As relayed in the media, Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil, Quensyl,…) is being investigated as a potential treatment for COVID-19 related pneumonia. We all hope that it will help improve the outcomes of those affected by the disease. Unfortunately, in some countries, this has resulted in stock-piling, and the unplanned increase in demand has created shortages, causing anxiety amongst lupus patients that rely on Hydroxychloroquine as base treatment.

Lupus Europe and several national members have raised the issues with National Health Authorities and manufacturers. They are now well aware of the problem and are actively working on solutions. Production is beefed up, manufacturers are working with National Regulatory agencies and Pharmacy associations to help the distribution process and avoid shortages. In some countries, a special process has already been implemented in case a pharmacy can’t find Hydroxychloroquine with their wholesaler for on-label (lupus, …) use. Others will follow.

As a lupus patient, here is what you can do if you face this situation:

1. Do not stock up on Hydroxychloroquine.
2. If you anticipate the need for Hydroxychloroquine soon, talk to your pharmacy to pre-order, and clearly mention that this is as treatment for your lupus. Do not ask for more than you need (i.e. 1 box).
3. Ask your doctor to mention on the prescription that this is for your lupus. In some countries, this will help prioritize supply.
4. If you do not have Hydroxychloroquine anymore, and can’t obtain it at pharmacy:
• Ask your pharmacy to get in contact with the local provider office (“Marketing authorization holder”) on a possible emergency procedure for on-label usage
• Get in contact with your rheumatologist and ask for guidance. In some countries, your doctor might also be able, if necessary, to meet your needs via hospital controlled supply.
• Don’t Panic! While Hydroxychloroquine is an essential part of your treatment, if you have regularly taken it over the past weeks, it will keep its protective effect for an extended period, even if you cannot take it during a limited period. Strictly follow your Rheumatologist’s guidance, both in the period where you might not have access to Hydroxychloroquine, and when you receive your next box.
5. Do NOT self-adjust any of your medication : Do not stop Cortisone, nor immune-suppressant, nor Plaquenil treatments, unless you get instructed to do so by your doctor.

Take care of yourself, and of the others – we will all get through this together!

More information through:

As relayed in the media, Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil, Quensyl,…) is being investigated as a potential treatment for COVID-19 related pneumonia. We all hope that it will help improve the outcomes of those affected by the disease. Unfortunately, in some countries, this has resulted in stock-piling, and the unplanned increase in demand has created shortages, causing anxiety amongst lupus patients that rely on Hydroxychloroquine as base treatment.

Lupus Europe and several national members have raised the issues with National Health Authorities and manufacturers. They are now well aware of the problem and are actively working on solutions. Production is beefed up, manufacturers are working with National Regulatory agencies and Pharmacy associations to help the distribution process and avoid shortages. In some countries, a special process has already been implemented in case a pharmacy can’t find Hydroxychloroquine with their wholesaler for on-label (lupus, …) use. Others will follow.

As a lupus patient, here is what you can do if you face this situation:

1. Do not stock up on Hydroxychloroquine.
2. If you anticipate the need for Hydroxychloroquine soon, talk to your pharmacy to pre-order, and clearly mention that this is as treatment for your lupus. Do not ask for more than you need (i.e. 1 box).
3. Ask your doctor to mention on the prescription that this is for your lupus. In some countries, this will help prioritize supply.
4. If you do not have Hydroxychloroquine anymore, and can’t obtain it at pharmacy:
• Ask your pharmacy to get in contact with the local provider office (“Marketing authorization holder”) on a possible emergency procedure for on-label usage
• Get in contact with your rheumatologist and ask for guidance. In some countries, your doctor might also be able, if necessary, to meet your needs via hospital controlled supply.
• Don’t Panic! While Hydroxychloroquine is an essential part of your treatment, if you have regularly taken it over the past weeks, it will keep its protective effect for an extended period, even if you cannot take it during a limited period. Strictly follow your Rheumatologist’s guidance, both in the period where you might not have access to Hydroxychloroquine, and when you receive your next box.
5. Do NOT self-adjust any of your medication : Do not stop Cortisone, nor immune-suppressant, nor Plaquenil treatments, unless you get instructed to do so by your doctor.

Take care of yourself, and of the others – we will all get through this together!

More information through:
Lupus UK
https://www.lupusuk.org.uk/coronavirus/
Lupus Research Alliance
https://www.lupusresearch.org/hydroxychloroquine-common-lu…/
Lupus Foundation of America
https://www.lupus.org/resources/coronavirus-and-lupus

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3 days ago
LUPUS EUROPE

🚨 Call for patients🚨

🔊 INSPIRE SURVEY from the University of Cambridge.

This survey aims to improve the understanding of neurological symptoms in SLE and other rheumatic conditions.

Lupus is a very heterogeneous disease, which means that it affects people of different ethnic backgrounds and gender in different ways.

That is why, to get accurate research results, as many different groups as possible must be represented in the sample.

The INSPIRE survey was launched last year to get the patient experience on the assessment/monitoring of neurological symptoms, but they received very few responses from people from ethnic minorities.

That is why the research team led by Dr Chris Wincup has launched a new survey.

The new INSPIRE survey can be completed by lupus patients or their carers from around the world.

🟣 Please share as much as possible 🟣 in order to get a sample that includes a good proportion of all ethnic groups.

Thank you!

bit.ly/inspire_patients_short
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Comment on Facebook

I did it a second time and no it went good till the end

The survey was demolished.

4 days ago
LUPUS EUROPE

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is the most common form of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. It is characterised by persistent scaly plaques on the scalp, face, and ears, which can progress to scarring, atrophy, depigmentation, and permanent hair loss in affected hair-bearing areas (Source: DermNet).

This study, published by Prof Marca Mosca et al., describes 2 cases of severe and refractory DLE successfully treated with anifrolumab, a human monoclonal antibody.

Although anifrolumab has been recently approved for the treatment of SLE, data from randomized clinical trials have shown a significant difference in cutaneous response rate in patients treated with anifrolumab from those in the placebo group.

While the effectiveness of this treatment in real life and in different types of skin lesions has yet to be determined, it could represent a new valid opportunity for treating DLE.

jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/2798967
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Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is the most common form of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. It is characterised by persistent scaly plaques on the scalp, face, and ears, which can progress to scarring, atrophy, depigmentation, and permanent hair loss in affected hair-bearing areas (Source: DermNet). 

This study, published by Prof Marca Mosca et al., describes 2 cases of severe and refractory DLE successfully treated with anifrolumab, a human monoclonal antibody. 

Although anifrolumab has been recently approved for the treatment of SLE, data from randomized clinical trials have shown a significant difference in cutaneous response rate in patients treated with anifrolumab from those in the placebo group. 

While the effectiveness of this treatment in real life and in different types of skin lesions has yet to be determined, it could represent a new valid opportunity for treating DLE.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/2798967Image attachmentImage attachment
5 days ago
LUPUS EUROPE

We know some of you missed the great seminar recently delivered by Prof. Laurent Arnaud.

Well, no worries!

You have the chance to see it again, thanks to the European Federation of Internal Medicine (EFIM).

"Challenges in 2023 for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus".

Next 29th of March at 18:00 CET (i.e. Paris time).

Register for free here!

us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O5yMwjfgTS29pMKvOZfgZw
... See MoreSee Less

We know some of you missed the great seminar recently delivered by Prof. Laurent Arnaud. 

Well, no worries! 

You have the chance to see it again, thanks to the European Federation of Internal Medicine (EFIM). 

Challenges in 2023 for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Next 29th of March at 18:00 CET (i.e. Paris time).

Register for free here! 

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O5yMwjfgTS29pMKvOZfgZwImage attachment
6 days ago
LUPUS EUROPE

Did you miss this ERN RECONNET webinar with Lou Kawka and Prof Laurent Arnaud about #fatigue in #SLE?

Now you have the chance to watch it!!! 😃🙌

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jc7SiP5BsA
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Did you miss this ERN RECONNET webinar with Lou Kawka and Prof Laurent Arnaud about #fatigue in #SLE? 

Now you have the chance to watch it!!! 😃🙌

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jc7SiP5BsA
LUPUS EUROPE Uniting people with Lupus throughout Europe
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