All tag results for 'lupus'

After hearing from over 30 lupus patients, Food and Drug Administration advisers have approved the first new lupus treatment in over 50 years!

The FDA panel voted 13-2 in favor of a new drug, known as Benlysta, designed to treat flare-ups and pain caused by lupus, a little-understood and potentially fatal ailment in which the body attacks its own tissue and organs.

The FDA is not required to follow the advice of panels, but it usually does and is scheduled to make a decision on the new drug by Dec. 9.

Panelists like Dr. David Blumenthal of Case Western Reserve University, who voted against the new treatments approval, did not feel the studies submitted showed the drug was more effective than older treatments, saying:

“I know my lupus patients want a medicine that is more effective, but I have not seen data that says this drug is it”

Why such a negative nancy? Well for starters, the drug does not help African-Americans, who are three times more likely to have lupus than Caucasions! Secondly, only 30% of patients studied responded to the drug!

The big selling point seemed to be the testimonies from lupus patients who urged the FDA to approve the drug because current treatment’s side effects are more debilitating than the disease itself.

We're not experts, but if it helps a few, it sounds like it's worth it. Do U think the FDA should approve the drug?

[Image via AP Images.]

Tags: disease, lupus, treatment

At a luncheon benefiting lupus awareness yesterday, Toni Braxton revealed that she has the potentially deadly autoimmune disease.

"Take a look, this is what lupus looks like," Braxton said to a surprised audience.

Lady Gaga also spoke at the benefit and praised Toni for her bravery.

Said Gaga:

"Toni, your strength is admirable. As a woman whose family has been affected by lupus, I understand your struggle and have you in my thoughts.”

Our thoughts are with you, Toni!!

[Image via Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com.]

Tags: awareness, luncheon, lupus

This is a truly inspirational story!

In Portia De Rossi's new memoir, Unbearable Lightness, she speaks about her downward spiral into anorexia, bulimia, and other health issues which were stopped by Ellen Degeneres.

De Rossi had reached a point where she weighed only 82 pounds, took up to 20 laxatives per day, worked out for hours on end, and was surviving on 150 calories per day, and had basically almost killed herself.

De Rossi had developed a variety of health issues, including osteoporosis, cirrhosis of the liver, organ failure, and Lupus.

After the diagnosis of her health issues, De Rossi began to eat again, but became a compulsive eater, who gained 85 pounds in a single year.

Then Portia met Ellen, fell in love with her, and was inspired by her.

Here's what Portia had to say about how Ellen saved her:

"Ellen has taught me not to care about other people's opinions."

More from Portia:

"Ellen saw a glimpse of my inner being from underneath the flesh and bone, reached in and pulled me out."

Ellen's lesson for Portia is a valid one that we can all benefit from. It's important to feel good about yourself as a person.

You shouldn't focus on how others will perceive you, but rather how you feel about yourself physically, mentally, AND emotionally.

Remember - emotional and mental health are just as important as physical health!

[Image via WENN.]

Tags: anorexia, bulimia, cirrhosis of the liver, compulsive eating, emotional health, lupus, mental health, organ failure, osteoporosis, physical health, portia de rossi

What a brave Mamma Monster!!

Lady GaGa appeared on Larry King Live and finally cleared the air regarding whether or not she suffers from the disease Lupus, and her relationship with the deceased King of Pop, Michael Jackson!

We're so proud of her for being so candid! Take good care of yourself, bb!

Tags: disease, gagaloo, health, interview, king of pop, larry king live, lupus, rip, sad, this is it, tour