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Drug Assistance Programs
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July 28, 2005
Drug Assistance Programs
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that all Lost Boys and Girls be treated for schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) and strongyloidiasis. Information about this recommendation can be found on the page titled Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan: Information for Refugees and Healthcare Providers, at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/lostboysandgirlssudan/index.htm. Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) is treated with praziquantel and strongyloidiasis can be treated with albendazole. This notice contains information about getting these drugs from the manufacturer at a low cost. This notice also contains new information about the patient assistance program from Schering-Plough Corporation.
Praziquantel (Biltricide ®): Schering-Plough Corporation
Schering-Plough has added Biltricide to their patient assistance program.
To access the program, patients and their physicians must fill out the enrollment form. Because this program is new, Biltricide is not yet included on the form. Until the form is updated, physicians should write in the product information section (Part Three of the application form) that they want to order BILTRICIDE for their patient. BILTRICIDE should be written in the blank space below PROVENTIL.
The enrollment form can be faxed or mailed. Eligibility criteria include income, being a U.S. resident, and having no prescription drug benefit. Schering-Plough requires patients to provide proof of income (or a notarized letter from a physician or social worker if they have no income). If the applicant is approved, Biltricide will be shipped to the physician’s office. More information about Schering-Plough’s program can be found at http://www.schering-plough.com/schering_plough/corp/sp_cares.jsp.
Albendazole (Albenza ®): GSK
GSK requires an advocate (a doctor, a nurse, or a pharmacist) to call 866-728-4368 to request an enrollment form. The enrollment form can be faxed (within 4 hours of request) or mailed. After the form is filled out, the advocate calls the company back and eligibility is determined over the phone. Eligibility criteria include having an income <$25,000, being a U.S. resident, and having no prescription drug benefit. There is a coupon on the bottom of the enrollment form. If eligible, the patient can take that coupon and the prescription to a pharmacy. The cost of the medication is $10 for each 30-day supply or $20 for a 60-day supply. For patients who need more than 60 days of a medication, further arrangements can be made with GSK. For the Lost Boys and Girls, the cost for a supply would be $10. More information about GSK’s program can be found at http://www.bridgestoaccess.gsk.com.