COVID-19
COVID-19 presents important challenges for people affected by Scleroderma. This page provides available resources and pertinent information for Scleroderma patients, as well as initiatives to support the organization and patients during these difficult times.
A reminder for those of us with scleroderma. At the first sign of mild symptoms or a positive COVID test, contact 1-888-268-4319 or the emergency department of your nearest hospital. You may be eligible for treatment but it must be taken with in 5 days of the start of symptoms. Have a list of all your medications. Tell them you have scleroderma and any lung complications such as interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary hypertension (PH), or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Tell them any immune-system suppressants you have been prescribed, such as azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), infliximab (Remicade), methotrexate, mycophenolate, tacrolimus, or tocilizumab (Actemra). This is not a full list so please discuss the drugs that you are on with the medical professionals.
If you can, contact your primary care doctor or the Rapid Access Clinic at VGH, ASAP. Those with PAH may want to contact the PAH clinic.
For more info, visit the BCCDC for information on the treatments available. http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/treatments