Brandon Schrom
Whether it’s paddleboarding, cycling or swimming, Brandon lives for adventure – with hemophilia A.
Watch Brandon’s story
Every speaker has a fresh perspective and unique journey. Hear Brandon share why Jivi® fits his lifestyle.
Brandon Schrom
Brandon had dreams of being an ice hockey star as a kid, but he knew that wasn’t in the cards. Instead of giving up on his ambitions, Brandon found new ways to live the exciting life he always wanted.
Hear the unique stories of Jivi patients and caregivers during our next virtual speaker event.
Meet Brandon
What obstacles have you overcome living with hemophilia A?
“When I was younger, I played t-ball and other kids’ sports. As I got older, there was a point when my parents and doctors decided to pull me out of those activities. As hard as that was, it inspired me to find a way to stay involved with sports while prioritizing my safety. That’s when I found my love for swimming, which later led me to pursue a health and wellness degree in college.”
What is one piece of advice you would give to others living with hemophilia A?
“I think it’s really important to talk about dating with hemophilia, because it can feel intimidating at times. My biggest advice to anyone who might be dating is to be open and honest about your hemophilia earlier rather than later. It’s normal if they have questions – it's actually a good thing because it means they’re willing to learn. It’s great to give that special person in your life the full invitation to come on this journey with you and really get involved. Something that may start with confusion and questions can grow into a confident partnership. In my opinion, open communication is the best way to get there.”
What is your favorite motto?
“One of my favorite mottos is ‘being strong is never a weakness’. I’ve found that staying in shape has helped me reduce joint bleeds and feel healthier overall. There’s definitely a balance when it comes to exercising with hemophilia, and my routine goes in waves. Find something you really enjoy doing, and always listen to your body. Exercise should be fun and enjoyable, not an endless grind.”
“It’s important to adopt the mindset of ‘I can’, instead of ‘I can’t’. You can make your dreams come true – there’s always a way to figure something out.”
An Active Life
In high school, Brandon discovered his love for swimming and found that it was a great way for him to compete on a team while still protecting his joints. Swimming inspired him to get more involved in fitness and pursue an Exercise Science degree in college.
Brandon’s fitness routine includes swimming, paddle boarding, weight training and biking with friends. Brandon recognizes the importance of listening to his body while staying active. “Our body does a good job of telling us what it does or doesn’t like, so it’s important to listen to that and respect that.”
Naval Pursuits
When he was growing up, Brandon’s grandparents were officers in a youth program called the US Navy Sea Cadets. Brandon wanted to join the program but was prevented from doing so due to his hemophilia A. “My grandpa advocated for me and knew that, with some modifications to the training exercises, it’d be safe for me to participate,” he reflects. With his grandfather’s support, Brandon ended up being the first person with hemophilia A in Sea Cadet history to attend summer trainings.
Brandon kept pursuing his passions, and ended up working as a Research Physiologist for the Naval Health Research Center in San Diego.
A Fresh Start with Jivi
“Keeping active is key to maintaining my health, but routine prophylaxis also plays an important part,” Brandon says. “Jivi helps me feel protected when doing the things I love, like swimming, paddleboarding and cycling.”
Before starting treatment with Jivi, Brandon was on a standard half-life product and looking to switch to a different treatment option. He became interested in trying Jivi when he learned it’s an extended half-life product that would allow him to tailor his dosing schedule with his doctor to fit his active lifestyle. After working with his doctor, he decided to start the Jivi Free Trial Program, and he still takes Jivi today.
Brandon started treatment with Jivi on a twice-weekly dosing frequency but worked with his doctor to reduce his infusion frequency to every five days. “One summer, I had the opportunity to go on a three-week research trip on a Naval Destroyer. Jivi’s stepwise dosing fits my lifestyle well and helps me feel protected when my work routine changes – like being called out to sea for three weeks.”
Jivi is right for Brandon, but your needs are unique. Speak with your doctor to find out if Jivi could be right for you.
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INDICATIONS
Jivi is an injectable medicine used to replace clotting factor (Factor VIII or antihemophilic factor) that is missing in people with hemophilia A.
Jivi is used to treat and control bleeding in previously treated adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older) with hemophilia A. Your healthcare provider may also give you Jivi when you have surgery. Jivi can reduce the number of bleeding episodes in adults and adolescents with hemophilia A when used regularly (prophylaxis).
Jivi is not for use in children below 12 years of age or in previously untreated patients.
Jivi is not used to treat von Willebrand disease.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
You should not use Jivi if you are allergic to rodents (like mice and hamsters) or to any ingredients in Jivi.
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions that you have or had.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have been told that you have inhibitors to Factor VIII.
Allergic reactions may occur with Jivi. Call your healthcare provider right away and stop treatment if you get tightness of the chest or throat, dizziness, decrease in blood pressure, or nausea.
Allergic reactions to polyethylene glycol (PEG), a component of Jivi, are possible.
Your body can also make antibodies, called “inhibitors,” against Jivi, which may stop Jivi from working properly. Consult your healthcare provider to make sure you are carefully monitored with blood tests for the development of inhibitors to Factor VIII.
If your bleeding is not being controlled with your usual dose of Jivi, consult your doctor immediately. You may have developed Factor VIII inhibitors or antibodies to PEG and your doctor may carry out tests to confirm this.
The common side effects of Jivi are headache, cough, nausea, and fever.
These are not all the possible side effects with Jivi. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
For additional important risk and use information, please see the full Prescribing Information.
References: 1. Jivi® Prescribing Information. Whippany, NJ: Bayer LLC; 2018. 2. Data on file. Tx Review 0918. Bayer; 2018.
