I'm a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska. I live in Washington, DC, now, working as a patient advocate. I'm an incoming Masters of Public Health student at Vanderbilt University.

Growing up, I didn't face too many challenges with hemophilia. It did teach me to be cautious though. I was able to remain active and, while I wasn't able to participate in sports like hockey or tackle football, I was able to find alternatives, such as ultimate frisbee. I like to stay active in the gym, I enjoy hiking, I love going on long walks, especially being in DC. Big hobby of mine is going to thrift stores and finding vintage T-shirts. And I'm a big fan of music, too. I've been playing the guitar since I was in 2nd grade.

I've been on prophylactic treatment for as long as I can remember. Growing up, it was always part of my routine. In 2021, I switched to a factor mimetic treatment and, overall, it was helpful, but I noticed that I was still having breakthrough bleeds and still having to supplement with factor fairly regularly. I would suggest to anyone considering switching treatment to talk to your doctor like I did and find the treatment that works best for you. I was interested in being on a single product, and it needed to be factor. I first learned about ALTUVIIIO just from being involved in the hemophilia community. The possibility of higher factor levels for longer really interested me. When I went to my doctor for my annual comprehensive clinic visit, we are actually on the same page. I was planning on bringing it up with him, and he was planning on bringing it up with me. ALTUVIIIO could keep my factor levels higher for multiple days per week, and I might not need to supplement with the second product for breakthrough bleeding anymore. My doctor and I discussed the possible side effects of ALTUVIIIO, which include headache and joint pain.

I'm happy to be on one product, and the coverage that it gives me is key to doing the things I love and staying active in the gym. With ALTUVIIIO, I have a consistent dose every Wednesday, and that's that. I’ve felt very well supported by my CoRe Manager. I have met with her many times and in those conversations, she has always been helpful and reassuring and, in general, really helped ease that transition.

If there's a moral or a motto that I live by as it relates to my journey with hemophilia, it's that you are your own best advocate. Treatments are not one-size-fits-all, and it's important to find the one that works best for you. Everybody's experience with their bleeding disorder is different and, as someone who's fairly active, I found a treatment that works for me; one that provides effective bleed protection, longer half-life, and reduces the risk of bleeds. I'm being compensated to share my story with you in this video.

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INDICATION

ALTUVIIIO [antihemophilic factor (recombinant), Fc-VWF-XTEN fusion protein-ehtl] is an injectable medicine that is used to control and reduce the number of bleeding episodes in people with hemophilia A (congenital Factor VIII deficiency).

Your healthcare provider may give you ALTUVIIIO when you have surgery.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I need to know about ALTUVIIIO?
Do not attempt to give yourself an injection unless you have been taught how by your healthcare provider or hemophilia center. You must carefully follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the dose and schedule for injecting ALTUVIIIO so that your treatment will work best for you.

Who should not use ALTUVIIIO?
You should not use ALTUVIIIO if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ALTUVIIIO?
Tell your healthcare provider if you have had any medical problems, take any medications, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, supplements, or herbal medicines, are breastfeeding, or are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

What are the possible side effects of ALTUVIIIO?
You can have an allergic reaction to ALTUVIIIO. Call your healthcare provider or emergency department right away if you have any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing, chest tightness, swelling of the face, rash, or hives.

Your body can also make antibodies called “inhibitors” against ALTUVIIIO. This can stop ALTUVIIIO from working properly. Your healthcare provider may give you blood tests to check for inhibitors.

The common side effects of ALTUVIIIO are headache and joint pain.

These are not the only possible side effects of ALTUVIIIO. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.


Please see full Prescribing Information.