not take them at the same time that you take TASIGNA. If you take:

     ° A medicine to block the amount of acid produced in the stomach (H2 blocker): Take these medicines about 10 hours before you take TASIGNA or about 2 hours after you take TASIGNA

     ° An antacid that contains aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide,and simethicone to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach: Take these medicines about 2 hours before or about 2 hours after you take TASIGNA

• Common Side Effects in Adults and Children Include:

    • Nausea          • Diarrhea            • Rash             • Cough

    • Headache      • Constipation      • Tiredness      • Muscle and joint pain

    • Itching            • Vomiting            • Fever             • Night sweats

    • Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat

• Side Effects in Adults Attempting TFR: If you and your doctor decide that you can stop taking TASIGNA and try TFR, you may have more muscle and bone (musculoskeletal) symptoms than before you stopped treatment. Symptoms may include muscle pain, bone pain, arm and leg pain, spinal pain, and joint pain

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of TASIGNA. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1‐800‐FDA‐1088.

Please see the full Prescribing Information, including the Boxed WARNING, and the TASIGNA Medication Guide.

References

1. American Cancer Society. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), About Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. 22 February 2016. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/8684.00.pdf. Accessed November 2019

2. Tasigna [prescribing information]. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; 2019

Faithfully Observing Her Treatment Experience After a Leukemia Diagnosis

This post was developed in collaboration with Novartis

Staying positive and determined: Actual patient Virginia embraces compliance with her CML treatment

Virginia was in her late 40s when she began getting upset stomachs on and off throughout the week. Active and health conscious–her nieces and nephews call her “nuts and berries”–Virginia thought she might be perimenopausal. “When I asked my older sister if my stomach problem could be related, she said, ‘Sometimes, but everyone is different,’” Virginia recalled. After a couple of months, it got to the point where she could eat only half her meal because her stomach was burning pretty intensely, and she felt nauseous.

Between jobs, Virginia had insurance but didn’t have a primary care doctor, so she took herself to the ER in a hospital near her home in Southern California. There she learned her white blood cell count, normally around 10K, had shot up to 700K, and her spleen had enlarged to over four times its normal size. With that came the news that Virginia had Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase, or Ph+ CML, which is a cancer of cells in the blood and bone marrow that starts with a gene mutation called the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome. This triggers the bone marrow to grow abnormal white blood cells uncontrollably. A form of leukemia most often diagnosed in people over 60, it can occur in younger adults, as it did with Virginia.

“My spleen had been taking on all of the cancer, which is very uncommon, and it extended from the top of my rib cage to my groin. It was laying on top of my stomach and my intestines, which was impacting my digestion. I was lucky it didn’t erupt,” Virginia said. It took 10 days of intense chemotherapy to get her white blood cell count to a place where she could be released from the hospital. “I was devastated. I was scared. I had no idea about my future,” Virginia remembered.

“When the ER oncologist walked into the room and told me that CML is slower growing and easier to treat than some other forms of cancer, I felt a little better,” Virginia said. “‘We’re going to figure this out, and you’re going to be okay,’” said the oncologist, who has remained Virginia’s doctor to this day, nine years later. “We have a total partnership,” Virginia said.

MAKING ‘COMPLIANCE’ COMMONPLACE

Released from the hospital with a treatment plan, Virginia was instructed by her oncologist to make sure to take her medicine and have her blood drawn every three months. “At first, I didn’t understand exactly what the treatment was going to do or the side effects I could have. There’s only so much information you can absorb when you’re newly diagnosed,” Virginia said. “My oncologist didn’t want to expose me to information overload, so she said, ‘Let’s get you stabilized with this routine and see how it goes.’”

“I was on the drug for about four months, which got my numbers within the normal range,” Virginia added, “But the side effects were too great, so my doctor switched me to Tasigna® (nilotinib) capsules, which was a relatively new drug at the time.” Some patients were responding well to it, Virginia’s oncologist told her.

“I had a pretty seamless transition with Tasigna.
Though it can cause side effects for some, such as headache, nausea and potentially other serious outcomes, my numbers kept improving.

It was great to start taking Tasigna,” Virginia remembered feeling.

Virginia has been taking two doses of Tasigna, 12 hours apart, every day for about nine years. Each dose must also be taken two hours before a meal, and patients can’t eat for one hour after the dose. “I had never taken medicine on a strict routine. It was a big‐time shift for me, but my doctor and I made an agreement that I’d be compliant and take the medicine, and I have been,” Virginia explained. “Compliance is a strong word, but I like using it. You have to know you’ll be better off in the long run if you follow the treatment plan to a tee, so I do. I’m grateful that this medication actually exists and that helps me to go with it. Fasting is the hardest part,” Virginia continued.

After her “devastating diagnosis,” Virginia was introduced to a support group of CML survivors who “have walked this road many more years than I have,” she said. They gave her a wealth of good information, as well as strong emotional, practical and financial support. A national patient support group also assigned a volunteer first responder with CML to call Virginia soon after she was diagnosed.

VIRGINIA’S INSIGHTS

Virginia hopes her own experience will help others who have been diagnosed with Ph+ CML, which is why she’s excited to be part of an important Tasigna campaign called Your Blood Demands to Be Heard. “When you take the medicine and have your blood tested on schedule, you’re doing the right thing,” she stressed. A nine‐year veteran of Ph+ CML, Virginia also offered four specific strategies on how she successfully incorporated her disease and its treatment into her life:

      ➠ TIME FOR TASIGNA: “The morning dose is very easy for me because you’re supposed to fast two hours before and an hour after. I take it when I wake up and then wait an hour to eat, and then that dosage is done. Then I take it at 9 pm, two hours after dinner. I just have to be more mindful when I go out to dinner and when I travel between the coasts and have to juggle time zones. I used to set reminders on my phone, but I don’t have to do that anymore.”

     ➠ SUPPORT IS SUPREME: “Find a good support group, even if you don’t feel great, and have a friend, a family member or a caretaker help you get to the doctor, get your blood drawn, take your medicine and take care of yourself, especially during those early days.”

“Support helped me to be compliant. It gave me a place from which to operate and feel safe. When I saw other people doing well, I’d think, ‘I can do that!’ We shared our blood numbers in the support group. The group provided encouragement and accountability. I figured out a way to work with my intimate circle and my support group that allowed me to let the medicine do what it’s supposed to do. I figured out what was going to get in the way of my success, and I deflated those fears and thoughts. There’s nothing like attitude, even if I’m bummed out and having a bad day. I had to get back up and show up again. I chose to do it.”

      ➠ WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY: “Besides my positive attitude, the secret to my success is my faith and undying spirit. I eat well. I have fun. I have perspective and a tremendous amount of hope. I got a second chance at life, so I try not to stress out too much. I surround myself with people whom I love and who love me.”

   ➠ NEVER DETERRED BY HER DISEASE: “My legs and large muscle groups would feel lethargic at the beginning, but I’ve been able to get back into a healthy workout routine. I don’t push myself as hard as I once did. I didn’t let my disease prevent me from dancing, playing golf and hiking. I also love to do barre exercise classes.”

Virginia has adjusted to her new normal. Her disease has been under control for a number of years, but she’ll likely be on Tasigna for the rest of her life and will have regular blood tests.

By the way, Virginia is the vice‐president of business development and sales at a startup in the cyber security business. That’s a demanding job, but she’s up to it. “I’ve made some adjustments because of my CML, but I love what I do, which is important to me,” she said.

Know your blood count, what the numbers mean, and get a treatment that can help.

To learn more about Tasigna and Virginia’s story, please visit bit.ly/39MghBg.

APPROVED USES

TASIGNA® (nilotinib) capsules is a prescription medicine used to treat:
• Adults with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase

• Adults with Ph+ CML in chronic phase and accelerated phase who no longer benefit from, or did not tolerate, other treatment, including GLEEVEC® (imatinib)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT TASIGNA® (nilotinib) Capsules

QTc Prolongation and Sudden Death: TASIGNA can cause QTc prolongation, a possibly life‐ threatening heart problem. QTc prolongation causes an irregular heartbeat, which may lead to sudden death. Call your doctor right away if you feel lightheaded, faint, or have an irregular heartbeat while taking TASIGNA. These can be symptoms of QTc prolongation.

• Your doctor should check your heart with a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Do not take TASIGNA if you have long QTc syndrome or low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood

• TASIGNA can interact with many medicines and supplements. This may increase your chances for serious and life‐threatening side effects. Do not take any other medicine while taking TASIGNA unless your doctor tells you it is okay to do so

• Food and grapefruit products increase the amount of TASIGNA in your body. This may increase your chances for serious and life‐threatening side effects. Take TASIGNA on an empty stomach

     ° Avoid eating food for at least 2 hours before the dose is taken, and avoid eating food for at least 1 hour after the dose is taken

     ° Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and any supplement containing grapefruit extract while taking TASIGNA

TASIGNA can cause serious side effects that can even lead to death. During treatment with TASIGNA your doctor will do tests to check for side effects. These tests will check your heart, blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets), electrolytes (potassium, magnesium), cholesterol, blood sugar, and pancreas and liver function. Your doctor may have you stop TASIGNA for some time or lower your dose if you have side effects. You should follow your doctor’s instructions. Serious side effects include:

• Low Blood Counts: Low blood counts are common with TASIGNA but can also be severe. Your doctor will check your blood counts regularly during treatment with TASIGNA. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low blood counts including:

     ° Fever, chills, or other signs of infection

     ° Unexplained bleeding or bruising

     ° Shortness of breath

     ° Unexplained weakness

• Decreased Blood Flow to the Legs, Heart, or Brain: People who have recently been diagnosed with Ph+ CML and take TASIGNA may develop decreased blood flow to the legs, heart, or brain. Get medical help right away if you suddenly develop any of the following symptoms:

     ° Chest pain or discomfort

     ° Numbness or weakness

     ° Problems walking or speaking

     ° Leg pain or your leg feels cold

     ° Change in the skin color of your leg

• Pancreas Inflammation (Pancreatitis): Call your doctor if you have symptoms including sudden stomach area pain with nausea and vomiting

• Liver Problems: TASIGNA can increase your risk of liver problems. People who have had liver problems in the past may be at risk for getting liver problems with TASIGNA. Call your doctor, or get medical help right away if you develop any symptoms of liver problems including stomach area (abdominal) pain, yellow skin/eyes, and dark‐colored urine

• Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): TLS is caused by a fast breakdown of cancer cells. Your doctor may do blood tests to check you for TLS. TLS can cause you to have kidney failure (with the need for dialysis treatment) and/or an abnormal heartbeat

• Bleeding Problems: Serious bleeding problems and death have happened during treatment with TASIGNA. Call your doctor right away if you develop signs and symptoms of bleeding such as uncontrolled bleeding, changes in eyesight, unconsciousness, sudden headache, or sudden confusion about your surroundings

• Total Gastrectomy: Tell your doctor if you have had a surgical procedure involving the removal of the entire stomach (total gastrectomy). Your doctor may need to change your dose

• Lactose: Tell your doctor if you have a severe problem with lactose (milk sugar) or other sugars. TASIGNA capsules contain lactose. Most people who have mild or moderate lactose intolerance can take TASIGNA

• Fluid Retention: Your body may hold too much fluid (fluid retention). Symptoms of fluid retention include shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, and swelling

• Abnormal Growth or Development in Children: Effects on growth and development have happened in children with chronic phase Ph+ CML during treatment with TASIGNA. Some children and adolescents who take TASIGNA may have slower than normal growth

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: TASIGNA should not be used during pregnancy since it may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor right away. If you are able to become pregnant, your doctor should perform a pregnancy test before you start TASIGNA. Effective birth control should be used during treatment and for at least 14 days after your last TASIGNA dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment with TASIGNA and for at least 14 days after the final dose

• Treatment‐Free Remission in Adults: Your doctor will monitor your CML during treatment with TASIGNA to see if you are in remission. After at least 3 years of treatment with TASIGNA, your doctor may do certain tests to determine if you continue to be in remission. Based on your test results, your doctor will decide if you are eligible to try stopping treatment with TASIGNA. This is called treatment‐free remission (TFR)

     ° Your doctor will carefully monitor your CML during and after you stop taking TASIGNA. If your test results show your CML is no longer in remission, your doctor will restart TASIGNA treatment

     ° It is important that your doctor does frequent monitoring to find out if you need to restart your TASIGNA treatment. Follow your doctor’s instructions about restarting TASIGNA if you are no longer in TFR

• Drug Interactions: TASIGNA can interact with many medicines and supplements. This may increase your chances for serious and life‐threatening side effects. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and over‐the‐counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements

If you need to take antacids (medicines to treat heartburn) do not take them at the same time that you take TASIGNA. If you take:

     ° A medicine to block the amount of acid produced in the stomach (H2 blocker): Take these medicines about 10 hours before you take TASIGNA or about 2 hours after you take TASIGNA

     ° An antacid that contains aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide,and simethicone to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach: Take these medicines about 2 hours before or about 2 hours after you take TASIGNA

• Common Side Effects in Adults and Children Include:

    • Nausea          • Diarrhea            • Rash             • Cough

    • Headache      • Constipation      • Tiredness      • Muscle and joint pain

    • Itching            • Vomiting            • Fever             • Night sweats

    • Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat

• Side Effects in Adults Attempting TFR: If you and your doctor decide that you can stop taking TASIGNA and try TFR, you may have more muscle and bone (musculoskeletal) symptoms than before you stopped treatment. Symptoms may include muscle pain, bone pain, arm and leg pain, spinal pain, and joint pain

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of TASIGNA. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1‐800‐FDA‐1088.

Please see the full Prescribing Information, including the Boxed WARNING, and the TASIGNA Medication Guide.

References

1. American Cancer Society. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), About Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. 22 February 2016. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/8684.00.pdf. Accessed November 2019

2. Tasigna [prescribing information]. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; 2019

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