Author Archives: admin

Certain autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis affect minority groups more than others. In addition, up to 50% of all patients with autoimmune diseases experience mental health issues like depression and anxiety which … Continue reading →

Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but if you’re on biologic medication for an autoimmune condition, it requires some extra planning. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or embarking on an extended vacation, here are some tips to … Continue reading →

Most people are aware that pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause cough, thick discoloured mucus, shortness of breath and fever.  It can be caused by a bacteria, virus or fungi.   What is not commonly known is … Continue reading →

With summer around the corner, time spent outside enjoying the warmth is to be expected.  Therefore, it is time to revisit an important topic that we posted last year: drug-induced sun sensitivity reactions. At least 387 different medications can cause sun sensitivity reactions. It is important … Continue reading →

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have a major impact on an individual’s life. The number of individuals living with IBD in Canada is growing rapidly. In their 2023 report, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada found that roughly 0.8% (322,600 people) of the … Continue reading →

Ankylosing Spondylitis Awareness Month, observed each year in May, is one of several health promotion events celebrated and endorsed by Health Canada and serves as a crucial opportunity to shed light on a chronic inflammatory disease that affects thousands of … Continue reading →

Saphnelo (anifrolumab) is a one-of-a-kind therapy by AstraZeneca for the treatment of moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In December of 2023, Saphnelo was approved for coverage under the Ontario Exceptional Access Program (EAP). SLE is an autoimmune condition … Continue reading →

On December 4, 2023, Health Canada approved Pfizer’s Litfulo (ritlecitinib). Litfulo is a once-daily oral capsule used for the treatment of patients over 12 years old with severe alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition, where the immune system produces … Continue reading →

Infliximab is a protein-based medication referred to as a biologic that treats many immune-mediated conditions.  The original manufacturer of this medication is Janssen, and they named it Remicade. In the last several years other manufacturers have produced infliximab as biosimilars. … Continue reading →

On October 3rd, 2023, Health Canada approved Eli Lilly’s newest biologic for the treatment of moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis (UC) called Omvoh. With a limited number of therapies available for UC in Canada, the introduction of a new advanced … Continue reading →