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Monday, February 10, 2025

Rare Diagnosis Reveals Surprising Link Between Mysterious Symptoms

I am your Eyeball Acquisition Specialist. Success in life, in anything, depends upon the number of persons that one can make himself agreeable to. US online shopping has been growing in popularity over the past few years, as evidenced by the increasing number of people choosing to purchase goods and services over the internet. Bigdoggpinc is helping solidify trust from gaining your confidence 1 person at a time if I have to.



 

Rare Diagnosis Reveals Surprising Link Between Mysterious Symptoms

(BPT) - As he approached his 40th birthday, Andrew began experiencing strange symptoms — fatigue, bone pain and frequent trips to the bathroom. Though unsettling, "I didn't think much of them and chalked the symptoms up to things that tend to happen in middle age," recalls the attorney and father of three. "I felt like I was constantly experiencing a low-level allergic reaction: my skin was itchy, and my eyes were watery and itchy. I felt uncomfortable in my own skin."

But when he began to develop unusual spots on his torso, his dermatologist recommended a biopsy and a few other tests. A few days later, his doctor called with a shocking diagnosis: a rare disease called indolent systemic mastocytosis, or ISM. "It was incredible to realize all these different symptoms were related," says Andrew.

ISM is caused by the uncontrolled increase and activity of abnormal mast cells, which play an important role in immune responses. As the cells accumulate and activate in different parts of the body, the disease can cause chronic, potentially debilitating symptoms such as skin lesions, diarrhea, fatigue, bone pain and life-threatening anaphylaxis. Symptoms of ISM are often unpredictable and can be caused by a wide range of triggers including foods and beverages, odors and scents, temperature changes, exercise, stress and more.

In addition to the toll of his physical symptoms, the appearance of his skin spots began to have a negative impact on Andrew mentally. "It made me feel really self-conscious," he remembers. "I didn't like looking at them in the mirror, and I avoided taking my shirt off at the pool or beach — I lost some of my confidence."

Because his dermatologist wasn't familiar with ISM, Andrew and his wife Shannon found a specialist in Boston. Together, they flew across the country, from their home state of Oregon, in search of help.

Seeking symptom relief

With no approved ISM treatments at the time, Andrew's plan before he saw a specialist focused solely on reactive care. "I was treating my symptoms with eye drops when my eyes felt itchy, antihistamines when I felt reactive, and antacids when my stomach was upset. Sometimes the medications worked, sometimes they didn't. I never knew when to expect symptoms. It felt like a game of 'whack-a-mole' using various medications to manage the ever-changing and unpredictable symptoms."

A terrifying experience

A few years after his consultation with an expert on ISM, Andrew was out "in the middle of nowhere" in Idaho on a rafting trip with family and friends, when he was stung by a wasp or bee. "I ended up experiencing anaphylaxis, and because I didn't know I was allergic, I didn't have an epinephrine injector. Everyone around me was panicking. Fortunately, my good friend who is a physician brought a medical kit, which included a vial of epinephrine. He injected me, and I believe he saved my life right there."

"This was an incredibly scary episode for me, and for my family. I would say that was a wake-up call. I became much more interested in researching and exploring different treatment options for ISM that went beyond supportive care. I wanted to take a more proactive approach to my care."

Targeting the underlying cause

Andrew was now seeing a hematologist who recommended a treatment that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved called AYVAKIT® (avapritinib) for adults with ISM. Andrew and his hematologist discussed the potential benefits and side effects of AYVAKIT and decided together that Andrew would try it.

AYVAKIT is a once daily pill that works by selectively targeting the KIT D816V mutation, the underlying cause of the disease in ~95% of patients with ISM which results in the overproduction and activation of abnormal mast cells. AYVAKIT is not recommended in people with low platelet counts (less than 50 X 109/L). AYVAKIT for ISM may cause serious side effects such as cognitive effects and skin sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity). AYVAKIT can have harmful effects on pregnancy and fertility as well as cause harm to the unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.

"I was encouraged to hear there was another option for me and hopeful that AYVAKIT could improve some of my most bothersome symptoms."

Please see Important Safety Information below and click here for full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.

'Comfortable in my own skin'

Andrew started taking AYVAKIT in October of 2023. "I'm glad that I took the leap and decided to try AYVAKIT after talking it over with my doctor. Now I'm more than a year into treatment, and so far, I haven't experienced cognitive side effects, which I was concerned would impact my work."

While he still takes precautions on his family adventures rock climbing and skiing, Andrew has noticed changes in his ISM symptoms. "My skin spots are lighter and my tryptase (allergic reactive marker) levels are lower, which is reassuring to me. My spots are still there, and I occasionally feel fatigued, but overall though, I feel my symptoms are better. I feel comfortable in my own skin."

"I would love to encourage other people with ISM to chart their own course and lean in to finding a solution. Everyone's experience is going to be different, but there are solutions out there, you just have to find them. So do your own research, ask your own questions, and do what is right for you."

Please click here to see the full Prescribing Information and Patient Information for AYVAKIT.

WHAT IS AYVAKIT® (avapritinib)?

AYVAKIT® (avapritinib) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM). AYVAKIT is not recommended in people with low platelet counts (less than 50 X 109 /L). It is not known if AYVAKIT is safe and effective in children.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

AYVAKIT® (avapritinib) may cause serious side effects, including:

Cognitive effects. Cognitive side effects can happen during treatment with AYVAKIT and can be severe. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any new or worsening cognitive symptoms including forgetfulness, confusion, getting lost, trouble thinking, drowsiness, trouble staying awake (somnolence), word finding problems, seeing objects or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), or a change in mood or behavior.

Skin sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity). Your skin may be sensitive to the sun or other forms of light (photosensitivity) during treatment with AYVAKIT. Avoid or limit exposure to direct sunlight, sunlamps, and other sources of ultraviolet radiation during treatment and for 1 week after stopping treatment with AYVAKIT. Use sunscreen or wear clothes that cover your skin if you need to be out in the sun.

Before taking AYVAKIT, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • history of bulging or weakening of a blood vessel wall (aneurysm) or bleeding in your brain
  • have a history of stroke within the last year
  • have low platelet counts
  • have or have had liver problems
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. AYVAKIT can cause harm to your unborn baby
    • Females who are able to become pregnant: Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start AYVAKIT. You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with AYVAKIT and for 6 weeks after the final dose of AYVAKIT. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that may be right for you. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with AYVAKIT.
    • Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment and for 6 weeks after the final dose of AYVAKIT.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if AYVAKIT passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with AYVAKIT and for at least 2 weeks after the final dose of AYVAKIT. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during this time

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. AYVAKIT may affect the way other medicines work, and certain other medicines may affect how AYVAKIT works. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take estrogen-containing hormonal birth control or medicines that prevent blood clots.

Do not drive or operate hazardous machinery if you have confusion or trouble thinking during treatment with AYVAKIT.

The most common side effects of AYVAKIT in people with ISM include: swelling around your eyes, dizziness, swelling of your arms and legs, and flushing.

Your healthcare provider may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently stop treatment with AYVAKIT if you develop certain side effects. AYVAKIT may cause fertility problems in females and males. Talk to your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.

These are not all of the possible side effects of AYVAKIT. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

AYVAKIT is available in 25 mg tablets.

This promotional content was developed by Blueprint Medicines Corporation, the manufacturer of AYVAKIT. Individual results may vary. Andrew is being compensated by Blueprint Medicines for sharing his story.

AYVAKIT, Blueprint Medicines and associated logos are trademarks of Blueprint Medicines Corporation.

© 2024 Blueprint Medicines Corporation.

To learn more and connect with others about their experience, including AYVAKIT, visit AYVAKIT.com.

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From Caregiver to Patient: Michel's Journey with Thyroid Eye Disease Treatment

I am your Eyeball Acquisition Specialist. Success in life, in anything, depends upon the number of persons that one can make himself agreeable to. US online shopping has been growing in popularity over the past few years, as evidenced by the increasing number of people choosing to purchase goods and services over the internet. Bigdoggpinc is helping solidify trust from gaining your confidence 1 person at a time if I have to.



 

From Caregiver to Patient: Michel's Journey with Thyroid Eye Disease Treatment

(BPT) - Michel, a psychiatric nurse from Southern California, has always been someone who is deeply committed to helping others take control of their health. He didn't realize that one day he would be the one needing care.

A few years after being diagnosed with Graves' disease, a common form of hyperthyroidism, Michel noticed his eyes starting to bulge a bit, accompanied by symptoms of dryness, eye pain and difficulty sleeping because his eyes wouldn't fully close.

"I assumed it was part of my Graves' disease and then I went to get a routine eye exam for new glasses and my doctor diagnosed me with Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)," said Michel. "Even though I'm a nurse, I did not know about TED until my diagnosis."

TED is a chronic autoimmune condition that may affect many people with Graves' disease. TED occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the muscle and fat tissue behind the eyes, causing eye bulging, eye pain, double vision and pressure behind the eyes. These symptoms can be mild or severe and may flare or get worse over time.

Despite receiving this diagnosis, Michel still had no clear treatment path and his symptoms began to severely impact his life. "I began to withdraw from social situations and struggled with changes in my appearance. I was afraid of unwanted attention and comments from others due to my eye bulging," said Michel.

Simple tasks, like using a computer or phone, became difficult because of Michel's double vision and eye pain.

Treatment with TEPEZZA® (teprotumumab-trbw)

While watching TV, Michel saw a commercial for TEPEZZA, the first and only FDA-approved medication to treat TED, no matter if you'd lived with TED for months or years.

"After four years of struggling with my TED symptoms, I was relieved to learn there was an approved and specific treatment option available for people like me," said Michel.

After discussing the risks and benefits with his doctor, Michel was connected with a home health service and began receiving his infusions at home. TEPEZZA is administered intravenously every three weeks over a course of eight infusions, with the full treatment lasting about five months. By the second infusion, Michel started noticing positive changes, and after completing his eighth infusion, Michel saw a significant improvement in his symptoms of eye pain and eye bulging.

Michel did experience some side effects during his treatment with TEPEZZA. Common side effects include muscle cramps or spasms, nausea, hair loss, diarrhea, feeling tired, high blood sugar, hearing problems, taste changes, headache, dry skin, weight loss, nail problems and changes in menstruation.

After treatment with TEPEZZA, "I no longer fear unwanted attention. My eye bulging has decreased and my eye pain has subsided," said Michel. "I look and feel more like myself again." Infusion reactions, like high blood pressure or difficulty breathing, can happen during or within 24 hours after an infusion of TEPEZZA. Please see Important Safety Information below.

TED Education and Advocacy

With his background in nursing, Michel knows the value of education and self-advocacy. To support others newly diagnosed or living with TED, Michel offers the following advice:

  • Advocate for yourself and your symptoms. Even if they aren't visible, be vocal about how they affect your daily life. Have you stopped doing a hobby you love or find it difficult to use a computer due to your TED symptoms? Tell your doctor.
  • Some doctors still think if you have been living with TED for a long time, you are not a candidate for TEPEZZA — but this is not entirely true. Even if you've had bulging eyes for years due to TED, you can still experience improvement through treatment with TEPEZZA.
  • Not all eye doctors are used to treating TED, which is why you should see a doctor who specializes in it. Make sure you're seeing a TED Specialist, such as an oculoplastic surgeon, neuro-ophthalmologist or endocrinologist, who has experience with the condition.
  • Visit TEPEZZA.com to learn more and find a TED Specialist.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about TEPEZZA?

Infusion reactions can happen during or within 24 hours after your infusion of TEPEZZA. If you have a reaction while receiving TEPEZZA, your doctor or nurse will slow or stop your infusion and treat your reaction. If you have a severe infusion reaction, your doctor may stop your treatment completely.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any of these symptoms during or after your treatment with TEPEZZA:

  • High blood pressure
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Headache
  • Redness of the face/Feeling hot
  • Muscle pain

If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, TEPEZZA may make your IBD symptoms worse. Symptoms of worsening IBD may include: an increased number of loose stools with stomach pain or cramps, and blood in your stools. After each TEPEZZA infusion, tell your doctor right away if you have worsening IBD symptoms.

TEPEZZA may cause an increase in your blood sugar. Before starting treatment with TEPEZZA, tell your doctor if you are currently being treated for diabetes, know your blood sugar is high, or have been diagnosed with diabetes. It is important for you to take your treatments and follow an appropriate diet for glucose control as prescribed by your doctor.

TEPEZZA may cause severe hearing problems including hearing loss, which in some cases may be permanent. Tell your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms of hearing problems or changes in hearing.

Before receiving TEPEZZA, tell your doctor if you:

  • Have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis).
  • Are currently being treated for diabetes, have been diagnosed with diabetes, or know your blood sugar is high.
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. TEPEZZA may harm your unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or suspect you are pregnant during treatment with TEPEZZA.
    • Women who are able to become pregnant should use an effective form of birth control (contraception) prior to starting treatment, during treatment and for at least 6 months after the final dose of TEPEZZA.
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TEPEZZA passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to feed your baby during treatment with TEPEZZA.
  • Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, dietary and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

What are the possible side effects of TEPEZZA?

The most common side effects of TEPEZZA include muscle cramps or spasms, nausea, hair loss, diarrhea, feeling tired, high blood sugar, hearing problems, taste changes, headache, dry skin, weight loss, nail problems, and changes in menstruation.

This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Tell your doctor or treatment team about any side effect you may have.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please visit TEPEZZA.com for more information.

USE

TEPEZZA is a prescription medicine used to treat Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), no matter if you've had TED for months or years.

© 2025 Amgen Inc. All rights reserved. USA-632-80059 01/25

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Sunday, February 9, 2025

How to transform your kitchen into a holiday showstopper

I am your Eyeball Acquisition Specialist. Success in life, in anything, depends upon the number of persons that one can make himself agreeable to. US online shopping has been growing in popularity over the past few years, as evidenced by the increasing number of people choosing to purchase goods and services over the internet. Bigdoggpinc is helping solidify trust from gaining your confidence 1 person at a time if I have to.

How to transform your kitchen into a holiday showstopper

(BPT) - Ready to transform your kitchen and impress your guests this holiday season? Just in time for the family feasts and celebrations, you can give your kitchen a stunning refresh with a simple DIY project — with no mess, minimal effort, and a look that will wow everyone.

Creating a beautiful new kitchen tile backsplash that will make a big impact is easier than you think, if you've got the right products to help you make it happen. Here's how you can get started:

Choose your backsplash tile

With so many options to choose from, it may help you to make a few basic choices before you head to a retailer or showroom so you don't get overwhelmed. For example, you might want to decide on your overall budget and where exactly you want your backsplash to go (such as how far up the wall). Then try to narrow down things like tile size and type of material you prefer (such as ceramic or porcelain), or whether you want tile with a glossy or matte finish. Measure the entire area that you plan to tile (and measure twice, to check for accuracy) so you'll be able to figure out how much tile you'll need.

Then you can start thinking about how your backsplash will fit within your kitchen's existing decor and color scheme. Do you want the tile to blend in seamlessly, or to stand out as a striking focal point? If you already have a lot of color and pattern throughout your kitchen, a simpler color and design may be more restful to the eyes, like a neutral subway tile. However, if your kitchen counter, cabinets and other features are monochromatic (single color) without many design elements, tile options that introduce more color and/or a decorative pattern will really stand out and make a splash!

Pro tip: Ask for a few sample tiles to bring home before you make your final decision (the more of each type the better, especially if you need several tiles to complete a design). Look at the tiles in your kitchen at different times of day and night, and observe how they appear next to your cabinets, counters and appliances. How the tile complements your existing kitchen decor and lighting is much easier to see by bringing them into that environment — don't rely just on a photo on your phone when you're tile shopping.

Make setting simple

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Once you're ready to set your tile, the job will be much easier with an easy-to-use peel-and-stick adhesive mat like SimpleMat® Tile Setting Mat, which eliminates the need for traditional thin-set mortar or mastic. And because it bonds instantly, there's no waiting necessary between setting your tile and grouting — so you can get the job done in a single day. The product is available in value-size rolls to make even larger projects easier. How easy is it? Watch this video to see how it's done: How to Install Tile Using a Tile Setting Mat.

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If you're interested in tackling a larger project like your shower or tub surround, check out this video on How to Tile a Shower Wall Using SimpleMat®.

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Grout with ease using pre-mixed grout

Once your tile is set, you're ready to grout. One great option is SimpleGrout® Pre-mixed Grout, which is a ready-to-use, no-mix, no-mess, no-hassle alternative to traditional grout that's easy to spread and clean. It's also sanded, and shrink-, crack- and household stain-resistant. Just follow these instructions to complete your project.

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To help you visualize your new kitchen project and choose the best color grout to complement or contrast with your chosen tile, try out the handy new Tile & Grout Visualizer App. This can help you choose from 40 designer-inspired grout colors for the best one to go with your tile, so you'll feel confident that your tile installation will look exactly how you want it — before you start!

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Both SimpleMat® Tile Setting Mat and SimpleGrout® Pre-mixed Grout are available now at The Home Depot near you. For more information about these and other products to help you make your next DIY project happen, visit CustomBuildingProducts.com.

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Wednesday, July 17, 2024

A dermatologist's ultimate summer guide for whole body care

I am your Eyeball Acquisition Specialist. Success in life, in anything, depends upon the number of persons that one can make himself agreeable to. US online shopping has been growing in popularity over the past few years, as evidenced by the increasing number of people choosing to purchase goods and services over the internet. Bigdoggpinc is helping solidify trust from gaining your confidence 1 person at a time if I have to.


A dermatologist's ultimate summer guide for whole body care

(BPT) - You probably worry a lot about caring for your body — especially your skin — over the winter, when harsh temps and cold winds can take their toll. But did you know your self-care routine could also use an overhaul to face the challenges of the hot summer months?

"Just like you change your clothes depending on the season, your skincare routine needs to change in the summer, too," said board certified dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu. "While many of us are well versed in how to care for our skin in the winter, summertime brings its own concerns." To help you enjoy the sunshine and warmer temps without stressing your skin, here are some of her tips for your best summer body care.

Layer on the sunscreen

Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin before going out and about, even on cloudy days. Be sure to bring some along with you if you plan to spend your whole day outdoors and be ready to reapply after spending time in the water.

What to do about body odor

One of the biggest challenges during the heat of summer is coping with increased odor, which can impact not just your armpits, but everywhere on your body. To address this concern, some women take multiple showers a day or use powder or perfumes that only mask the odor, rather than addressing it at its source.

"First and foremost, I want to say that body odor is 100% normal and definitely expected with the hotter weather," said Dr. Liu. "If you're looking for a solution to help you stay fresher longer, I highly recommend Secret Whole Body Deodorant, which is made with ingredients you can use for the whole body, including intimate areas, for external use only."

Made with skin care ingredients, Secret Whole Body Deodorant is tested by gynecologists and dermatologists, and is free of aluminum, baking soda, dyes, phthalates and parabens. It comes in three unique formulations:

  1. Aluminum Free Whole Body Deodorant Stick is ideal for use under breasts or where thighs rub together. Made with shea butter and coconut oil, the stick glides on smooth and clear. Available in Peach & Vanilla Blossom, Lilac & Waterlily scents and Unscented.
  2. Aluminum Free Whole Body Deodorant Invisible Cream is perfect for use in intimate areas, and it can easily and precisely be applied by hand. Made with skin care ingredients, the water-based cream absorbs quickly, with no pilling. Available in Peach & Vanilla Blossom scent and Unscented.
  3. Aluminum Free Whole Body Deodorant Spray allows for touchless application across your body and is made with 100% natural propellant so you can experience the full array of light, fresh fragrance notes. Available in Peach & Vanilla Blossom and Lilac & Waterlily scents.

Secret Whole Body Deodorant provides 72 hours of clinically proven odor protection for your whole body, to help you feel fresher no matter what summer throws your way.

Ways to avoid dry skin

While dry skin is common during winter, the summer weather can also be a culprit! Whether you’re going in and out of air-conditioned buildings and hot outdoor air, spending time in the blazing sun or going for a swim in chlorinated pools and salty sea water, these activities can all strip the skin of its natural oils.

"It's really important to rinse your skin well after swimming," said Dr. Liu. "I always recommend that my patients use a gentle cleanser to remove debris — and then immediately apply a moisturizer on damp skin to reduce dryness and irritation."

Revamp your bathroom cabinet

With the changing seasons, it's also a great time to refresh your bathroom cabinets and drawers to declutter and remove items that are past their expiration date. "Go through your products so you can toss out anything you no longer use, or that's old or expired," said Dr. Liu. Check your products for texture or color changes, for example. Those are signs that it’s time to get a new one.

With these tips, you can enjoy all of the fun summer activities you love while looking, feeling — and smelling your best, all day long.

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Savvy Online Shopping Tips to Save Money and Time

I am your Eyeball Acquisition Specialist. Success in life, in anything, depends upon the number of persons that one can make himself agreeable to. Find ideas for shopping ideas from Bigdoggpinc. There is only one Bigdoggpinc = Big Dogg Productions Incorporated. I make a big deal for you! I cover alot of stores and services that have been posting deals as great or better then the one-time only Black Friday or Cyber Monday offers.



Savvy Online Shopping Tips to Save Money and Time

(BPT) - Sponsored by Citi

The ease of shopping online can offer customers greater flexibility and convenience, as well as access to a wider range of products. However, these expanded choices can sometimes lead to more time spent searching for deals.

If you're looking to save money without spending too much time, it's crucial to be strategic before you browse.

Here are tips savvy shoppers use to shop smarter online.

Make the most of free shopping tools

Finding deals quickly can be tough, but savvy shoppers know the latest tools can help. For example, the Citi ShopSM browser extension provides an easy way to find savings by automatically searching over 5,000 online merchants for available offers and coupons.

According to a recent Citi study*, over one-third of Americans (35%) say it takes too long to find coupons or promo codes when shopping online, and 74% have abandoned an online purchase because they couldn't find a deal. The Citi Shop browser extension helps eligible Citi® credit cardmembers save time and money by finding savings.

To start using Citi Shop, cardmembers just need to add the extension to their mobile iOS device or desktop browser and enroll their eligible Citi credit card. While shopping online, users will receive alerts about available percent or amount back offers.

Visit Citi.com/CitiShopEnroll to add the extension.

Plan ahead

When it comes to online shopping, planning helps you stay on track and gives you more time to compare prices. Before firing up your laptop or phone, make a quick list of what you’re looking for. Your list could also include how much you're willing to spend.

You could also try keeping a calendar of events like family birthdays, upcoming weddings and other important milestones so you don’t rush to buy something at the last minute.

Sign up for newsletters and alerts

For another smart move, try signing up for newsletters and enabling notifications from your preferred retailers to access exclusive deals and promotions. By doing so, you'll receive timely alerts about special promotions, early access to sales and personalized recommendations. These exclusive perks may help you save money and update you on the latest deals.

Look for retailer incentives

If you write a product review or fill out a survey requested by a retailer, you could be eligible for perks like gift card drawings or discounts. Other retailers may offer price matching or adjustments if you see an item you just bought go on sale at another store a few days later.

If you want to save more time finding online deals, you can always try using the Citi Shop browser extension, which automatically searches for offers and coupons at checkout.

Set a budget

Track your monthly income and expenses to figure out what you may have left for special occasions, shopping or entertainment. After budgeting for necessities, try setting aside a monthly discretionary spending amount — and then stick to it.

Using these tips and tools, you can save time and tap into savings when you shop online.

*The Citi Shopping Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 nationally representative adults ages 18+ from the U.S., including the U.S. territories, in December 2023.

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