Welcome to 2022: A message from
the CAPA President 

2022 is feeling a lot like 2021. I don’t know if you believed –  like me – that our lives would have returned to a resemblance of normal by now; that simple activities like going into a grocery store wouldn’t cause debilitating anxiety and yet here we all are, still in the midst of a global pandemic that doesn’t want to go away. Continue to read the welcoming words from CAPA President, Linda Wilhelm, as she reflects on the past, present and future.

What have we been up to?

CADTH patient input submission for anifrolumab for Lupus – People living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) often have less treatment options available than other rheumatic diseases. Because of this, it’s important that we share patient perspectives on a CADTH review of anifrolumab. Please take this survey to share your experiences of living with SLE – thank you for participating!

Live from the Canadian Rheumatology Association annual meeting and Canadian Arthritis Research Conference! In early February, CAPA will be presenting a poster at the annual meeting of the Canadian Rheumatology Association and moderating a session at the Canadian Arthritis Research Conference. We will present key findings from the Baring it All report on sexual and reproductive health together with other patient organizations – check out our social media accounts for live reporting from these conferences! 

Research paper on biosimilar cost savings – Patient partners (including board member, Laurie Proulx) were involved in this research project focused on understanding the potential cost savings in Ontario by implementing biosimilar medications. Our biosimilars web page has been updated with the study infographic and the link to the full paper.

Get Involved!

Have chronic pain? Take part in the Circa Pain study today! One fifth of Canadians live with some form of chronic pain and the impact of pain on people varies significantly. The Circa Pain project – led by researchers at Queen’s University – hope to unravel some of the similarities and differences between the pain experiences of individuals so that pain can be managed more effectively in the future. If you agree to participate, surveys will be administered three times a day over a week – learn more by visiting the study website or the CAPA website. 

Become a youth ambassador – Are you between the ages of 13 and 25 and interested in getting  involved in an organization that supports youth with rheumatic diseases? Check out the the Ambassador Program of Take a Pain Check and support the sharing of information about healthcare, entertainment and disability equity. Ambassadors will be able to gain experience in building leadership skills, networking abilities, and marketing expertise. 

Stay Informed!

Who is Lupus Ontario? This month, we would like to introduce you to Lupus Ontario – an organization that supports people living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in the province. They fundraise for lupus research, host support groups, and provide education to members. Read their short post on our website to learn more!

MedEffect warning about Xeljanz (tofacitinib) – Health Canada issued a warning about Xeljanz (tofacitinib) concluding that there are increased risks of serious heart-related problems and cancer, especially in older patients, patients who are current or past smokers, and patients with cardiovascular or cancer risk factors. Learn more by visiting the advisory notice on the Health Canada website or contact your rheumatologist if you have any concerns.  

Tool for completing workplace medical notes – People living with rheumatic diseases often need medical documentation for medical notes, workplace accommodation, and disability benefit applications. Check out this tip sheet developed by the Canadian Association of Psoriasis Patients and Canadian Psoriasis Network to learn what should and should not be in these notes! 

Website and social media updates – We are regularly updating our  website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channel with new information. Don’t forget to follow us on these social media channels to keep up to date on the latest arthritis and advocacy information!