Taking it One Day at a Time

Meet Stephen.

Stephen is taking it one day at a time. He has been diagnosed with a few different conditions, so knowing his Lupus is under control puts him at ease because his doctors and him can focus on treating other ailments. He was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in 2008. He tried the standard treatments- steroids, hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, and NSAIDs – over the years to help reduce mild pain and swelling in his joints and muscles but was not finding the relief he needed. For example, the hydroxychloroquine wasn’t being absorbed by his body so was told to stop taking that medication. Stephen was frustrated that his lupus symptoms were not getting better and asked his rheumatologist what more he could be doing to manage his symptoms. His doctor recommended that he try Benlysta.

Benlysta is an intravenous infusion given every 4 weeks (after the initial 3 doses). In many people with lupus, certain white blood cells called autoreactive B cells stay in the body longer than they should. One of the important proteins for the growth of these B cells is called B- lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS). Benlysta works by binding to BLyS which blocks it from binding to and stimulating the autoreactive B cells.

Stephen has been receiving Benlysta infusions since 2014. He started getting his infusions at his rheumatologist’s office. New management ended infusion services in 2020 and he was faced with finding an infusion center. He was anxious and a little nervous to go somewhere new.

“It was a difficult time- the uncertainty of the pandemic, and also having the bond with my infusion nurse for many years, and she promised she would refer me to somewhere where I would be in good hands. I’ve been with Sage since August 2020!” explained Stephen.

Stephen continued to state “I would absolutely recommend Sage! Without a doubt, the staff friendliness is the top reason I have been with Sage for almost four years. I look forward to seeing everyone every month. I will add that their clinical excellence also shines through!”

The infusion treatment has been working for Stephen, the relief lasts for about 3 weeks and then he takes a low dose of steroid medication to get him through to his next treatment.

“I have less joint pain. And, one unexpected side effect was that my disease has gone into clinical remission. That is, I need to stay on my infusion to keep things at bay,” Stephen stated.