Imagine being someone who lives with a very rare and potentially life-threatening genetic condition that that occurs in about 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 people. Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) causes attacks of painful, debilitating, and disfiguring swelling that make its victims virtually unrecognizable. Until recently, anabolic steroids—which can cause unwanted short- and long-term side effects—were the only treatment choice available. In the new “Looking at HAE from the Outside In” Public Service Announcement (PSA) Campaign, the U.S. Hereditary Angioedema Association (HAEA) is empowering patients with the knowledge that there is a new era for HAE treatment and patients now have a choice.
Anabolic steroids, as the only FDA-approved treatment for HAE, did help patients manage their symptoms, but they are not considered suitable for children. And many patients–especially women–have expressed concerns about steroid-related side effects such as weight gain, facial hair growth, mood changes, and menstrual irregularities. Anabolic steroids may also cause liver toxicity and elevated cholesterol levels, which may be associated with increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
Because of these risks, the HAEA has released a new public service announcement that brings the symptoms of HAE to life in a way never before seen. Using cutting-edge special effects technology, the viewer sees the bodies of HAE patients morph from swollen to normal, amplifying what it feels like to have an HAE attack using authentic patient words and images. The PSA educates viewers about the potential risks associated with anabolic steroids and empowers HAE patients to enter a new era for HAE treatment – patients now have a choice. I invite you to check out this new, informative video PSA below:
This PSA campaign is the latest in the HAEA’s efforts to promote education and empowerment as the cornerstones of broader awareness of HAE and improved patient outcomes. If you think you or a loved one may be living with Hereditary Angioedema, please visit www.haea.org for more information on physician referrals, available treatment options and more.
