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*APSFA's Favorites    *In the News & Community - APSFA    APS - *General    APS - Cardiology & Pulmonology Related    APS - Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome    APS - Hematology & Rheumatology Related    APS - Lupus Related    APS - Lupus Research & Trials Information    APS - Nephrology Related    APS - Neurology Related    APS - Opthalmology Related    APS - Other    APS - Pregnancy    APS - Seronegative APS - SNAPS    APS Support Groups & Chat    Autoimmune Diseases - Other    Cardiology & Pulmonology Related Information    Disability Resources    Doctor Information    General Information    Genetic Clotting Problems    INR & INR Machines    Loss Information    Lupus Information - General    Lupus Information - Journal Articles    Medic Alert Information    Medication Information - *General    Medication Information - *Prescription Assistance    Medication Information - Anticoagulants    Medication Information - Antiplatelets    Medication Information - Antithrombotics    Medication Information - Herbals    Medication Information - Other    Migraine & Headache Information    No Clots but Test Positive    Other Medical Problems    Pain & Pain Management    Personal Medical Stories    Pregnancy Information    Professional Medical Websites    Stroke & TIA Information    Supports INR Greater Than 3    Thrombosis Information - *General    Thrombosis Information - DVT    Thrombosis Information - Other    Thrombosis Information - PE   

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Doctor Information

 
*APS Doctor List - *USA  
compiled by the APS Foundation of America, Inc. The APSFA does not endorse any of these doctors, they were simply suggested to us by others. Please be sure to call the office to ensure that the doctor will take your health insurance and is accepting new patients.
 
*APS Doctor List - Canada  
compiled by the APS Foundation of America, Inc. The APSFA does not endorse any of these doctors, they were simply suggested to us by others. Please be sure to call the office to ensure that the doctor will take your health insurance and is accepting new patients.
 
*APS Doctor List - Other Countries  
compiled by the APS Foundation of America, Inc. The APSFA does not endorse any of these doctors, they were simply suggested to us by others. Please be sure to call the office to ensure that the doctor will take your health insurance and is accepting new patients.
 
*APS Doctor List - UK  
compiled by the APS Foundation of America, Inc. The APSFA does not endorse any of these doctors, they were simply suggested to us by others. Please be sure to call the office to ensure that the doctor will take your health insurance and is accepting new patients.
 
ACAM Find A Doctor  
This database lists members on record of the American College for Advancement in Medicine. Listing in this database does not constitute a recommendation by ACAM or the APSFA.
 
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality  
Tips on choosing a quality health provider, check out this guide.
 
Antiphospholipid Antibodies by Sr. Stephan Moll (Q/A)  
Q:"I've been diagnosed with anticardiolipin antibody syndrome. I'm also a prothrombin 20210A heterozygote, and have elevated homocysteine levels. Following several clots and a stroke, my local health care providers are interested in getting me seen by folks with more expertise/experience. Can you recommend where we might turn?Is there an anticardiolipin expert here in the US? Is there a center doing research or clinical trials in which I might participate?"
 
Boston Hemophilia Center Staff Directory  
 
Consumers' Checkbook  
A nonprofit organization founded in 1974 with the help of funding from the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs, that publishes market data on physicians, hospitals and health plans.
 
DoctorDirectory.com  
Since 1996, DoctorDirectory.com has been the leading independent online directory for finding a doctor by specialty. Every year there are approximately 900 million physician and patient appointments in the United States. Over 100 million of those annual physician and patient appointments are first time appointments, and over 60 million of those happen without a referral from another physician or health plan. DoctorDirectory.com is a free service to doctors and other medical professionals and their prospective patients. DoctorDirectory.com provides physicians with the following; 1) patients, 2) cash for research, 3) online samples, 4) practice management advice, and 5) many other services to help their practice be successful. DoctorDirectory.com serves the world’s leading pharmaceutical prescription drug manufacturing companies with the following interactive Rx brand marketing solutions; Market Research, eSampling (online samples), eDetailing (online details), physician and patient messaging and online advertising targeted by ailment or specialty.
 
DoctorFinder through the American Medical Association  
DoctorFinder provides you with basic professional information on virtually every licensed physician in the United States. This includes more than 690,000 doctors. AMA member physicians are offered an expanded listing that contains additional information such as office hours, accepted insurance providers, educational history and other helpful information.
 
Find a Doctor on Book of Doctors - Ratings Reviews Free Doctor Listings Directory  
Read what patients have to say about them on Book of Doctors. Find a doctor in any speciality through our doctor directory and read detailed patient reviews and ratings. Our doctor listings provide as much information as possible to new patients before they make their important health decision. Along with detailed office information (hours, insurance plans, medicare, education, certifications, etc.), visitors can find reviews, recommendations or ratings about each doctor and submit new ratings as well. Book of Doctors directory contains thousands of doctors and growing daily so check back again if you don't find a doctor that meets your needs. Please visit our sponsors to help support our free directory (Watch Pavilion & Healio Health)
 
Find a doctor using Yahoo  
Search by location, specialty, name, insurance, or hospital
 
Find a Hematologist  
Find a Hematologist is a new service offered by the American Society of Hematology (ASH) for both patients looking for hematologists in their community and medical professionals who want to make referrals. Users can search by name, location, specialty, or clinical interest, and will be provided with contact information for hematologists meeting the search criteria.
 
Find a Provider  
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supports a network of specialized health-care centers to prevent and reduce complications experienced by persons with certain hereditary blood disorders.
 
Find your Doctor. Know your Doctor.  
 
Geographic Membership Directory from the American College of Rheumatology  
This compilation a proprietary product of the American College of Rheumatology. The contents of our online directory may not, in whole or in part, be reproduced, copied, disseminated, entered into a computer database, or otherwise utilized, in any form or manner or by any means, except for the user’s individual, personal and confidential reference. You do not have permission to make any copies of these lists or to contact more than one doctor at a time via mass mailings, e-mail or fax broadcasting, or telephone solicitation. Mailing lists are available from the ACR for one-time use for purposes conducive to our mission.
 
Health Pages (Find a Doctor)  
Health Pages is an online consumer health care service. We publish reader-friendly information on general health care topics and community-specific comparative information on physicians, hospitals, allied health professionals and health plans. Consumers can search our national database of over 500,000 physicians and compare doctors in any specialty according to their experience, hospital affiliations, office services and fees. Health Pages also incorporates the provider directories of over 300 managed care plans into our physician superdirectory, which allows consumers to determine what plans each doctor is affiliated with. The library of articles on such topics as prostate cancer, managed care, Medigap insurance policies, weight loss centers or maternity care are applicable nationwide. What differs from city to city is the comparative provider information.
 
HealthGrades  
A publicly traded company that rates hospitals, physicians and nursing homes, offers a free, searchable database that allows consumers to see how hospitals stack up.
 
Hospital Compare  
This tool provides you with information on how well the hospitals in your area care for all their adult patients with certain medical conditions. This information will help you compare the quality of care hospitals provide. Hospital Compare was created through the efforts of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and organizations that represent hospitals, doctors, employers, accrediting organizations, other Federal agencies and the public. Talk to your doctor about this information to help you, your family and your friends make your best hospital care decisions.
 
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations  
Consumers can use to compare hospitals on quality and safety measures.
 
NIH Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic  
The NIH Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic is located at: The National Institutes of Health Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center 9000 Rockville Pike 10 Center Drive Building 10, Outpatient 13 Bethesda, MD 20892
 
Physician Credentials: How Can I Check Them?  
 
RateMDs.com - Doctor Ratings and Reviews  
RateMDs.com allows patients to rate and read about their doctors and dentists. This is a fairly new website, so please add your doctors and rate them!
 
Recommended Doctors  
 
Second opinion counts for a lot  
© Copyright 2006 USA TODAY
 
Sites for Checking Health-Related Credentials  
This page was revised on January 31, 2005.
 
SMFM Physician Locator  
The Physician Locator tool allows you to search our database for members of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Results of the search will be based on the parameters that you enter into the the form below. There is agreement you must accept before using it.
 
Symptom Checker  
What's causing your foot pain? Why does your child's throat hurt? And what should you do about it? Use this guide to discover the most common causes of the most common symptoms.
 
WebMD Physician Directory  
The WebMD Physician Directory is compiled and regularly updated by The Little Blue BookTM, a WebMD company. What's more, all information in the directory is confirmed directly with the source -- the doctors themselves. The award-winning Little Blue Book is well-known in the medical industry for its accurate, up-to-date physician information.
 
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General Information

 
*APS Foundation of America, Inc Cafe Press Gear  
100% of the profits from these products will go to the APS Foundation of America, Inc. APS Stands for Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, which is a blood disorder that causes blood clots, strokes in young people and multiple miscarriages in women. The APS Foundation of America, Inc. is dedicated to fostering and facilitating joint efforts in the areas of education, public awareness, research and patient services in an effective and ethical manner. Thanks for looking! Please see our two other cafe press sites at www.cafepress.com/lupusaps and www.cafepress.com/thrombophilia
 
Acute neurologic symptoms—TIA, migraine, or something else?  
What diagnostic studies need your immediate attention? What is the patient's short-term stroke risk? These experts outline a rational approach to this often underestimated emergency.
 
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association  
The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association is dedicated to the eradication of autoimmune diseases and the alleviation of suffering and the socioeconomic impact of autoimmunity through fostering and facilitating collaboration in the areas of education, research, and patient services in an effective, ethical and efficient manner.
 
American Society of Hematology Patient Resources  
ASH provides a wide variety of information and resources for patients with blood disorders, such as links to patient support groups, free access to Hematology (containing current disease-specific information), and a Find a Hematologist feature to help match patients with practicing hematologists in their area.
 
Anxiety and Panic: Getting Control over Your Feelings  
Anxiety can be a normal "alarm system" alerting you to danger. Your heart beats fast. Your palms get sweaty. Your mind races. Sometimes anxiety can give you energy to get things done. But anxiety can get out of control and make you feel afraid for no reason. Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Family Physicians.
 
Blood & Marrow Transplant Information Network (BMT InfoNet)  
Blood & Marrow Transplant Information Network (BMT InfoNet) is working with staff at the National Cancer Institute to identify the greatest challenges facing patients who have, or have had, chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
 
Caring for a painful venous leg ulcer  
Hanne Vogensen presents a case study which outlines the care of a Danish leg ulcer patient. Hanne Vogensen, RN is a Tissue Viability Specialist, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. Article accepted for publication: June 2006
 
Choices You Must Make to Live Successfully with Chronic Illness  
Written by: Lisa Copen
 
Deciphering Medspeak  
Like millions of Americans, you have probably read a newspaper or magazine article, tuned into a radio or television program, or searched the Internet to find answers to health questions. If so, you have probably encountered "medspeak," the specialized language of health professionals. The Medical Library Association has developed "Deciphering Medspeak" to help you translate common "medspeak" terms. You'll also find some tips on how to identify quality health care information on the Internet.
 
Depression: What You Should Know  
When doctors talk about depression, they mean the medical illness called major depression. Someone with major depression has symptoms like those listed in the box below nearly every day, all day, for two weeks or longer. If you're depressed, you may also have headaches, other aches and pains, stomach problems, and problems with sex. An older person with depression may feel confused or have trouble understanding simple requests. Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Family Physicians.
 
Does your doctor's lingo have you in a tizzy?  
By Dr. Judith Reichman “Today” show contributor Updated: 1:08 p.m. ET Sept. 20, 2005
 
Emotional Health: What You Should Know  
People with good emotional health are in control of their thoughts, feelings, and the way they act. They feel good about themselves and have good relationships. They can keep problems under control. It's important to remember that even people with good emotional health can sometimes have emotional problems or mental illness. But people with good emotional health have learned how to cope with stress and problems. Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Family Physicians.
 
End-of-Life Choices and Compassion In Dying  
Compassion & Choices maintains the mission of improving care and choices at the end of life. Our combined strength ideally positions us to make the greatest strides yet in our quest.
 
Frantic patients, lonely decisions on treatment  
The New York Times, MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2005
 
HealingWell.com  
Articles, news, information, video webcasts, message forums and chat rooms, email, books, resource directory and more.
 
healthfinder® - your guide to reliable health information  
healthfinder® is an award-winning Federal Web site for consumers, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services together with other Federal agencies. Since 1997, healthfinder® has been recognized as a key resource for finding the best government and nonprofit health and human services information on the Internet. healthfinder® links to carefully selected information and Web sites from over 1,500 health-related organizations.
 
How To Protect Yourself Against Lyme Disease  
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disorder in the United States. Lyme disease can affect the joints, nervous system, heart, skin, and eyes.
 
Influenza Symptoms, Protection, and What to Do If You Get Sick  
Page last modified January 14, 2006
 
Is Your Problem Brain Fog or Alzheimer's Disease?  
 
MedlinePlus  
MedlinePlus will direct you to information to help answer health questions. MedlinePlus brings together authoritative information from NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations. Preformulated MEDLINE searches are included in MedlinePlus and give easy access to medical journal articles. MedlinePlus also has extensive information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, interactive patient tutorials, and latest health news.
 
MedSpeak Glossary of Terms  
Click on MedSpeak. The Medical Library Association has developed "Deciphering Medspeak" to help you translate common "medspeak" terms. You'll also find some tips on how to identify quality health care information on the Internet.
 
National Bone Marrow Transplant Link  
The nbmtLink is a non-profit organization specifically serving stem cell transplant (SCT) patients, their caregivers, families, and health professionals. In 1992, the nbmtLink was founded by those who had experienced the gap in information and support services for SCT patients and were inspired to establish an organization dedicated to meet these needs.
 
National Center for Health Statistics  
Welcome to the National Center for Health Statistics' Web site, a rich source of information about America’s health. As the Nation’s principal health statistics agency, we compile statistical information to guide actions and policies to improve the health of our people. We are a unique public resource for health information–-a critical element of public health and health policy.
 
National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC)  
The not-for-profit National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) is the leading independent health information source for women. NWHRC develops and distributes up-to-date and objective women's health information based on the latest advances in medical research and practice.
 
Next Steps After Your Diagnosis: Finding Information and Support  
Next Steps After Your Diagnosis offers general advice for people with almost any disease or condition. And it has tips to help you learn more about your specific problem and how it can be treated.
 
Oh, by the way...why am I losing my hair?  
May 1, 2006. By: Sharon T. Phelan, MD. Contemporary OB/GYN Registration Required
 
Quick Tips—When Getting Medical Tests  
AHRQ Publication No. 01-0040b, May 2002. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD.
 
Quick Tips—When Talking with Your Doctor  
AHRQ Publication No. 01-0040a, May 2002. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD.
 
Redefining Self Care  
Written by: Roz Laraway, MS Clinical Therapist, Franciscan Skemp Healthcare “Here’s the deal. You are made up of a body, a mind, and a spirit. When any one of these is in turmoil, it affects the others.”
 
Search for and Buy APS Books on Amazon.com  
Search and Buy Books about APS on Amazon.com
 
Stress: How to Cope with Life's Challenges  
Stress is caused by the body's instinct to defend itself. This instinct is good to have in emergencies, such as getting out of the way of a speeding car. But it can cause physical problems if it goes on for too long. When you have stress caused by life's daily challenges, your body has to work overtime, with no place to put all the extra energy. This can make you feel anxious, afraid, worried, and uptight. Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Family Physicians.
 
Striving for Quality Advance Care Planning  
written by Linda Briggs, RN, MS, MA Associate Director Respecting Choices and Ethics Consultant
 
The importance of health literacy  
Millions of people in the US are unable to adequately understand basic health information, and the consequences can be grave
 
The MAGIC Foundation  
The MAGIC Foundation is a national non-profit organization created to provide support services for the families of children afflicted with a wide variety of chronic and/or critical disorders, syndromes and diseases that affect a child’s growth. Since its inception the Foundation has grown to include support services for adults who were also impacted by these disorders.
 
The World's Healthiest Foods List, A-Z  
© 2002-2005 The George Mateljan Foundation
 
US Health and Human Services  
 
ValleyRally.com  
Valley Rally.com is a site that focuses on achieving success. The inspirational stories of success posted by our members will help give you the motivation and confidence to overcome similar struggles in your life.
 
Vascular Disease Foundation  
Established in 1998 the Vascular Disease Foundation (VDF) is the only multidisciplinary national public 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on vascular diseases with the sole purpose of providing public education and improving awareness about vascular diseases. The mission of the VDF is to reduce death and disability from vascular diseases and improve vascular health for all Americans.
 
Venous Access Port Problems  
Last Updated: July 15, 2001
 
WedMD  
 
Welcome to Precision BioLogic  
In the coagulation lab, you want confidence in the results you are reporting. You want to do things quickly and get it right the first time.
 
Welcome to Your Support Hosiery Superstore!  
Information on Support Hose also has some links to articles related to DVT and pulmonary embolisms.
 
Women's Conditions Health Center  
Women's health is an increasingly important field of medicine. Here you'll find in-depth articles on women's health issues such as chronic pelvic pain, fibroids, menstrual problems, and menopause.
 
Top of Page

Genetic Clotting Problems

 
*Thrombophilia Awareness Project  
Formerly known as FVLeiden.org. This website is run by a patient who has Factor V Leiden (FVL). This support site has information on FVL and other hypercoagulable conditions, but it is worth noting that not all of the information presented comes from healthcare professionals and not all information is cited. The APSFA does not have any control over the content of the TAP website and cannot confirm that all information provided by it is accurate.
 
Activated protein C resistance  
This page was last modified 13:18, 16 August 2006.
 
Activated Protein C Resistance and Factor V Leiden: A Review  
Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine: Vol. 131, No. 6, pp. 866–871.
 
American College of Medical Genetics Consensus Statement on Factor V Leiden Mutation Testing  
Wayne W. Grody, MD, PhD1, John H. Griffin, PhD2, Annette K. Taylor, MS, PhD3, Bruce R. Korf, MD, PhD4, and John A. Heit, MD5 (ACMG Factor V Leiden Working Group) © 2001-2005 American College of Medical Genetics. All rights reserved
 
Antithrombin III Deficiency  
Antithrombin-III deficiency can cause or lead to thrombosis, a clot forming in a blood vessel. If a clot attached to a blood vessel wall breaks loose and travels in the bloodstream, it is called an embolus. An embolus that reaches a blood vessel in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism. This type of clot can block the blood vessel, cut off the oxygen supply to the lung tissue, and, in some cases, cause death. Article Reviewed: 1999-03-17
 
Congenital antithrombin III deficiency  
Update Date: 10/28/2003 Updated by: Ezra E. W. Cohen, M.D., Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
 
Congenital protein C or S deficiency  
These inherited disorders of blood coagulation are caused by deficiency of the Vitamin K-dependent plasma proteins C or S that are naturally occurring anticoagulants. The disorder results in an increased tendency for intravascular blood clot formation. Update Date: 4/15/2005 Updated by: Rita Nanda, MD, Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
 
Current approaches to the work-up of hypercoagulability:Prothrombin 20210  
Information on Factor II G to A (guainine-to-adenine) gene mutation/genetic predispositions to thrombosis associated with mutation in the prothrombin gene.
 
Excess Factor VIII: A Common Cause of Hypercoagulability  
Abstract Background: Elevations of coagulation factor VIII have recently been described in significant numbers of patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) previously thought to have had an "idiopathic" event. Three patients from a family practice are presented with recurrent VTE and increased factor VIII levels. Method: The case histories and results of laboratory tests were reviewed. Results: The 3 patients had no other clear coagulopathy. In 2 of the 3, the increase was confirmed with a second reading. Conclusions: Factor VIII assay should be considered in the work-up of idiopathic, recurrent VTE. Long-term anticoagulation may be appropriate in this setting.
 
Factor V deficiency  
Factor V deficiency is an inherited abnormal blood coagulation disorder caused by a deficiency of the plasma protein Factor V.
 
Factor V Leiden  
Factor V Leiden (sometimes Factor VLeiden) is a hypercoagulability disorder in which Factor V, one of the coagulation factors, cannot be deactivated. Factor V Leiden is the most common hereditary hypercoagulability clotting disorder amongst Eurasians, possibly affecting up to 5% of the population of the U.S. It is named after the city Leiden (The Netherlands), where it was first identified in 1994 by Prof R. Bertina et al.
 
Factor V Leiden - Cardiology Patient Page  
Circulation 2003; 107:e94-97. (c) 2003 American Heart Association, Inc.
 
Factor V Leiden and Antiphospholipid Antibodies Are Significant Risk Factors for Ischemic Stroke in Children  
(Stroke. 2000;31:1283.) © 2000 American Heart Association, Inc.
 
Factor V Leiden and Pregnancy Issues Support Board  
This list is for people who have Factor V Leiden or similar disorder (such as Inherited or Pregnancy Acquired Thrombophilia) and are trying to get pregnant, already are pregnant, or have been pregnant. Affected partners/family members are also welcome. Within this group, it is not uncommon to have experienced a pregnancy loss, so members are expected to be sensitive to the serious nature of this group. This is a list of support, discussion, and information-sharing. Any challenges or flames will not be tolerated. Please note that new members are automatically moderated to reduce list-spamming. This may cause initial posts to be temporarily delayed in getting sent to the list.
 
Factor V Leiden thrombophilia  
Factor V Leiden thrombophilia is an inherited disorder of blood clotting. Factor V Leiden is the name of a specific mutation that results in thrombophilia, or an increased tendency to form abnormal blood clots in blood vessels. People who have the factor V Leiden mutation are at somewhat higher than average risk for a type of clot that forms in veins, such as the deep veins of the legs (deep venous thrombosis), or a clot that travels through the bloodstream and lodges in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
 
Factor V Leiden Thrombophilia  
[Hereditary Resistance to Activated Protein C, Factor V Leiden Mutation] Funded by the NIH • Developed at the University of Washington, Seattle
 
Factor V Q506 Mutation (Activated Protein C Resistance) Associated With Reduced Intrapartum Blood Loss - A Possible Evolutionary Selection Mechanism  
 
Factor VII deficiency  
Factor VII deficiency is an inherited disorder that causes abnormal blood clotting (coagulation), resulting from a deficiency of the plasma protein factor VII.
 
Factor X deficiency  
Factor X deficiency is a disorder that causes abnormal blood clotting (coagulation), resulting from a shortage of a plasma protein called factor X.
 
Factor XII (Hageman factor) deficiency  
This is an inherited disorder that causes prolonged clotting (coagulation) of blood in a test tube without a clinical bleeding tendency, and results from a deficiency of the plasma protein factor XII.
 
FDA Approves First Biologic to Treat Rare Clotting Disorder  
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today licensed Ceprotin, the first biologic treatment for patients with a rare genetic defect that can cause a potentially life-threatening clotting disorder. Ceprotin is made from the plasma of healthy human blood donors. It is a concentrated form of Protein C, a substance normally manufactured in the liver that circulates in the plasma in very small amounts. Protein C plays an important role in controlling blood coagulation by preventing the formation and growth of blood clots.
 
Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Thrombophilia  
 
Hereditary Blood Disorders, NCBDDD, CDC  
Hereditary defects in one or more of the clotting factors can cause the formation of potentially dangerous blood clots (thrombosis). Approximately 5-8% of the U.S. population has one of these clotting disorders collectively called thrombophilia, a propensity for blood clotting in which a genetic defect can be identified that often results in thrombosis. More than 60,000 Americans die each year from venous thromboembolism; in addition, nearly half of patients with deep vein clots experience long-term health consequences that adversely affect their quality of life.
 
HIV infection and stroke: if not protein S deficiency then what explains the relationship?  
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 2005;76:1331
 
Homocyst(e)ine, Diet, and Cardiovascular Diseases - AHA Science Advisory  
(Circulation. 1999;99:178-182.) © 1999 American Heart Association, Inc.
 
Homocysteine and MTHFR Mutations: Relation to Thrombosis and Coronary Artery Disease  
(Circulation. 2005;111:e289-e293.) © 2005 American Heart Association, Inc. Elizabeth A. Varga, MS; Amy C. Sturm, MS; Caron P. Misita, PharmD; Stephan Moll, MD
 
Molecular Genetics of Blood Clotting  
Summary: David Ginsburg is interested in understanding the components of the blood-clotting system and how disturbances in their function lead to human bleeding and blood-clotting disorders.
 
Protein C Deficiency  
Protein C deficiency is a genetic trait that predisposes one to the formation of venous clots. Protein C deficiency was first described in 1981.
 
Protein C Deficiency : Article by Eleanor S Pollak, MD  
Protein C deficiency, a deficiency of the anticoagulant protein C, is associated with a variably increased risk of thrombosis. In the rare inherited homozygous or compound heterozygous state, protein C deficiency is associated with severe life-threatening neonatal purpura fulminans or massive venous thrombosis. The inherited heterozygous state of protein C deficiency most frequently is associated with deep venous thrombosis of the lower limb but also may manifest in other venous locations. A significant percentage of patients with protein C deficiency remain asymptomatic. A family history is essential in assessing the association of a patient's deficiency with the patient's risk of thrombotic disease. Acquired protein C deficiency occurs in certain clinical scenarios, but this most often is associated with a transient predisposing factor. Last Updated: June 30, 2006
 
Protein S deficiency  
Haematologica, Vol 93, Issue 4, 498-501 doi:10.3324/haematol.12691. Copyright © 2008 by Ferrata Storti Foundation.
 
Protein S Deficiency And Thrombophilia  
Welcome to our web site. Protein S Deficiency (PSD) is a rare blood disorder that affects just a few thousand people worldwide. It is one of several known risk factors for thrombophilia and can increase the risk of blood clots such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE).
 
Protein S Deficiency And Thrombophilia Chat Room (UK)  
 
Protein S deficiency in HIV associated ischaemic stroke: an epiphenomenon of HIV infection  
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 2005;76:1455-1456
 
Prothrombin 20210  
Prothrombin is one of the blood clotting factors. It circulates in the blood and when activated, is converted to thrombin. Thrombin causes fibrinogen, another clotting factor, to convert to fibrin strands, which make up part of a clot.
 
Prothrombin 20210 Mutation (Factor II Mutation):Cardiology Patient Page  
(Circulation. 2004;110:e15-e18.) © 2004 American Heart Association, Inc. Elizabeth A. Varga, MS; Stephan Moll, MD
 
Rituxan for Treatment of Idopathic Factor VIII Inhibitors  
June 2003 Power Point Presentation
 
Selective IgA Deficiency  
 
Should one routinely screen for lipoprotein(a)?  
JOSEPH P. FROLKIS, MD, PhD Sections of Preventive Cardiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation, Cleveland Clinic
 
Strange inheritance patterns  
Last Updated: 2/15/2004
 
The Genetics of FVL, by Jennifer Rosenberg  
Contributions in design from Jennifer Rosenberg.
 
Von Willebrands Disease  
Matt Klimshuk's Homepage
 
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INR & INR Machines

 
*INR Monitoring in Patients with Antiphospholipid Antibodies with Finger Stick INR Machines.  
by: Stephan Moll, MD. A superb way to monitor INRs (International Normalized Ratio) in patients on oral anticoagulants who do NOT have antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) is though use of “point of care instruments”, where the INR is tested on blood from a finger stick. This method gives fast results and is used by many physicians’ offices and by some patients at home. However, in patients with APLA on oral anticoagulants these instruments may give inaccurate readings.
 
Anticoagulation Forum  
"Recognizing the growing importance and widespread use of antithrombotic therapy for individuals with thromboembolic disorders, the Forum seeks to develop a network of professionals committed to this therapeutic modality in order to exchange information, provide medical education, and pursue scientific investigation, with the ultimate goals of providing professional development and enhancing the quality of medical care."
 
Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) - NO to Home INR Machines!!  
I started this blog to help get the word out that Home INR machines are NOT safe to use for patients with Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome. If you have APS, please read! Thanks!
 
CoagCheck Systems  
Literature clearly states that this machine has problems with APS patient and patients with the Lupus Anticoagulant. This is for the CoaguChek, CoaguChekS and CoaguCheckXS. Please call technical support at 800-428-4674 for more information. Those using this machine should be getting vein draw comparisons at least every 6-8 weeks. The APSFA does not promote, sell or make money from this company nor the vendors that sell them.
 
CoaguChek & CoaguChek S Strip Insert  
Literature clearly states that this machine has problems with APS patient and patients with the Lupus Anticoagulant. This is for the CoaguChek & CoaguChekS. Please call technical support at 800-428-4674 for more information. Those using this machine should be getting vein draw comparisons at least every 6-8 weeks. The APSFA does not promote, sell or make money from this company nor the vendors that sell them.
 
CoaguChek XS System - Patient Experience  
Registration Required to read story. "I called Roche and expressed my concerns about the reliability of the machine. They told me that at higher INRs (above 4.0) the machine becomes less reliable. They also told me that the machine doesn't work very well for people with Antiphospholipid Antibodies because these same antibodies are on the test strips! She said that especially when someone with APS is having a flare up the machine may not work well due to the high level of antibodies in the blood."
 
CoaguChekXS Strip Insert  
Literature clearly states that this machine has problems with APS patient and patients with the Lupus Anticoagulant. This is for the new CoaguChekXS. Please call technical support at 800-428-4674 for more information. Those using this machine should be getting vein draw comparisons at least every 6-8 weeks. The APSFA does not promote, sell or make money from this company nor the vendors that sell them.
 
Devices for ambulatory and home monitoring of blood pressure, lipids, coagulation, and weight management, part 2  
Am J Health Syst Pharm.2005; 62: 1894-1903. Kelly L. Scolaro, Pamela L. Stamm and Kimberly Braxton Lloyd Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
 
Factors That Influence INR system Comparisons  
List includes Antiphospholipid Antibodies. The APSFA does not promote, sell or make money from this company nor the vendors that sell them.
 
For those inquiring about HOME INR machines...  
Registration Required to read this patient experience. "You're putting your life into a machine that is KNOWN to be wrong with APS patients...think TWICE...THREE times...FOUR times and Just say NO!"
 
Hemochron Jr. Package Insert  
Literature clearly states that this machine has problems with APS patient and patients with the Lupus Anticoagulant. Those using this machine should be getting vein draw comparisons at least every 6-8 weeks. The APSFA does not promote, sell or make money from this company nor the vendors that sell them.
 
Home INR Machines and Antiphospholipid Antibodies  
Home INR machines do not give accurate readings in about 1/3 rd of patients with antiphospholipid antibodies who are on warfarin. This is not due to the machine malfunctioning, but likely due to antibodies interfering with the test method of the home INR machines. In one third of patients with antiphospholipid antibodies the INRs read by the home INR machines are unreliable: (a) they either read too high, compared to INRs tested in a laboratory from an i.v. stick (reference 2), or (b) the instruments flash up an error message (reference 1). This inaccuracy is likely caused by the presence of the antiphospholipid antibodies. Since antibody levels can fluctuate over time, the instrument may give accurate readings at times when the antibody levels are low, but inaccurate ones at times when the levels are higher. This is a phenomenon not unique to the Coaguchek® instrument, but is also seen with the ProTime® and the INRatio® instruments (reference 1,2). In patients who do not have antiphospholipid antibodies the home INR machines give reliable readings and are a good way to monitor warfarin therapy (ref. 3). Last Updated: 8/22/06
 
i-STAT® PT/INR test  
The i-STAT® PT/INR test is a whole blood determination of the prothrombin time used for monitoring oral anticoagulant (warfarin) therapy. The test determines the time required for complete activation of the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade when initiated (activated) with a thromboplastin. Those using this machine should be getting vein draw comparisons at least every 6-8 weeks.
 
INR  
 
INR Self Testing  
INRs from POC instruments are unreliable in about 1/3rd of patients with the clotting disorder called antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLA syndrome) who are on warfarin. In these patients, the POC devices give INR readings that are too high, or the instruments report error messages. This is the case with any of the 3 instruments on the market. If you have APLA syndrome, your INRs should be checked from blood drawn from a vein and tested in a laboratory.
 
INRatio by Hemosense  
Representatives & Literature clearly states that this machine has problems with APS patient and patients with the Lupus Anticoagulant. Please see: http://www.hemosense.com/docs/5500317_TechBull108_AntiPhospholipid_RevA.pdf Those using this machine should be getting vein draw comparisons at least every 6-8 weeks. The APSFA does not promote, sell or make money from this company nor the vendors that sell them.
 
INRatio Monitor and Interfering Substances  
Anti-phospholipid antibodies can disrupt the phospholipid in the PT reagent that is necessary for the clotting reaction to occur thus artificially elevating the INR. The APSFA does not promote, sell or make money from this company nor the vendors that sell them.
 
My Experience with Finger Stick (Home) INR Machines  
Patient's story on her use of a Home INR Machine and supporting company information.
 
Patient Variables in PT/INR Testing with INRatio  
Technical Bulliten from HemoSense makers of INRatio. Clearly states that APS effects its results. The APSFA does not promote, sell or make money from this company nor the vendors that sell them.
 
Point-of-care testing of the international normalized ratio in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies.  
SL Perry, GP Samsa, and TL Ortel Thromb Haemost, December 1, 2005; 94(6): 1196-202. Antiphospholipid antibodies can influence the results of clotting tests in a subset of patients, which can be a major obstacle in monitoring warfarin.The aim was to determine if point-of-care testing of the International Normalized Ratio (INR) is influenced by antiphospholipid antibodies. Please note the manufacture of this machine helped fund this study.
 
Protime Machine  
Representatives clearly state that this machine has problems with APS patients and patients with the Lupus Anticoagulant. Waiver for patients with APS must be signed. Those using this machine should be getting vein draw comparisons at least every 6-8 weeks. The APSFA does not promote, sell or make money from this company nor the vendors that sell them.
 
ProTime Microcoagulation System Package Insert  
Literature clearly states that this machine has problems with APS patient and patients with the Lupus Anticoagulant. Those using this machine should be getting vein draw comparisons at least every 6-8 weeks. The APSFA does not promote, sell or make money from this company nor the vendors that sell them.
 
Questions and Answers: For Use with CoaguChek® Test Strip Urgent Medical Device Correction (UMDC) 06-266 and Urgent Medical Device Recall (UMDR) 06-267  
11/16/06: CoaguChekS now has a 30% +/- acceptable standard of deviation.
 
Thoratec Receives FDA Warning Letter, Plans Recall (ProTime)  
Thoratec’s International Technidyne Corp. (ITC) division has received an FDA warning letter citing concerns about its quality systems, specifically those related to certain lots of its ProTime System anticoagulation monitoring device.....of incorrect readings of patient blood coagulation levels.
 
Top of Page

Loss Information

 
American Child Photographers Charity Guild (ACPCG)  
A non-profit, volunteer based organization of child photographers from all over the country who have come together to form a guild dedicated to children in need and their families.
 
Association for Death Education and Counseling  
ADEC is one of the oldest interdisciplinary organizations in the field of dying, death and bereavement. Its nearly 2,000 members include a wide array of mental and medical health personnel, educators, clergy, funeral directors and volunteers.
 
Babyloss Website  
The Babyloss website provides information and support online for anyone affected by the death of a baby during pregnancy, at birth, or shortly afterwards.
 
Born Too Soon  
An Excellent online support group which offers support and information about losing a baby
 
Center for Loss in Multiple Birth  
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Anchorage, Alaska, serving families and others throughout the United States, Canada and beyond. Our mission is, and always has been, to provide parent-to-parent support for all of us who have experienced the death of one or more of our twins or higher multiple birth children at any time from conception through birth, infancy and early childhood. It is also to assist extended families, caregivers, twins and multiples organizations and others who are seeking to understand and support the needs of parents with a multiple birth loss. While it is not officially in our mission, we have come to believe in the importance of greater education of the public on the risks and realities of multiple births, and how often they include tragedy and grief--and the importance of prevention of multiple birth loss.
 
Child Bereavement  
 
Finding A Therapist  
Even the best mental health professional cannot take away the stinging pain of a child's death. An effective grief-trained therapist will walk with you, help you connect with your feelings, and help you discover ways to cope with the overwhelming sense of loss.
 
Grief Following Miscarriage: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature  
Norman Brier. Journal of Women's Health. April 1, 2008, 17(3): 451-464. doi:10.1089/jwh.2007.0505. Conclusions: Although additional research is clearly needed, guidelines for coping with grief following miscarriage can be based on the data available on coping with other significant types of losses. Given the range of potential meanings for this primarily prospective and symbolic loss, practitioners need to encourage patients to articulate the specific nature of their loss and assist in helping them concretize the experience.
 
Help! How do we deal with the loss of our baby?  
 
Honored Babies  
 
Hygeia Foundation, Inc.  
Welcome to Hygeia® and the Hygeia Foundation, Inc. & Institute for Perinatal Loss & Bereavement, a global community and Internet portal providing programs to educate, counsel and support families who grieve the loss of a pregnancy or newborn child, advocate for the healthcare of women and children, worldwide, and promote humanism in the education of tomorrow's healthcare professionals.
 
Miscarriage Help  
A site for those who have suffered a miscarriage. Hosted by Ellen DuBois, author of I Never Held You.
 
Miscarriages May Be A Symptom Of Greater Health Risk  
©2004 Elites TV
 
My Forever Child™  
Our mission at My Forever Child™ is to create unique acknowledgement and memorial keepsakes, remembrance jewelry and sympathy gifts to comfort those touched by the loss of a Child, no matter what age- miscarriage, stillbirth, pregnancy and infant loss, newborn baby, toddler, older child, teen and adult death.
 
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep  
Infant bereavement photography allowing families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives.
 
NZ Miscarriage Association  
 
October 15th, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day  
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is to promote Support, Education and Awareness for grieving parents nationwide (and worldwide). Too many families grieve in silence, sometimes never coming to terms with their loss. Our goal is to help others relate to our loss, know what to say, do or not say, not do and to help families live with their loss, not "get over" their loss.
 
Perinatal Hospice  
If you are here because of a prenatal diagnosis that indicates your baby likely will die before or after birth, we are so sorry. Perhaps you are considering continuing your pregnancy and embracing whatever time you may be able to have with your baby, even if that time is only before birth, while your baby is cradled safely inside of you. Please know that support is available (see the links on this site) and that you are not alone. Parents who have traveled this path before you have found that it can be a beautiful, profoundly meaningful, and healing journey.
 
Perinatal Hospice  
Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews. Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2007, Pages 216-221.e4 Fetal Therapeutics.
 
Pregnancy Loss and Infant Death Alliance  
The Pregnancy Loss and Infant Death Alliance has a unique purpose: to provide a formal network and a unified national presence to increase awareness and education on the emotional experiences and needs of bereaved families. PLIDA’s goal is to become a central place for parents, their concerned relatives and friends, and interested professionals, media, and policy makers to find information on the emotional aspects of pregnancy loss and infant death. PLIDA also organizes the biennial National Perinatal Bereavement Conference.
 
Pregnancy Loss: What You Should Know  
Copyright © 2007 American Academy of Family Physicians.
 
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Evaluation and Discussion of the causes and their management  
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, Volume 73, Number 10, October 2006, Pages: 912-921
 
Remembering Precious Babies  
Written by: Madonna Daley, MS, RN Bereavement Educator.
 
RTS Perinatal Bereavement Program  
In 1981, Bereavement Services developed a comprehensive approach to caring for families whose babies died during pregnancy or shortly after birth. The RTS program (formerly known as Resolve Through Sharing) was unique in healthcare. Today, more than 29,000 healthcare professionals have completed RTS Training. Based on our experience and research, we've found that these skills can be learned. We've developed other courses and a wide range of resources to support continued bereavement care and education throughout the world.
 
Second Trimester Pregnancy Loss  
Am Fam Physician 2007;76:1341-6, 1347-8. Copyright © 2007 American Academy of Family Physicians.
 
Share: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support, Inc  
The mission of Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support, Inc. is to serve those whose lives are touched by the tragic death of a baby through early pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or in the first few months of life.
 
StorkNet-Pregnancy/Infant Loss Information  
Pregnancy/Infant Loss Links and Support Groups
 
The Compassionate Friends  
The mission of The Compassionate Friends is to assist families toward the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child of any age and to provide information to help others be supportive. The Compassionate Friends is a national nonprofit, self-help support organization that offers friendship, understanding, and hope to bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings. There is no religious affiliation and there are no membership dues or fees. The secret of TCF's success is simple: As seasoned grievers reach out to the newly bereaved, energy that has been directed inward begins to flow outward and both are helped to heal. The vision of The Compassionate Friends is that everyone who needs us will find us and everyone who finds us will be helped.
 
The MISS Foundation  
The M.I.S.S. Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)3, international organization which provides immediate and ongoing support to grieving families, empowerment through community volunteerism opportunities, public policy and legislative education, and programs to reduce infant and toddler death through research and education.
 
UK Miscarriage Association  
General Information about miscarriage and support
 
Welcome to GriefShare  
You've discovered a special place where you can find help as you grieve the loss of a family member or friend.
 
Welcome to the Centering Corporation and Grief Digest  
The Centering Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education and resources for the bereaved. Centering was founded in 1977 by Joy and Dr. Marvin Johnson. We started with nine little coloring books for hospitalized children and two workshop offerings for nurses and families. In response to the need for support by families and caregivers while facing their grief experience we developed many new resources. Today we have over 100 books and for children and adults, My Friends Emotion Dolls, a Memory Bag for children, five videos and caring cards, plus over 200 books and resources from other publishers. We continue to provide educational offerings and workshops for caregivers and families. The second generation, Janet and Ben Sieff, brings new life and ideas to meet our changing needs in todays bereavement experiences.
 
When a Miscarriage Isn't Nature's Way  
 
Top of Page

Lupus Information - General

 
American College of Rheumatology  
Great place to look for board certified Rheumatologists.
 
Care of the Lupus Patient  
By NIAMS. WebMD Public Information from the National Institutes of Health
 
Caring for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus  
Nursing, Nov 1995 by Ferrante, Christine, Derivan, Mary Collins
 
Christine Ostwinkle Foundation for Lupus  
The Christine Ostwinkle Foundation for Lupus is dedicated to helping families win their fight against Lupus, providing information and statistics regarding Lupus, and assisting researchers in finding a cure.
 
Dorough Lupus Foundation  
The Dorough Lupus Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization. The Foundation's goals are to aide in research and educate the public about Lupus.
 
Faces of Lupus  
Notice NOT all of these faces have a very prominent rash or a rash at all.
 
Frequently Asked Questions About Lupus  
December 3, 2004
 
Laboratory Tests Used to Diagnose and Evaluate SLE  
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of The National Institutes of Health. Laboratory Tests Used to Diagnose and Evaluate SLE. Last revised, January 26, 1999.
 
Living with Lupus  
Nation's Business, March, 1993 by Marcia J. Pear
 
Lupus  
Written by: Rosalind Ramsey-Goldman, MD, DrPH - Northwestern University, Chicago, IL Published on: June 24, 2001 Editorial Review: October 14, 2004
 
Lupus  
The following is a transcript of a talk Dr. Petri gave at the British Columbia Lupus Society Symposium in November, 2002.
 
Lupus (SLE) Patient Booklet  
This booklet is written for people with lupus and their families and friends. It explains how lupus develops, how it affects different parts of the body, how it can affect people in different ways, and how doctors diagnose it. We then explain how it can be treated and offer tips and advice on living with it more easily. Near the end of the booklet you will find information on how to contact the Arthritis Research Campaign (arc), and a few suggestions for further reading. We have also included a glossary of medical words (like cartilage). We have put these in italics when they are first used in the booklet.
 
Lupus erythematosus in children: A report of six cases  
Samy Fenniche MD, Sana Triki MD, Rym Benmously MD, Hayet Marrak, MD Feiza Ben Ammar MD, Insaf Mokhtar MD Dermatology Online Journal 11 (2): 11 Dermatology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis.
 
Lupus Foundation of America  
With nearly 300 chapters, branches and support groups in 32 states, the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is the nation's leading non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes and cure for lupus. Our mission is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lupus, support individuals and families affected by the disease, increase awareness of lupus among health professionals and the public, and find the causes and cure. Research, education, and patient services are at the heart of LFA's programs.
 
Lupus Health Center  
Nine out of ten people who have lupus are women. Get in-depth information on lupus, its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Plus, find daily help in our online support group.
 
Lupus Italy  
This page is in Italian.
 
Lupus Research Institute Rewrites the Headlines on Heart Disease  
 
Lupus Site (SLE)- Lupus Symptoms  
 
Lupus: A Patient Care Guide for Nurses and Other Health Professionals  
Revised September 2006. Lupus: A Patient Care Guide for Nurses and Other Health Professionals is intended to provide an overview of lupus and how to care for patients who have the disease. It is not intended to provide medical guidelines for diagnosing and treating lupus, nor is it intended to be all-inclusive. Specific medical advice is not provided, and NIAMS urges readers to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to individual questions.
 
Lupus: Living With The Wolf  
Published/Last Reviewed on: October 16, 2004
 
S.L.E. Lupus Foundation  
Founded in 1970, the Foundation helps people with lupus, as well as their families and friends, cope with the anxieties and frustrations that often accompany daily living with a chronic illness. Sharing information and networking among patients and their families further helps dispel myths and provides daily support to those learning to live with lupus. We invite you to take full advantage of our comprehensive resources.
 
St. Thomas' Lupus Trust  
The official website of the St. Thomas' Lupus Trust and Dr. Graham Hughes. This website contains information for medical professionals, patients and supporters.
 
Systemic Lupus And The Nervous System  
Although nervous system involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is unclear and controversial, people with lupus do often experience signs associated with the body's nervous system, such as: headaches, confusion, difficulty with concentration, fatigue, occasional seizures or strokes.
 
SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS  
Updated May 2004 Written by Ellen Ginzler, MD, and Jean Tayar, MD, and reviewed by the American College of Rheumatology Communications and Marketing Committee.
 
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus  
© 2000, Family Practice Notebook, LLC . These pages are best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or greater for full functionality. This is one page of 12 in this chapter, 140 in this book, and 4645 in the Family Practice Notebook.
 
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus  
Adapted with permission from Madhok R, Wu O. Systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Evid Handbook June 2007:368-70.
 
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Sjogren Syndrome  
Posted 11/25/2002 Michael D. Lockshin, MD; Jane E. Salmon, MD Registration Required.
 
Systemic lupus erythematosus: Unmasking a great imitator  
Nursing2005, November 2005
 
The DRM WebWatcher Lupus  
 
Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Update  
This article suggests an INR of 3 to 4 for patients with APS. Dr. Petri is one of the leading APS specialists and this webpage would be good to show your doctor if you are having a problem getting him/her to take you seriously that our INRs need to be higher. American Family Physician® > Vol. 57/No. 11 (June, 1998)
 
We Have Lupus  
 
What can you say about systemic lupus erythematosus?  
Copyright Springhouse Corporation Aug 2004
 
What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?  
Published: Mar/Apr 2005
 
What the Lupus Butterfly Looks Like  
 
Top of Page

Lupus Information - Journal Articles

 
"Joining the dots" for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: personal perspectives of health care from a qualitative study  
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2006;65:585-589; doi:10.1136/ard.2005.037077 © 2006 by BMJ Publishing Group Ltd & European League Against Rheumatism. Conclusions: Patients with SLE do not feel understood by health care providers or people close to them. Support from trained volunteers with SLE, as available at the open access lupus clinic in Dudley (West Midlands, UK), would ensure more adequate information from someone with personal experience. Such services may improve communication and help minimise SLE patients’ isolation.
 
A case of systemic lupus erythematosus discovered from left heart failure due to lupus induced mitral regurgitation  
Ryumachi. 1999 Oct;39(5):778-83. A 50-year-old female was admitted to a local hospital because of dyspnea, and diagnosed as having left heart failure secondary to mitral regurgitation. After the improvement of congestive heart failure, polyarthralgia, fever, and positive anti-nuclear antibody were pointed out. She was referred to our hospital for the further evaluation. Serological test showed anti-double stranded DNA antibodies, anti-SS-A antibodies, anti-beta 2-GPI antibodies and biological false positive for syphilis. The diagnosis of SLE has been made from the clinical signs and the serology. Therefore mitral valvular lesion of this patient was considered to be one of the symptoms of SLE. We reported a rare case in which left heart failure was a initial clinical manifestation of SLE.
 
Activation of transforming growth factor-β1 and early atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus  
Arthritis Research & Therapy 2006, 8:R81 doi:10.1186/ar1951. Conclusion: Impairment of the TGF-β1 system in SLE not only may impact on the autoimmune pathophysiology of the disease but also may modulate the development of atherosclerosis and the increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Low activation of TGF-β1 is associated with increased apoptosis of PBMCs, increased carotid IMT, high levels of LDL-cholesterol and more severe SLE disease score. The factors in blood that modulate activation of TGF-β1 remain obscure, but the link with LDL-cholesterol opens up a novel atherogenic pathway that requires further study.
 
Association of cerebrospinal fluid anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies with diffuse psychiatric/neuropsychological syndromes in systemic lupus erythematosus  
Arthritis Research & Therapy 2007, 9:R44 doi:10.1186/ar2184.
 
Brain involvement in systemic immune mediated diseases: magnetic resonance and magnetisation transfer imaging study  
OBJECTIVE: Magnetisation transfer imaging (MTI) provides information about brain damage with increased pathological specificity over conventional MRI and detects subtle abnormalities in the normal appearing brain tissue, which go undetected with conventional scanning. Brain MRI and MTI findings were compared in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and systemic immune mediated diseases (SIDs) affecting the CNS to investigate their roles in understanding the nature of brain damage in these diseases. METHODSBrain dual echo, T1 weighted and MTI scans were obtained in patients affected by systemic lupus erithematosus (SLE) with (NSLE, n=9) and without clinical CNS involvement (n=15), Behçet's disease (BD) (n=5), Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) (n=9), and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLAS) (n=6). Ten patients with clinically definite MS and 15 healthy controls also underwent the same scanning protocol. Brain MRI and MT ratio (MTR) images of the same subject were coregistered and postprocessed to obtain MTR histograms of the whole brain and of the NABT. RESULTSBrain hyperintense lesions were found in all patients with MS and with NSLE and in 5/15 patients with SLE, 5/9 with WG, 1/5 with BD, and 3/6 with APLAS. The lesion burden in the brain was significantly higher in patients with MS compared with all the other disease groups. All MTR histogram parameters were significantly different among patient subgroups. Patients with MS had significantly lower average MTR than all except patients with NSLE and significantly lower peak height and location than patients with SLE. patients with NSLE had significantly lower average MTR than patients with SLE. CONCLUSIONSMicroscopic brain tissue damage is relevant in patients with MS, but, apart from patients with NSLE, it seems to be absent in systemic immune mediated diseases, even in the presence of macroscopic MRI lesions or clinical evidence of CNS involvement. (J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2000;68:170-
 
Cardiac abnormalities in SLE: pancarditis.  
Lupus. 2000;9(4):236-40. Many patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) develop cardiac manifestations during the course of their disease. Pericarditis is most commonly seen, with a reported prevalence of 60%. Myocardial involvement is present in only a minority of patients. In recent years, due to better noninvasive diagnostic techniques, valvular abnormalities can be demonstrated in an increasing number of patients. Depending on the technique used, valvulopathy can be demonstrated in up to 77% of SLE patients. Although most of the valvular lesions will be present without any symptoms, valve incompetence can result in congestive heart failure. Valvular lesions are associated with IgG anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and disease duration. We present a patient with SLE and secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) who developed acute congestive heart failure due to pancarditis. Endocarditis, together with left ventricular dysfunction and pericardial effusion, were present. The endocarditis caused hemodynamically significant mitral valve insufficiency due to thickening of the mitral cusps. Just two weeks prior to the occurrence of congestive heart failure echocardiography had been normal. Treatment with high dose corticosteroids resulted in a gradual, almost complete recovery. Literature concerning cardiac manifestations in lupus is reviewed.
 
Case Definitions for Neuropsychiatric Syndromes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus  
 
Common Variable Immunodeficiency in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus  
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism Volume 36, Issue 4 , February 2007, Pages 238-245 PSORIASIS-SPONDYLITIS-SLE-SS-SAUDI. Conclusions: CVID should be suspected in any SLE patient with recurrent sinopulmonary infections in the absence of SLE activity and/or immunosuppressive treatment.
 
Does Patient with Lupus Have Plaquenil Retinopathy?  
 
Genitourinary complications of systemic lupus erythematosus.  
Pediatr Nephrol. 2000 May;14(5):416-21. A 14-year-old African-American girl was diagnosed with antiphospholipid-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in July 1994. The course was complicated by nephrotic syndrome, sepsis, hemolytic anemia, acute renal failure, saphenous vein thrombosis, cutaneous vasculitis, mesenteric vasculitis, appendicitis, hemorrhagic cystitis, and avascular necrosis of the hips. In August 1997, she developed ovarian and fallopian tube complications secondary to SLE. Genitourinary complications of SLE, however, are uncommon, and ovarian vasculitis has not previously been reported as a complication of SLE. This report describes the course of an adolescent patient with SLE and focuses specifically on her genitourinary complications.
 
Hyperinsulinemia, Insulin Resistance, and Circulating Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus  
J Rheumatol 2006;33:50-6 Conclusion. Nondiabetic patients with SLE have evidence of significant decrease in sensitivity to insulin, and overall this population has a high prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (18%). Insulin resistance in the context of SLE was not strongly related to current or recent steroid therapy; it was, however, associated with higher levels of ox-LDL. Insulin resistance may therefore represent an additional CHD risk factor in patients with SLE.
 
Migraine During Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Findings from Brain Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography  
J Rheumatol 2006;33:2184-91. Conclusion. Brain perfusion SPECT is a sensitive tool for identifying brain impairment in SLE-related migraine, although the mechanisms of brain damage remain to be elucidated. Besides confirming focal hypoperfusion in some patients, in 4 patients statistical analysis revealed interictal hypofunction of the anterior cingulate cortex, a key structure for cortical elaboration of pain in the midline network.
 
Occurrence of cerebral embolic signals in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus  
J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. Published Online First: 24 February 2006. doi:10.1136/jnnp.2005.084285 © 2006 by BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
 
Persistent periorbital edema as a sole manifestation of cutaneous lupus erythematosus: Report of two cases  
Dermatology Online Journal 12 (2): 14. Abstract: In lupus erythematosus, dramatic periorbital edema and erythema without any evidence of other significant cutaneous or systemic involvement is unusual. We describe two patients with severe periorbital edema and erythema as the sole manifestation of cutaneous lupus erythematosus.
 
Premature morbidity from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.  
Arthritis Rheum. 1999 Feb;42(2):338-46. CONCLUSION: Young women with SLE are at substantially increased risk of AMI, CHF, and CVA. The relative odds of these conditions decrease with age among women with SLE.
 
Reduced uptake of apoptotic cells by macrophages in systemic lupus erythematosus: correlates with decreased serum levels of complement  
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2006;65:57-63; doi:10.1136/ard.2005.035733 Conclusions: Reduced uptake of apoptotic cells by MDM from patients with SLE is not an intrinsic defect but is serum dependent and associated with decreased levels of C1q, C4, and C3.
 
SLE, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease  
J Intern Med. 2005 Jun;257(6):485-95
 
Stress Hormone Enables Lupus Antibodies to Alter Behavior, Damage Cognition  
Lupus Research Institute (LRI) Funds Initial Findings
 
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) presenting in childhood  
Vandana Mehta Rai MD, and C Balachandran MD Dermatology Online Journal: 11 (2): 27 Department of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Kasturba Medical College,Manipal Karnataka. vandanamht@yahoo.com
 
Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by antiphospholipid antibody syndrome  
BMJ 1997;314:1349 (3 May)
 
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Evolving into Rheumatoid Arthritis  
J Rheumatol 2006;33:188-90
 
Systemic lupus erythematosus with generalized chronic cutaneous (discoid) lupus erythematosus  
Chicky Dadlani MD, Melissa Pulitzer MD, and Stephen D Prystowsky MD. Dermatology Online Journal 14 (5): 5. Department of Dermatology, New York University.
 
Systemic lupus erythematosus with optical neuromyelitis (Devic's syndrome). A case with a 35-year follow-up.  
Rev Rhum Engl Ed. 1999 Feb;66(2):102-5. Optical neuromyelitis or Devic's syndrome is a very uncommon neurological manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. It is also associated with antiphospholipid antibodies, limited responsiveness to glucocorticoid treatment and a poor prognosis. We report the case of a female systemic lupus erythematosus patient who developed recurrent flares of optical neuritis and transverse myelitis. These flares consistently responded to glucocorticoid therapy. Despite the absence of overt anticardiolipin antibodies in the course of the disease, long-term anticoagulant therapy has been introduced with positive results. Treatments are usually of limited efficacy in Devic's syndrome. In our patient, however, aggressive glucocorticoid treatment resulted in prolonged survival.
 
The Effect of Menopause on Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus  
First Release Sept 15 2006; J Rheumatol 2006;33:2192-8. Conclusion. Although premenopausal women with SLE have more disease activity than postmenopausal women with SLE, we have shown that there is a constant rate of improvement over time, be it in the premenopause, across the menopause, or postmenopause. This improvement is not due to change in menopausal status. Thus clinicians should not be anticipating the postmenopausal era in a patient's course as a period of natural disease improvement.
 
The Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus  
Orthopaedic Nursing; March/April 2006; Volume 25 Number 2; Pages 140 - 145
 
The Pharmacist’s Role in the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus  
US Pharm. 2006;5:39-48. Due to the broad clinical and immunologic manifestations and varying symptoms of SLE, the disease should be suspected in patients who present with clinical symptoms affecting two or more of the organ systems listed in table 1.1 Diagnosis of SLE can be challenging because patients are prone to unpredictable exacerbations, remissions, and conditions that can mimic disease flares. Therefore, it is important to note that no single test can determine whether a person has SLE. Diagnosis is based on characteristic clinical features and laboratory criteria.6 The revised 1982 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for classification of SLE requires the presence of at least four of 11 conditions at any time during a patient's medical history (table 2).13,14 The ACR classification criteria are the most widely used to confirm and categorize patients with a diagnosis of SLE. Since these criteria also classify patients for clinical research studies and often lack sensitivity to milder forms of SLE, the ACR criteria may be less accurate in patients with mild disease.6,15 Consequently, the ACR criteria should not be used solely to exclude or confirm a diagnosis of SLE.
 
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Medic Alert Information

 
*Medic Alert (USA)  
HIGHLY recommended! This jewerly could save your life!
 
Medic Alert for Canada  
 
Medic Alert Foundation (Australia)  
Australia
 
The Med Scope  
AS SEEN ON THE "NBC TODAY SHOW", CBS & FOX NEWS
 
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Medication Information - *General

 
Center for Drug Safety  
The Center for Drug Safety is a medical ASP (Application Service Provider) designed to bring valuable and even life saving data to patients, doctors, clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals to ensure that medications are taken properly, safely and in a manner insuring the best possible results from the treatment.
 
Check Interactions - DrugDigest  
Check potential interactions between two or more drugs.
 
Common Misconceptions About Quackery  
Although most Americans are harmed by quackery, few perceive it as a serious problem and even fewer are interested in trying to do anything about it. Many misconceptions appear to contribute to this situation. This article was revised on August 30, 1999.
 
Consumer Education: Generic Drugs  
Generic drugs are safe, effective and FDA approved. Generic drugs account for about 50 percent of all prescription drug purchases in the United States, therefore, consumers should be well informed and confident when taking generic drug products.
 
Consumers Can Prevent Medication Errors  
 
Discovery Health: Drug Reference  
Has an interaction checker.
 
Drug Digest  
 
Drug Interactions  
This Guide helps you to find out if drugs interact with each other or interact with food.
 
Drug Library  
Whether it's Prozac or aspirin, Pepcid or echinacea, DrugDigest reviews drugs, vitamins, and herbs to tell you how to take medicine appropriately, what the product should and shouldn't do for you, and the scientific evidence that advises physicians and pharmacists on when to recommend these products.
 
Drugs and Breast Milk Interactions Chart  
Revised in October 2005
 
FDA Vitamin K List  
 
Focus on Medications Website  
 
Hormonal Methods  
There are many methods of hormonal contraception, the most popular of which is the combination birth control pill. In addition to the pill, however, there are a number of exciting new options of hormonal contraception, which continue to be introduced almost annually. This is an area where new methods and techniques are constantly appearing, and it is difficult to constantly keep up to date with all of our information. But we will try to always present you with as much knowledge as we have, and we will try to update as often as necessary!
 
How Quackery Sells  
Modern health quacks are supersalesmen. They play on fear. They cater to hope. And once they have you, they'll keep you coming back for more . . . and more . . . and more. Seldom do their victims realize how often or how skillfully they are cheated. Does the mother who feels good as she hands her child a vitamin think to ask herself whether he really needs it? Do subscribers to "health food" publications realize that articles are slanted to stimulate business for their advertisers? Not usually.
 
Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy in Lupus  
July 30, 2003. Susan E. Marren, O.D., F.A.A.O. From Lupus News Winter 2001, Vol. 21, No. 4
 
Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)  
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), based in suburban Philadelphia, is the nation’s only 501c (3) nonprofit organization devoted entirely to medication error prevention and safe medication use. ISMP represents over 30 years of experience in helping healthcare practitioners keep patients safe, and continues to lead efforts to improve the medication use process. The organization is known and respected worldwide as the premier resource for impartial, timely, and accurate medication safety information.
 
INTERACTIONS LIST  
Warfarin Institute of America
 
Medications That Can Cause Hairloss  
 
More Ploys That May Fool You  
"Alternative"" promoters are reaching people emotionally. What sells is not the quality of their products, but the ability to influence their audience. Their basic strategies are to promise the moon and knock the "competition." To one and all, they promise better health and a longer life. They offer solutions for virtually every health problem, including some they have invented. To those in pain, they promise relief. To the incurable, they offer hope. To the nutrition-conscious, they say, "Make sure you have enough." To a public worried about pollution, they say, "Buy natural." For ailments amenable to scientific health care, they offer "safer nontoxic alternatives." And they have an arsenal of ploys for defending themselves against criticism. To gain your allegiance it is not necessary to persuade you that all of the statements below are true. Just one may be enough to hook you. This article was revised on December 26, 2002.
 
Quackwatch, Inc.  
Quackwatch, Inc., which was a member of Consumer Federation of America from 1973 through 2003, is a nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to combat health-related frauds, myths, fads, fallacies, and misconduct. Its primary focus is on quackery-related information that is difficult or impossible to get elsewhere. Founded by Dr. Stephen Barrett in 1969 as the Lehigh Valley Committee Against Health Fraud, it was incorporated in 1970. In 1997, it assumed its current name and began developing a worldwide network of volunteers and expert advisors.
 
Quick Tips—When Getting a Prescription  
AHRQ Publication No. 01-0040c, May 2002. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD.
 
Screening for Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy  
Approved by Committee on Rheumatologic Care: 02/22/06; 01/11/03; Approved by the Board of Directors: May 2006; 03/07/03
 
Talking with Patients About Generic Medications  
U.S. Pharmacist Vol. No: 32:6 Posted: 6/19/2007. Conclusion: Misconceptions and misunderstandings about generic drugs are not unusual. When pharmacists engage patients in a dialogue about their hesitation to take a generic, the pharmacist has an opportunity to assist the patient with selecting the most cost-effective medication regimen. When their concerns are respected and their issues are addressed, patients are more likely to listen to information that will help them make an informed decision about generic utilization. This can result in savings to the patient and the health care system.
 
THE USE OF VITAMIN K  
Warfarin Institute of America To Reverse an Elevated INR
 
Tips for Using Medicines Wisely  
Medicines can be lifesavers. They can cure or control diseases. But if you use them the wrong way, they can be dangerous. Working together with your doctor can help you avoid problems. Follow the suggestions below for safe medicine use. Copyright © 2007 American Academy of Family Physicians.
 
Twenty-Five Ways to Spot Quacks and Vitamin Pushers  
How can food quacks and other vitamin pushers be recognized? Here are 25 signs that should arouse suspicion. This article was revised on July 29, 2004.
 
Using Meds Wisely  
 
Vulnerability to Quackery  
Despite the advanced state of medical science, many people with health problems turn to dubious methods. Faced with the prospect of chronic suffering, deformity, or death, many individuals are tempted to try anything that offers relief or hope. The terminally ill, the elderly, and various cultural minorities are especially vulnerable to health frauds and quackery. Many intelligent and well-educated individuals resort to worthless methods procedures with the belief that anything is better than nothing. This article was revised on January 20, 2005.
 
What's the Harm?  
We are all confronted with new information daily. It comes to us via newspapers, radio, television, websites, conversation, advertising and so on. Sometimes it seems like a deluge. Not all information is created equal. Some of it is correct. Some of it is incorrect. Some of it is carefully balanced. Some of it is heavily biased. Some of it is just plain crazy. It is vital in the midst of this deluge that each of us be able to sort through all of this, keeping the useful information and discarding the rest. This requires the skill of critical thinking. Unfortunately, this is a skill that is often neglected in schools. This site is designed to make a point about the danger of not thinking critically. Namely that you can easily be injured or killed by neglecting this important skill. We have collected the stories of over 120,000 people who have been injured or killed as a result of someone not thinking critically. We do this not to make light of their plight. Quite the opposite. We want to honor their memory and learn from their stories. We also wish to call attention to the types of misinformation which have caused this sort of harm. On the topics page you will see a number of popular topics that that are being promoted via misinformation. Many of them have no basis in truth at all. A few are based in reality, but veer off into troublesome areas. We all need to think more critically about these topics, and take great care when we encounter them. Many proponents of these things will claim they are harmless. We aim to show that they are decidedly not. Please check out the list of topics and read what interests you.
 
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Medication Information - *Prescription Assistance

 
Can Your Patients Afford the Medications You Prescribe?  
Patient adherence may depend on the answer to this question, so it must be asked.
 
Free Medicine Foundation  
Need help paying for your medicine? Help is here for you. Established by volunteers, Free Medicine Foundation has helped countless families across the nation completely eliminate or substantially reduce their prescription drug bills.
 
Free Meds and Solutions  
Our Focus at Free Meds and Solutions is to provide you and your loved ones with programs that will save or eliminate prescription medicine costs ,as well as a number of associated assistance programs. Our site is designed to assist you in accessing the 100’s of Patient Assistant Programs. We provide the most up-to-date information, qualifying criteria, applications and detailed instructions for these programs. We are available via email or our toll-free number with quick responses to any question that you or your Physician may have.
 
How to Spot a "Quacky" Web Site  
The best way to avoid being quacked is to reject quackery's promoters. Each item listed below signifies that a Web site is not a trustworthy information source. The hyperlinks will take you to articles on Quackwatch that explain why. The same criteria can be used to identify untrustworthy books, talk-show guests, etc. This page was revised on September 6, 2006
 
I-SaveRx  
Developed by Governor Blagojevich, I-SaveRx is available and open to all Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, Missouri and Vermont residents. The I-SaveRx program offers a safe, simple and affordable way to purchase the medication refills you need - at savings of up to 80%!
 
Internet Drug Coupons.com  
FREE Hundreds of coupons for prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and medicines for pets. More coupons than any similar site! Note: No sign-ins; free service; you do not have to pay anything to use this site. All we do is provide you with links to the coupons and advice on how to obtain them.
 
Lovenox Reimbursement Services & Patient Assistance Program  
Eligibility: This program is designed to identify if the patient is eligible for Lovenox through private insurance coverage, individual medication programs, and or government-funded sources. Aventis will provide Lovenox free of charge under the following qualifications. Participants must be U.S. residents, their annual household income must fall below the Aventis Poverty Guidelines, and they must have no insurance coverage for Lovenox. This program is available for outpatients only. Please also see: https://www.pparx.org/ReviewResults.php#
 
NeedyMeds.com  
This site is designed to provide information about patient assistance programs which provide no cost prescription medications to eligible participants.
 
OPTIMIZERx  
OPTIMIZERx offers you special savings, free trials & support programs to help you better afford & optimize results for the medicines & healthcare products you need.
 
Partnership for Prescription Assistance  
*USE THIS LINK* (Copy & Paste): https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php The Partnership for Prescription Assistance brings together America’s pharmaceutical companies, doctors, other health care providers, patient advocacy organizations and community groups to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private program that’s right for them. Many will get them free or nearly free. Its mission is to increase awareness of patient assistance programs and boost enrollment of those who are eligible. Through this site, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance offers a single point of access to more than 275 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. To access the Partnership for Prescription Assistance by phone, you can call toll-free, 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669).
 
Patient Advocate Foundation's Co-Pay Relief (CPR) Program  
Patient Advocate Foundation's Co-Pay Relief (CPR) Program provides direct co-payment assistance for pharmaceutical products to insured Americans who financially and medically qualify. We are pleased to announce that beginning on January 1, 2006 CPR will begin welcoming new Medicare Part D beneficiaries who require assistance with their pharmaceutical co-payments. The Program offers personal service to all patients through the use of CPR call counselors; personally guiding patients through the simple enrollment process.
 
Patient Services Incorporated  
PSI is committed to assisting persons with chronic medical illnesses in accessing health insurance and pharmacy co-payment assistance. Developed in 1989, PSI is a non-profit charitable organization, primarily dedicated to subsidizing the high cost of health insurance premiums and pharmacy co-payments for persons with specific chronic illnesses and rare disorders. Families requiring assistance in maintaining the high cost of their health insurance premiums or co-payments are offered assistance based upon the severity of medical and financial need. PSI offers a "safety net" for persons who have expensive chronic illnesses and for those persons who "fall through the financial assistance cracks".
 
Prescription Drug Resource Center - Order Drugs from Canada  
 
Prescription Drug Resource Center - Other Resources  
 
Rx Outreach  
Rx Outreach is an easy and affordable way for people of all ages to get medicines they need. Through this program, people who qualify financially can get more than 55 generic medications that treat a wide range of conditions including diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and depression. People may take advantage of the program even if they receive medicines through another discount program. The program is available to individuals and families with incomes of up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, this figure is about $48,000 per year.
 
RxAssist  
RxAssist, created by Volunteers in Health Care, provides physicians and other health care providers with the information you need to access the pharmaceutical companies’ patient assistance programs.
 
RxHope.com  
RxHope is the only patient assistance Internet initiative financially supported by PhRMA (Pharmaceutical and Research Manufacturers of America) and participating pharmaceutical companies. RxHope began as a grassroots effort of the Patient Assistance Managers and Directors of the PhRMA-member companies and has grown into the leading Internet-based patient assistance and sampling web portal in the pharmaceutical industry. Each patient assistance request form has been custom-designed to the pharmaceutical company's rules engine. RXHope removes the time and costs of these programs by web-enabling labor-intensive paperwork onto the physician's computer. RxHope is an independent company, and is not affiliated with third parties who may provide patients with no-cost or low-cost medications. Those third parties do not endorse the content or processes used on this website, including our information collection or data storage processes.
 
Saving on Prescriptions  
 
Target $4 Presciptions List  
 
The Medicine Program.com  
Disclaimer: This program is not a prescription insurance policy. This program provides discounts at certain participating pharmacies for services. This plan does not make payments directly to the providers of health services. Program members are obligated to pay for all health care services but will receive a discount from those health care providers who have contracted with the discount plan organization.
 
Walmart $4 Drug List  

 

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