Registration for the 2024 Walk for Immunodeficiency is now open!

HyQvia Update for Patients and Families – Atlantic Provinces

Earlier this year, Health Canada approved HyQvia®, a new immunoglobulin treatment for Canadians with immune deficiencies. HyQvia® is used in patients…

Earlier this year, Health Canada approved HyQvia®, a new immunoglobulin treatment for Canadians with immune deficiencies. HyQvia® is used in patients who do not have enough antibodies in their blood or have a weakened immune system. 

Dr. Stephen Betschel, Departmental Division Director of Clinical Immunology, from the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto, and member of Immunity Canada’s medical science advisory committee said:

“The approval by Health Canada of HyQvia® will hopefully add an additional and important option for patients who require immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Its availability would address unmet patient needs by providing a subcutaneous immunoglobulin administered therapy with a dosing regimen that is less frequent than currently available subcutaneous therapeutic options.”

 “Administering a treatment less frequently will likely give patients more flexibility and decrease the burden of treatment. As a treater of patients with immunodeficiencies, anything that can give patients more choice while providing a safe efficacious treatment is welcome news.”

Now that HyQvia is available to patients, Immunity Canada is pleased to offer informational webinars to our members across the country. This webinar will feature treating physicians, nurses, representatives from Takeda’s One Path patient support program, as well as the Canadian Blood Services and will include:

  • An overview of the product/treatment method
  • How the patient will benefit
  • What training is needed to transition from IVIG to SCIG
  • What support is available for patients
  • A Q+A session for patients

The event is free but requires registration (see the Zoom link below). Can’t make the event? If you have a question, please still register and send your question to info@immunitycanada.org. We will ask your question to the panelists, and send a recording of the session to all those who registered for the event.

  • Date: Thursday, January 25th, 2024
  • Time: 6:30pm AST
  • Location: Online
  • Cost: Free

Zoom Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kwFq5RgBRoiXRYh1BEIsuA

 

 

Panelist Information

Dr. Gina Lacuesta

Gina Lacuesta, MD FRCPC is an Adult Allergist and Clinical Immunologist practicing in Halifax at the Halifax Allergy and Asthma Associates, as well as an Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University.

Dr. Lacuesta received her medical degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland, completed her Internal Medicine training at the University of Saskatchewan and her Allergy and Immunology fellowship from the University of Western Ontario.

Her special interests include Hereditary Angioedema, Inborn Errors of Immunity, severe asthma and chronic urticaria, of which she has participated in clinical research.

 

Nurse Becky Rock

Becky Rock is a registered nurse with over 30 years of practice spanning Canada and the United States. She began her career in critical care, in the areas of surgical, trauma, and cardiovascular ICU, in which she also held roles in leadership, education and mentorship.

For over 15 years, Becky led the Patient Blood Management Program for Alberta Health Services in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Between AHS and volunteer efforts within the Society for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management, she’s worked to support a broad range of PBM initiatives locally and beyond.

In 2022, Becky joined the AHS Collaborative Immunology Program as Nurse Clinician with the SCIg Home Infusion Program. As part of a multidisciplinary team, Becky supports overall programming including patient training to learn SCIg self-infusion, provider education, development of promotional and learning materials, youth to adult transitioning, and more.

Becky fills her remaining spare moments in the great outdoors, as much as she can.

 

Dr. Sylvian Grenier, CD, B PHARM, PHARM D, FOPQ, FFIP

Dr Sylvain Grenier graduated from Université Laval, Québec with a Bachelor of Pharmacy.  He completed a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Toronto.  He joined Canadian Blood Services in 2019 as the Director of the Plasma Protein and Related Products Program where he has been leading various initiatives to modernize the Formulary.  Prior to this, he served 28 years in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), holding various roles and positions as a military pharmacist and retiring as the National Practice Leader for pharmacy, responsible for the management of the Canadian Armed Forces drug program.  In addition of working in different military locations and positions in Canada, Sylvain deployed in Bosnia in 1999-2000 and Afghanistan in 2010.  After retiring from full-time active duty, he transferred in the Reserves where is still serves with the CAF on a part-time basis.

Dr Grenier is Adjunct Professor at the University of Ottawa and teaches Clinical Pharmacology for the Ontario Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner program. 

 

ImmUnity Canada Disclaimer

ImmUnity Canada educational events offer an array of presentations, developed by healthcare professionals invited to serve as presenters, as well as patients. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of ImmUnity Canada. The information presented during this event is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with questions concerning a medical condition.

About Zoom

Before joining a Zoom Get Connected Meeting on a computer or mobile device, you must download the Zoom software or app from the Zoom Download Center. The link will prompt you to download the Zoom application. Allow it to access your computer/phone microphone and camera. While it is quick to install, it is best to download and set up in advance of the social. If you have any issues please contact info@immunitycanada.org for further assistance.

 

Participant Confidentiality

If you do not want to share your name with the group, when you register on Zoom you do not have to enter your name. Also, if your name does show up on your Zoom screen, you, you can change your name using these instructions: Changing your name on Zoom – Zoom Support

This webinar series is sponsored by Takeda.
File:Logo Takeda.svg - Wikipedia

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