It's Approved!

Meredith's recent visit to see Dr. McShane in Chapel Hill was very exciting.  We had no idea that we were going to get some very surprising news. Meredith had previously considered participating in a Dupixent trial. After receiving additional information, Meredith decided that she did not want to participate. She didn't like the thought of risking the fact that she could receive a placebo and struggle throughout the process with flares, infections, and other issues. She decided to wait on the trial to be completed and approved for eczema.

During this time, she has been taking Cyclosporine. This is a medication most often prescribed to individuals who have had an organ transplant. It basically kills your immune system, can affect your kidneys, liver, and cause many other difficult side effects. She has also had to have routine blood work, which started with every two weeks and then decreased to once a month. She has been very blessed to have excellent blood work while on the medication, however, she has had other side effects including, change in hair color and growth, and major stomach upset.

So, at our visit on March 21st with Dr. McShane she excitingly shared that Dupixent injections had just been approved for eczema. She then shared that it has only been approved for patients 12 and over with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis/eczema. We were thrilled. Then Meredith quickly shared that this was perfect timing because she was going to turn 12 years old in just 5 days. Dr. McShane sent the request for the medication. She informed us that the first request would be denied, but not to worry because she would appeal with more detailed information and get the approval.

We will be traveling back to Chapel Hill soon to start the injections of Dupixent. Meredith will receive two injections for the first treatment. One will be injected by Dr. McShane, the other will be injected by me. Meredith will then receive one injection, every other week at home. She will no longer need frequent blood work, and this medication has been proven to not affect the organs as other medications she has used have. The biggest side effect is conjunctivitis that is not contagious, but she could need to go on eye drops if this does occur.

We are so excited!  This is huge!  Meredith has struggled with the physical and emotional effects of this condition her whole life. She has experienced depression and anxiety, received rude and nasty comments, and had to endure the horrific physical effects of frequent infections. Meredith is a little nervous about the injections, but she is looking forward to learning how to administer them herself. She is excited about this medication and the positive effects it will have on her life in many ways. Dr. McShane told her "this is going to be life changing for you."

Please pray for Meredith as we make this transition to what we hope will be the answer to her 12 year struggle with severe atopic dermatitis.