Patient Assistance & Copay Programs for Mercaptopurine Patient assistance programs (PAPs) are usually sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and provide free or discounted medicines and copay programs to low income or uninsured and under-insured people who meet specific guidelines. Eligibility requirements vary for each program.
Full Answer
What should I know about mercaptopurine before taking it?
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take before taking mercaptopurine. Store your medication in the original, labeled container at room temperature and in a dry location (unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist).
Is there a liquid alternative to mercaptopurine?
A Liquid Alternative to the Mercaptopurine Tablet. The first FDA-Approved oral suspension form of mercaptopurine, PURIXAN offers flexibility and accuracy of dosing, consistent absorption and is a palatable alternative to current mercaptopurine therapies. ¹. ¹ PURIXAN (mercaptopurine) oral suspension [package insert].
What is purixan (mercaptopurine)?
The first FDA-Approved oral suspension form of mercaptopurine, PURIXAN offers flexibility and accuracy of dosing, consistent absorption and is a palatable alternative to current mercaptopurine therapies. ¹ ¹ PURIXAN (mercaptopurine) oral suspension [package insert].
What is the cost of mercaptopurine oral tablet?
The cost for mercaptopurine oral tablet 50 mg is around $71 for a supply of 25 tablets, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.
What is Merck Patient Assistance Program?
The Merck Patient Assistance Program provides certain medicines and adult vaccines free of charge to eligible individuals who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover their prescription Merck products.
What tier drug is mercaptopurine?
Medicare prescription drug plans typically list mercaptopurine on Tier 2 of their formulary. Generally, the higher the tier, the more you have to pay for the medication.
How much does purinethol cost?
The brand name of Mercaptopurine is Purinethol. Mercaptopurine can cost an average retail price of $115.00.
Does Organon have a patient assistance program?
The Organon Patient Assistance Program provides certain Organon medicines free of charge to eligible patients. The Organon Access Program representative can refer you to the Organon Patient Assistance Program for eligibility determination.
Is mercaptopurine safe long-term?
Reports of developing a cancer called lymphoma can occur in patients who have been taking mercaptopurine for a long duration of time; that is, patients who are using it to control long-term symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, or Crohn's disease.
How long should you take mercaptopurine?
Research suggests that the effectiveness of azathioprine and mercaptopurine does not diminish over time. While guidelines state that stopping treatment may be considered after four years for patients remaining in remission, many experts now believe thiopurine treatment should be continued indefinitely.
How common is hair loss with mercaptopurine?
Side effects included leukopenia (11.2%), abnormal liver function tests (3.8%), various infections, including pneumonia (3.1%), pancreatitis (2.5%), nausea (2.1%), headache (2.8%), fever (1.4%), hair loss (1%), and rash (0.7%).
Does mercaptopurine make you tired?
Possible Side Effects (More Common) This may raise your risk of infection, make you tired and weak (fatigue), and raise your risk of bleeding. Soreness of the mouth and throat may happen with high doses of this drug.
Does mercaptopurine cause weight gain?
Swelling of the body, tiredness, bruising. High blood pressure which may cause headaches, dizziness, blurred vision. Belly pain. Increased appetite and weight gain.
What is AbbVie Assistance Program?
myAbbVie Assist provides free medicine to qualifying patients. If you are uninsured or have limited insurance coverage, you may be eligible to receive prescribed AbbVie medication at no cost from our Program.
What is SaveOnSP program?
SaveOnSP is a service that negotiates prices for specialty drugs and in exchange for the exclusive right to do so, guarantees that the recipients of those covered prescriptions will pay $0. The only requirement is you must register with SaveOnSP – a one-time process that takes approximately 15 minutes.
What is PSP patient support program?
Patient Support Programs (PSPs) are an umbrella term to describe initiatives led by pharmaceutical companies to improve access, usage, and adherence to prescription drugs. These programs can have a financial component, support clinical investments, focus purely on education, or a combination.
Is mercaptopurine a specialty drug?
Mercaptopurine is available through select specialty pharmacies. Your oncology team will work with your prescription drug plan to identify an in-network specialty pharmacy for the distribution of this medication and shipment directly to your home.
What are Tier 3 prescription drugs?
What does each drug tier mean?Drug TierWhat it meansTier 3Preferred brand. These are brand name drugs that don't have a generic equivalent. They're the lowest-cost brand name drugs on the drug list.Tier 4Nonpreferred drug. These are higher-priced brand name and generic drugs not in a preferred tier.4 more rows•Apr 27, 2020
What are Tier 1 Tier 2 and Tier 3 drugs?
Level or Tier 1: Low-cost generic and brand-name drugs. Level or Tier 2: Higher-cost generic and brand-name drugs. Level or Tier 3: High-cost, mostly brand-name drugs that may have generic or brand-name alternatives in Levels 1 or 2. Level or Tier 4: Highest-cost, mostly brand-name drugs.
What are considered Tier 5 drugs?
Tier 5 - Nonpreferred Specialty: In Tier 5 are nonpreferred specialty drugs that likely have a more cost-effective generic or preferred alternative available. Tier 5 has the highest copayment for specialty drugs. In some cases, they may not be covered.
What is mercaptopurine?
Mercaptopurine (also called 6-MP) is an anticancer medicine. It is available as a 50-mg pale yellow tablet and an oral liquid taken by mouth. The liquid (also called Purixan™) is pink to brown in color with a raspberry taste.
What enzyme breaks down mercaptopurine?
If your body breaks down the medicine slower than most people, you should receive lower doses of mercaptopurine. For information about both TPMT and NUDT15 and their effect on mercaptopurine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, and see “ Do you know… Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) and medicines .” For more details, go to www.stjude.org/pg4kds.
How to clean a tablet cutter?
Carefully wash tablet cutters with warm soapy water after each use and allow to dry. Completely clean up any spills in the area where the medicine is prepared.
How to store 6MP tablets?
Store 6-MP tablets at room temperature in a dry place.
Where to handle a drug?
Prepare a clean area where the drug can be handled safely (away from areas where food is prepared, out of the reach of children, and out from under any air vents or fans).
Can mercaptopurine cause nausea?
If you have nausea or vomiting, tell your doctor. The doctor can prescribe medicine to keep you from feeling sick and throwing up while you are taking mercaptopurine.
How to help nausea and vomiting from oncology?
Talk to your oncology care team so they can prescribe medications to help you manage nausea and vomiting. In addition, dietary changes may help. Avoid things that may worsen the symptoms, such as heavy or greasy/fatty, spicy or acidic foods (lemons, tomatoes, oranges). Try saltines, or ginger ale to lessen symptoms.
How to store meds?
Store your medication in the original, labeled container at room temperature and in a dry location (unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist). This medication should not be stored in a pillbox. Keep containers out of reach of children and pets.
Where do I get this medication?
Mercaptopurine is available through select specialty pharmacies. Your oncology team will work with your prescription drug plan to identify an in-network specialty pharmacy for the distribution of this medication and shipment directly to your home.
How to deal with fatigue after cancer treatment?
While on cancer treatment, and for a period after, you may need to adjust your schedule to manage fatigue. Plan times to rest during the day and conserve energy for more important activities. Exercise can help combat fatigue; a simple daily walk with a friend can help. Talk to your healthcare team for helpful tips on dealing with this side effect.
Can you throw unused medication in the trash?
They should always wash their hands before and after giving you the medication. Pregnant or nursing women should not prepare the dose for you. Ask your oncology team where to return any unused medication for disposal. Do not flush down the toilet or throw in the trash.
Does mercaptopurine slow down cell growth?
Mercaptopurine interferes with DNA production . This stops cell growth and division, result ing in the slowing or stopping of cancer growth. Since cancer cells, in general, divide faster and with less error-correcting than healthy cells, cancer cells are more sensitive to this damage. Mercaptopurine is a "purine antagonist," meaning that it inhibits purine nucleotide synthesis and metabolism.
How long does mercaptopurine stay in your system?
Because mercaptopurine remains in your body for several days after it is taken, some of the drug may be present in urine, stool, sweat, or vomit. Once you have started to take mercaptopurine, it is important to follow the instructions below every day for as long as your treatment lasts. This is to keep yourself, loved ones, and the environment as safe as possible.
Can you get pregnant with mercaptopurine?
Women should not become pregnant and men should not get a partner pregnant while taking mercaptopurine. Men and women of childbearing age and potential should use effective contraception during therapy and for a minimum of one month after the last dose of mercaptopurine.
Important Note
- The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. MERCAPTOPURINE - ORAL (mer-CAP-toe-pure-e…
Uses
- Mercaptopurine is used to treat leukemia. It is also used for pediatric non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, polycythemia vera, and psoriatic arthritis. OTHER
How to Use
- This is a potent medication. Take it exactly as prescribed. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Contact your doctor if you vomit shortly after taking your dose.
Side Effects
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, weakness, skin rash, darkening of the skin, or hair loss may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: mouth sores, fever, sore throat, easy bruising or ble...
Precautions
- Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, any infections, previous anti-cancer treatment, blood disorders, recent exposure to chickenpox, any allergies you may have. This medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, rash or chills. Avoid touching your …
Drug Interactions
- Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: allopurinol, warfarin, certain drugs to treat ulcerative colitis (e.g., olsalazine, mesalazine, sulfasalazine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
- If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and weakness.
Notes
- Regular doctor visits are important. Keep all medical appointments. Blood tests will be done to monitor your progress.
Missed Dose
- Take the dose as soon as remembered but if it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose to catch up.
Medical Alert
- Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).