Resources for People with Inhibitors
Laurie Kelley
January 4, 2016
In 2005, when I first sat with US families with inhibitors and
listened—really listened—to their challenges, I was blown away. First, by how
much they struggle: standard factor doesn’t work to clot the blood, different
treatment protocols sometimes fail, children are on prescription painkillers,
with ports and surgeries. Second, by how separated they were from the rest of
the community, shunned almost. “No one understands our challenges,” one mother
told me, “and when we share, they back away.” Hemophilia with inhibitors was
almost like a separate disorder. Third, I was amazed by how stoic and strong
these families are! And even more amazed by the lack of resources for them.
listened—really listened—to their challenges, I was blown away. First, by how
much they struggle: standard factor doesn’t work to clot the blood, different
treatment protocols sometimes fail, children are on prescription painkillers,
with ports and surgeries. Second, by how separated they were from the rest of
the community, shunned almost. “No one understands our challenges,” one mother
told me, “and when we share, they back away.” Hemophilia with inhibitors was
almost like a separate disorder. Third, I was amazed by how stoic and strong
these families are! And even more amazed by the lack of resources for them.
I’m
happy to say so much has changed in the US since 2005. We now have inhibitor summits,
financial aid programs, books, and even a camp! All for families with
inhibitors. At long last, our hemophilia community has embraced the inhibitor
families, and we’ve united.
happy to say so much has changed in the US since 2005. We now have inhibitor summits,
financial aid programs, books, and even a camp! All for families with
inhibitors. At long last, our hemophilia community has embraced the inhibitor
families, and we’ve united.
When
I learned about the struggles of inhibitor families, I vowed to write a comprehensive
guide to dealing with and living with inhibitors—and I did! From the interviews
for Managing Your Child’s Inhibitor
emerged the need for a summer camp. A colleague took that idea and eventually
did just that. What will knowing the needs of the inhibitor community lead you
to do?
I learned about the struggles of inhibitor families, I vowed to write a comprehensive
guide to dealing with and living with inhibitors—and I did! From the interviews
for Managing Your Child’s Inhibitor
emerged the need for a summer camp. A colleague took that idea and eventually
did just that. What will knowing the needs of the inhibitor community lead you
to do?
Begin
by ordering these free resources and enrolling in the patient assistance
programs. Having inhibitors is tough enough, but knowing there are colleagues
and professionals waiting to help you will ease the path forward.
by ordering these free resources and enrolling in the patient assistance
programs. Having inhibitors is tough enough, but knowing there are colleagues
and professionals waiting to help you will ease the path forward.
BOOKS
Managing Your Child’s Inhibitor
Laureen A. Kelley and Paul Clement
2009
Written by parents of children with hemophilia, this
comprehensive resource is the first and only book about inhibitors in the
world. From the parents’ and patients’ point of view, it extensively covers
topics such as pain management, surgery, family life, products, and treatment
regimens. Published by LA Kelley Communications, Inc. with funding by an
unrestricted grant from Novo Nordisk.
comprehensive resource is the first and only book about inhibitors in the
world. From the parents’ and patients’ point of view, it extensively covers
topics such as pain management, surgery, family life, products, and treatment
regimens. Published by LA Kelley Communications, Inc. with funding by an
unrestricted grant from Novo Nordisk.
To order: www.kelleycom.com
The Great Inhibinator!
Chris Perretti Barnes
2006
This richly illustrated storybook introduces a preschool boy
with hemophilia and an inhibitor. He manages his feelings by becoming a
Halloween superhero called the
with hemophilia and an inhibitor. He manages his feelings by becoming a
Halloween superhero called the
Great Inhibinator. Written by the mother of a child with
hemophilia and inhibitors. For ages 4–7. Sponsored by Bayer HealthCare and
BioRX.
hemophilia and inhibitors. For ages 4–7. Sponsored by Bayer HealthCare and
BioRX.
To order:
www.biorx.net
PATIENT PROGRAMS
Inhibitor Education Summits
The only national educational forums for inhibitor patients
to meet and learn about their rare complication. Offers lectures from experts
in the field and interactive forums with parents and patients. National
Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) provides these summits only for people living with
inhibitors, covering most travel expenses for participants.
to meet and learn about their rare complication. Offers lectures from experts
in the field and interactive forums with parents and patients. National
Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) provides these summits only for people living with
inhibitors, covering most travel expenses for participants.
Funded through a grant from Novo
Nordisk Inc. and Baxalta Incorporated.
For info: www.hemophilia.org
Inhibitor Family Camp
Camp addresses the unique needs of children with active
inhibitors, and their families. The full weekend of education, support, and fun
is held twice yearly, with camper costs covered. Funding provided by Novo
Nordisk Inc. Camp is designed and operated by Comprehensive Health Education Services.
inhibitors, and their families. The full weekend of education, support, and fun
is held twice yearly, with camper costs covered. Funding provided by Novo
Nordisk Inc. Camp is designed and operated by Comprehensive Health Education Services.
For info: www.comphealthed.com
FINANCIAL &
PRODUCT ASSISTANCE
PRODUCT ASSISTANCE
NovoSecure™
Novo Nordisk’s NovoSecure is a comprehensive patient support
program for patients with hemophilia A, hemophilia A or B with inhibitors,
factor VII deficiency, acquired hemophilia, Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia, or
factor XIII deficiency, regardless of product choice. Replacing SevenSECURE®,
NovoSecure allows enrollees to apply for a variety of programs, including
program for patients with hemophilia A, hemophilia A or B with inhibitors,
factor VII deficiency, acquired hemophilia, Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia, or
factor XIII deficiency, regardless of product choice. Replacing SevenSECURE®,
NovoSecure allows enrollees to apply for a variety of programs, including
• Competitive scholarship program
• Life coaching with HeroPath™
• Career counseling
• Insurance support
Novo
Nordisk also offers product and copay assistance programs to eligible patients
who have been prescribed Novo Nordisk products.
Nordisk also offers product and copay assistance programs to eligible patients
who have been prescribed Novo Nordisk products.
For info: www.mynovosecure.com
1-844-NOVOSEC (1-844-668-6732)
CARE
CARE (Coverage, Assistance, Resources,
and Education) to help patients take control of their healthcare needs through
insurance and product assistance. Copay or coinsurance support may be
available to reduce out-of-pocket costs associated with a Baxalta product.
and Education) to help patients take control of their healthcare needs through
insurance and product assistance. Copay or coinsurance support may be
available to reduce out-of-pocket costs associated with a Baxalta product.
For info: www.baxaltahematology.com or www.hematologysupport.com
Baxalta Resource Helpline 888-229-8379
To enroll in CARE: 855-322-6282
