Comebacks from the Cold Trailer

Click here for the Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for the treatment option described in this podcast: bit.ly/4wKpGmO. What is it like having the rug pulled out from under you by Cold Agglutinin Disease (CAD) — a rare, difficult to diagnose condition? What happened for some patients when they had the opportunity to try a treatment that might help them resume on the activities they enjoy? Individual results will vary. Host Elin Lantz Lesser talks with real patients living with CAD and a medical expert to answer those questions and more. Learn more about CAD and find resources at ExploreCADTreatment.com. A podcast from Recordati Rare Diseases. PP-ENJ-US-0181-v1.0-08/2026

Transcript

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Imagine being diagnosed with a disease that is so rare, some doctors haven’t even heard of it.

Duffy: The first hematologist basically said there's nothing we can do for you.

And the doctors who have heard of it tell you there are treatments you can try, but none specifically approved for your condition.

Nancy: And my only choice was to make good choices. I avoided cold. And I tried to stay warm. 

It’s a rare condition called Cold Agglutinin Disease or CAD. You are told part of your immune system is attacking and destroying your healthy red blood cells.

You're told that a variety of things could trigger symptoms, like cold temperatures, infections and surgeries. And your life changes completely…

Gloria: My heart would beat really fast, and I remember one time thinking, gosh. I wonder if my heart could just rupture right here, because it was just pounding.

Duffy: I was feeling terrible, exhausted, run down, breathless, heart palpitations.

Nancy: I was so fatigued and that fatigue just wouldn't go away.

You spend years trying to cope with CAD.

Until, finally, there is a treatment approved for hemolysis – the breakdown of red blood cells – in CAD.

Duffy: And I just stood up at the airport, screamed hallelujah, and my husband's like, we gotta get you on this drug right away.

But what does it mean to start a treatment you haven’t tried before? What if it doesn’t work?

Gloria: I was a little fearful of what kind of side effects I might have.

Nancy: So yes, I had some, some concerns.

And then you find out about the treatment schedule.

Duffy: I waited and waited because I was afraid to make a commitment.

I’m Elin Lantz Lesser, and this is Comebacks from the Cold. In this series, we’re hearing the stories of patients living with Cold Agglutinin Disease – and learning about a treatment option. 

We’ll hear how these patients first coped with symptoms, as well as their experiences with the treatment once it was available. Plus, we’ll hear form a physician about how the drug works in the bodies of patients with CAD.

Find Comebacks from the Cold wherever you listen to podcasts.

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