Acthar Patient Assistance Program If you do not have insurance coverage, you may be able to receive financial support through the Acthar Patient Assistance Program Mallinckrodt provides Acthar Gel at no cost to eligible patients with a valid, on-label prescription for Acthar Gel who have no insurance, are underinsured, or are rendered uninsured
Full Answer
What is the Acthar® gel benefit program?
*Terms and Conditions apply. This benefit covers Acthar ® Gel (repository corticotropin injection). The program provides up to $15,000 per calendar year toward the patient’s Acthar Gel prescription costs. Eligibility: Available to patients with commercial prescription insurance coverage for Acthar Gel.
How do I stop using the Acthar gel copay card?
If at any time a patient begins receiving prescription drug coverage under any such federal, state, or government-funded healthcare program, patient will no longer be able to use the Acthar Gel Copay Card and patient must call Acthar Patient Support at 1-888-435-2284 to stop participation.
How can Acthar Patient Support Help Me?
Your Case Manager can better help you understand your options and connect you with the appropriate resources. If you have government insurance, Acthar Patient Support will help you understand your options for financial assistance. Learning how to take or give Acthar Gel is personal.
How can I learn how to take Acthar gel?
Learning how to take or give Acthar Gel is personal. That’s why Acthar Patient Support offers free Acthar Gel injection training that’s based on your level of need. While your prescription is in the approval process, we’ll contact you to discuss your training needs and how best to accomplish them—in your home, online, or by phone.
How can I get acthar?
Your doctor prescribes Acthar Gel for you. Your doctor's office then submits your prescription to Acthar Patient Support. Once the prescription is submitted by your doctor, Acthar Patient Support will review your insurance coverage.
How much does acthar cost?
The cost for H.P. Acthar Gel injectable solution (80 units/mL) is around $40,613 for a supply of 5 milliliters, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.
How long does acthar take to work?
The new ACTRIMS data suggest that it can lead to “significant improvements after two months of use” for those who experience stubborn flares that fail to respond to high-dose corticosteroid treatments. These improvements were shown to last for at least six months.
How often is acthar given?
Recommended dosing from the label Acthar Gel offers flexible dosing, with a recommended 40-80 units every 1-3 days across multiple indications.
What does acthar Gel treat?
Acthar® Gel is a prescription medicine used for: Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with dermatomyositis or polymyositis (DM-PM) Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
Does Medicare pay for Acthar?
Do Medicare prescription drug plans cover Acthar Gel? No. In general, Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) do not cover this drug.
How much does a vial of ACTH cost?
Today, however, a typical vial of Acthar is priced at $39,864-—approximately 140,000% more expensive than when it was approved 68 years ago. Acthar is one of the 20 most expensive medications in the United States. In 2014, Mallinckrodt acquired Questcor Pharmaceuticals, which owned the rights to Acthar.
What happens when ACTH is low?
A decline in the concentration of ACTH in the blood leads to a reduction in the secretion of adrenal hormones, resulting in adrenal insufficiency (hypoadrenalism). Adrenal insufficiency leads to weight loss, lack of appetite (anorexia), weakness, nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure (hypotension).
Is acthar a steroid?
Acthar Gel is not a steroid.
How long is acthar Gel good for?
After a vial has been opened (the top seal has been punctured by a needle), it should be discarded after 28 days.
Is Acthar Gel self administered?
Acthar Gel can be administered at home through self injection or by a caregiver. Unlike many medications that require a pharmacy visit for pick-up by the patient, Acthar Gel is delivered by a specialty pharmacy directly to the patient's home or requested location. Contactless delivery of Acthar Gel is available.
What is acthar Gel made of?
Acthar Gel is supplied as a sterile preparation in 16% gelatin to provide a prolonged release after intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. Acthar Gel also contains 0.5% phenol, not more than 0.1% cysteine (added), sodium hydroxide and/or acetic acid to adjust pH and water for injection.
What is acthar made from?
Acthar contains a highly purified preparation of the hormone adrenocorticotropin (also referred to as ACTH) in gelatin. This preparation is injected either into the muscle (intramuscularly) or under the skin (subcutaneously).
Does Acthar Gel cause weight gain?
High blood pressure, changes in heart and kidney function Acthar Gel (corticotropin) can cause high blood pressure, unexplained weight gain, and other changes in the way your kidneys work.
How do you inject Acthar Gel?
Take the vial of Acthar out of the refrigerator. Always inject Acthar into the muscle of your child. Never inject Acthar directly into a vein, under your child's skin, or give it to your child by mouth. Keep needle tip in the Acthar at all times when drawing the amount your doctor prescribed.
What are the side effects of corticotropin?
What are the side effects of Corticotropin (Acthar Gel)?fever, chills, sore throat, skin warmth or redness, or other signs of an infection;unusual changes in mood or behavior;blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;a seizure;More items...•
Does acthar Gel work?
Studies have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding recovery from an MS relapse. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease. Treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age.
Is acthar an orphan drug?
According to the documents obtained and released by the House Oversight Committee in a broad probe of drug pricing practices, Mallinckrodt targeted Questcor primarily because of Acthar, a so-called orphan drug that helps 2,500 kids a year in the U.S. afflicted by infantile spasms.
What is acthar made from?
Acthar contains a highly purified preparation of the hormone adrenocorticotropin (also referred to as ACTH) in gelatin. This preparation is injected either into the muscle (intramuscularly) or under the skin (subcutaneously).
What are the side effects of ACTH?
Potential side effects of ACTH are irritability, increased appetite and weight gain, high blood pressure, low potassium in the blood, and high blood sugar. These side effects will go away once the ACTH is stopped. Other side effects are rare but more serious.
Can you enroll in Acthar Gel over the phone?
Enrollment over the phone during the Acthar Gel welcome call or anytime you speak with your Case Manager
Does Mallinckrodt provide Acthar Gel?
Mallinckrodt provides Acthar Gel at no cost to eligible patients with a valid, on-label prescription for Acthar Gel who have no insurance, are underinsured, or are rendered uninsured
How to contact Acthar Gel?
For questions about the Acthar Gel referral process or the status of an existing referral, please call Acthar Patient Support at 1-888-435-2284 Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 9 PM ET and Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM ET. Patient Advocacy.
What is Acthar patient support?
Acthar Patient Support is dedicated to helping patients who are prescribed Acthar Gel get the treatment they need.
Can Mallinckrodt revoke copay?
Mallinckrodt reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend the co-pay assistance program at any time without notice.
Does Acthar provide copay assistance?
Enrollment in the co-pay assistance program does not guarantee assistance. Whether an expense is eligible for the co-pay benefit will be determined at the time the benefit is paid. Eligible co-pay expenses must be in connection with a separately paid claim for Acthar®Gel which is otherwise covered by a private/commercial insurance plan.
Does Acthar Gel cover out of pocket costs?
The program covers out-of-pocket costs for Acthar®Gel only. The program will not and shall not be applied toward the cost of any other product, healthcare provider service, supply charges or other treatment costs.
Do you need a prescription for Acthar?
Patient must have a valid Acthar®Gel prescription for an FDA-approved, on-label indication.
Can you enroll in Acthar Gel over the phone?
Enrollment over the phone during the Acthar Gel welcome call or any time they are speaking with their Case Manager
What is Acthar injection?
Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle.
How effective is Acthar for MS?
Treatment for adults with acute relapses or flares of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding recovery from an MS relapse.
What happens if you stop taking Acthar?
Sometimes when you stop taking Acthar long-term, your body may not produce enough natural cortisol. This is called “adrenal insufficiency.” Your doctor may prescribe a steroid medicine to protect you until the adrenal gland recovers
How to report Acthar side effects?
Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you, or that does not go away. Call your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA. Call 1-800-FDA-1088.
How to tell if you are allergic to Acthar?
Signs of allergic reaction are: Skin rash and itching. Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat. Trouble breathing. The effects of Acthar may be intensified if you have an underactive thyroid or cirrhosis of the liver. Long-term Acthar use can affect growth and physical development in children.
Does Acthar help with MS?
Treatment for adults with acute relapses or flares of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding recovery from an MS relapse. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
Can Acthar make you depressed?
Taking Acthar can make you feel irritable or depressed. You may also have mood swings or trouble sleeping. These effects are reversible once Acthar therapy is stopped
When was Acthar Gel first used?
H.P. Acthar Gel was launched by Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 2005. It has been approved by the FDA for use in treament of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis. H.P. Acthar Gel is available in gel form and does not require a physician to administer.
How to enroll in Questcor?
Fill out the program enrollment form located to your right. If you don't see an enrollment form available please call Questcor Pharmaceuticals program directly. After filling out the enrollment form please bring the form to your doctor for proper signatures and procedures. Do not forget a self stamped envelope for them to mail in your application to the program.
Where do you send medication to?
The medication must be sent to the Hospital, Physicians Office, or Pharmacy.
What is Questcor Pharmaceuticals?
is a California based pharmaceutical company started in 1990 that focuses specifically on developing products for central nervous system disorders. Originally Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. offered a much wider selection of products, but as they shifted their focus soley to central nervous system related developments, that had to part ways with several products.
What is Acthar Gel used for?
Acthar Gel (corticotropin) is a member of the corticotropin drug class and is commonly used for Allergies, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Chorioditis, and others.
What is Acthar program?
This program is intended for US HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS and/or Professionals involved in Healthcare Reimbursement ONLY. Patient/Caregiver: Visit www.Acthar.com or call 1-888-435-2284 for more information. Applicable drugs:
How much does a free drug card save?
The free Drugs.com Discount Card works like a coupon and can save you up to 80% or more off the cost of prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs and pet prescriptions.
Is Acthar Gel a generic?
Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans. H.P. Acthar Gel is available as a brand name drug only, a generic version is not yet available. For more information, read about generic H.P. Acthar Gel availability .
Where is Acthar injected?
Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle.
Where to inject Acthar?
Always inject Acthar beneath the skin or into the muscle
Does Acthar help with MS?
Treatment for adults with acute relapses or flares of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding recovery from an MS relapse. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease
Does Acthar cause bruising?
When taking Acthar long-term, your adrenal gland may produce too much of a hormone called cortisol. This can result in symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome. This may cause increased upper body fat, a rounded “moon” face, bruising easily, or muscle weakness
