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Meet DJ
Hi, my name is DJ, and I have severe hemophilia A. I’ve been married almost 6 years, and I have a 2-year-old son named Kal-El, who we named after Superman. I play the drums, and I love music and comic books. Being a drummer helped me build an identity that went beyond “DJ the hemophiliac.” I wasn’t always great with taking care of myself and my hemophilia, but I realized that when I do, I’m more present for my family without limitations. My grandfather had hemophilia. He died in 1996 from the bad blood era because his factor was contaminated. That’s why my family is never quick to switch to new treatment options. We talk to our doctors and the community to make sure that we’re making the right decision, so when we do switch, we’re confident that it’s right for us. We didn’t have too many options growing up with hemophilia. The recombinant factor I took back then was the same factor I took until I was a teenager. When ALTUVIIIO came out, I was still hesitant. I had to talk to the community. We didn’t decide to go with ALTUVIIIO until everyone was on the same page—when my team and my community were comfortable making that decision, and of course talking to my doctors.
We decided to make the change in October of last year and, since then, it’s been an incredible journey. The most common side effects of ALTUVIIIO are headache and joint pain. I am being compensated to share my story with you in this video. This has been my experience, but everyone’s experience is different.
I love the half-life. The biggest thing for me is the downtime. How much time in between infusions, and really feel protected between the infusion days. At my last visit, my factor levels the day before I infused were 30%. On ALTUVIIIO, I know where I stand as far as my factor levels. I know I have higher for longer protection. It’s the confidence in knowing. I can focus on living life first. My hemophilia treatment can become secondary because of medical innovations, including ALTUVIIIO. I can infuse once a week when my son isn’t awake. I haven’t had any moment where he’s waiting for me, or I’m down for a bleed, or I can’t do the things that he wants me to do with him. Kal likes Frisbee now. He calls it “flisbee,” so just tossing his “flisbee” around or playing catch with him—that’s a joy I couldn’t imagine living without. I can truly be a Superman, so to speak, for Kal.
VO:
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.
“Hemophilia runs in my family—my grandfather had it, and so does my older brother. When I was growing up, my mom didn’t really put me and my brother in a bubble, but she was definitely protective over us. Roughhousing with my brother was a definite ‘no.’ Sports? Yeah, right—which was unfortunate since my dad was a baseball, basketball, and football coach. Fortunately, I found an escape in music. I had a real knack for the drums, and I built an identity that went beyond ‘DJ the hemophiliac.’
I’d started a prophy regimen when I turned 14, but throughout high school, I didn’t really stick to it. I told myself I didn’t need to because I knew how to be careful. During my senior year, I ended up getting a really bad calf bleed—so bad that I couldn’t put any pressure on it and needed crutches.
I wasn’t always great about taking care of myself and my hemophilia. But I’ve realized that when I do, I’m more present for my family—without limitations.
When I learned about ALTUVIIIO, I was curious but hesitant. Making a treatment switch isn’t something I do lightly. I talked with people in my community and my healthcare team. We agreed it was time to make the switch, and I started ALTUVIIIO in October 2024.
I infuse on Thursdays before my son wakes up, and for the next week, I get to focus on living my life. I also appreciate that with ALTUVIIIO, my factor levels are higher for longer. Since starting ALTUVIIIO, I haven’t had any breakthrough bleeds.
I love seeing the world through my son’s eyes and sharing my passions with him. Sometimes after church, we’ll jump on the drum set, and he’ll start playing. When we’re at the park, I remember being a kid trying to go to the park with my grandfather. I’ve realized how my life has changed because hemophilia treatments have gotten so much better from generation to generation.”
DJ is a promotional speaker compensated by Sanofi. Peer stories based on data collected March 2026.
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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.
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.
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