Patient Financial Support

 

GENENTECH HAS CUSTOMIZED SUPPORT TO HELP PATIENTS ACCESS ACTEMRA

Qualified patients pay just $5/drug co-pay for up to 12 months.

Answer a few questions below to see if your patient qualifies.

  • Is your patient insured?

  • Does your patient have commercial insurance?

    What does this mean?

  • Has your patient been prescribed ACTEMRA Subcutaneous (SC)?

  • Has your patient been prescribed ACTEMRA Intravenous (IV)?

  • Does your patient have prescription drug coverage through a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan?

  • Has your patient already been referred to the ACTEMRA Co-pay Card Program and is either ineligible or no longer receiving assistance?

  • Has your patient already been referred to an independent co-pay assistance foundation and is either ineligible or no longer receiving assistance?

  • Is the patient using ACTEMRA for an FDA-approved indication?

Your Patient Might Qualify for a Referral to the ACTEMRA Co-pay Card Program

If eligible commercially insured patients need assistance with their out-of-pocket costs, Genentech Rheumatology Access Solutions can refer them to the ACTEMRA Co-pay Card Program.*

 

Learn More

 

*In order to be eligible for the ACTEMRA Co-pay Card Program, the patient must have commercial insurance, must not have Medicare, Medicaid or other government insurance, and must meet other eligibility criteria. They also must agree to the rules set forth in the terms and conditions for the program. Please visit RACopay.com for the full list of terms and conditions.

Your Patient Might Qualify for a Referral to an Independent Co-pay Assistance Foundation

For eligible patients with commercial or public health insurance, Genentech Rheumatology Access Solutions offers referrals to independent co-pay assistance foundations.*

 

Learn More

 

*Genentech does not influence or control the operations or eligibility criteria of any independent co-pay assistance foundation and cannot guarantee co-pay assistance after a referral from Genentech Rheumatology Access Solutions. The foundations to which we refer patients are not exhaustive or indicative of Genentech’s endorsement or financial support. There may be other foundations to support the patient's disease state.

Your Patient Might Qualify for a Referral to the Genentech® Access to Care Foundation (GATCF)

GATCF helps eligible patients who meet specific criteria receive their Genentech medicine free of charge.*

 

Learn More

 

*To be eligible for free Genentech medicine from GATCF, insured patients must have exhausted all other forms of patient assistance (including the ACTEMRA Co-pay Card Program and support from independent co-pay assistance foundations) and meet financial criteria. Uninsured patients must meet different financial criteria.

Please Contact Us

Please call us at (866) 681-3261.

Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) or "Extra Help" From Medicare*

Your patient may qualify for financial assistance with their Medicare prescription drug costs through the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program, also known as Extra Help.

 

Learn More or Apply for Extra Help From Medicare

 

*LIS is a Medicare program. Genentech does not influence or control the operations or eligibility of this program. To qualify, patients must meet certain financial criteria. For more information, patients can contact Social Security at (800) 772-1213 or visit SocialSecurity.gov/extrahelp.

Additional Patient Information

Patient Type

Program

Patient awaiting a coverage decision

"My insurance company hasn't decided whether they will pay for my ACTEMRA SC. What can I do?"

ACT Fast Program

Eligible patients may receive ACTEMRA SC at no charge for up to 6 months or until the health plan makes a coverage decision—whichever comes first.

Any eligible patient

"I want to start my ACTEMRA SC treatment today. Do I need to wait until my prescription is shipped?"

ACTEMRA SC Sampling Program

Provides samples to enable patients to receive same-day treatment and help patients learn to self-inject ACTEMRA. Samples may be requested from your clinical specialist here.

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For more information, call: 1-800-ACTEMRA (1-800-228-3672), or click here

Includes Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, TRICARE and other public insurance.

Genentech does not influence or control the operations of these co-pay assistance foundations, but Genentech Rheumatology Access Solutions can assist patients in navigating the process of seeking co-pay assistance by making an appropriate referral based on a patient’s diagnosis and by assisting with the application process. We cannot guarantee co-pay assistance once a patient has been referred by Genentech Rheumatology Access Solutions. The foundations to which we refer patients each have their own criteria for patient eligibility, including financial eligibility.

Patients must not have met the catastrophic coverage requirement and must meet GATCF financial and medical criteria. Program effective January 1, 2014.

The Actemra Prepaid MasterCard is issued by The Bancorp Bank pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. This card may not be used everywhere debit MasterCard is accepted. No cash or ATM access. The Bancorp Bank; Member FDIC.

Eligibility Requirements

By using the ACTEMRA Co-pay Card Program, the patient acknowledges and confirms that, at the time of usage, (s)he is currently eligible and meets the criteria set forth in the terms and conditions described.

This Co-pay Card is valid ONLY for patients with commercial (private or non-governmental) insurance who are taking the medication for a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved indication. Patients using Medicare, Medicaid, or any other government-funded program to pay for their medications are not eligible. Patients who start utilizing their government coverage during their enrollment period will no longer be eligible for the program.

This Co-pay Card Program is not health insurance or a benefit plan. Distribution or use of the Co-pay Card does not obligate use or continuing use of any specific product or provider. Patient or guardian is responsible for reporting the receipt of all Co-pay Card Program benefits or reimbursement received to any insurer, health plan, or other third party who pays for or reimburses any part of the prescription filled using the Co-pay Card Program, as may be required.

The Co-pay Card is not valid for medications the patient receives for free or that are eligible to be reimbursed by private insurance plans or other healthcare or pharmaceutical assistance programs (such as Genentech® Access to Care Foundation (GATCF) or any other charitable organization) that reimburse the patient in part or for the entire cost of his/her Genentech medication. Patient, guardian, pharmacist, prescriber, and any other person using the Co-pay Card agree not to seek reimbursement for all or any part of the benefit received by the recipient through the offer.

The Co-pay Card will be accepted by participating pharmacies, physician offices, or hospitals. To qualify for the benefits of this Co-pay Card Program, the patient may be required to pay out-of-pocket expenses for each treatment. Once enrolled, this Co-pay Card Program will not honor claims with date of service or medication dispensing that precede program enrollment by more than 120 days. This Co-pay Card is only available with a valid prescription and cannot be combined with any other rebate/coupon, free trial, or similar offer for the specified prescription. Use of this Co-pay Card must be consistent with all relevant health insurance requirements and payer agreements. Participating patients, pharmacies, physician offices, and hospitals are obligated to inform third-party payers about the use of the Co-pay Card as provided for under the applicable insurance or as otherwise required by contract or law. The Co-pay Card may not be sold, purchased, traded, or offered for sale, purchase, or trade. The Co-pay Card is limited to 1 per person during this offer period and is not transferable. This program expires within 12 months from enrollment. This program is not valid where prohibited by law. For Massachusetts residents, the Co-pay Card is not valid for any prescription drug that has an AB-rated generic equivalent as determined by the FDA. For Massachusetts residents, this program shall expire on or before July 1, 2019.

The patient or their guardian must be 18 years or older to receive Co-pay Card Program assistance. This Co-pay Card Program is (1) void if the card is reproduced; (2) void where prohibited by law; (3) only valid in the United States and Puerto Rico; and (4) only valid for Genentech products. Healthcare providers may not advertise or otherwise use the program as a means of promoting their services or Genentech’s products to patients. Genentech reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend the program without notice at any time.

The Actemra Co-Pay Card Program is not a benefit plan. This program helps pay for costs described as "out-of-pocket," "co-pay," "co-insurance," or "uncovered expense."

INDICATIONS

ACTEMRA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response to one or more Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs).

ACTEMRA is indicated for the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) in adult patients.

ACTEMRA is indicated for the treatment of active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years of age and older.

ACTEMRA is indicated for the treatment of active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years of age and older.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOXED WARNING

RISK OF SERIOUS INFECTIONS:

Patients treated with ACTEMRA are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death, including tuberculosis (TB), bacterial, invasive fungal, viral, or other opportunistic infections. If a serious infection develops, interrupt ACTEMRA until the infection is controlled.

Reported infections include:

  • Active tuberculosis, which may present with pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease. Patients should be tested for latent tuberculosis before ACTEMRA use and during therapy. Treatment for latent infection should be initiated prior to ACTEMRA use.
  • Invasive fungal infections, including candidiasis, aspergillosis, and pneumocystis. Patients with invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized, disease.
  • Bacterial, viral and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens.

The risks and benefits of treatment with ACTEMRA should be carefully considered prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection.

Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with ACTEMRA, including the possible development of tuberculosis in patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy.

CONTRAINDICATION

ACTEMRA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ACTEMRA.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Gastrointestinal Perforations

Events of gastrointestinal (GI) perforation have been reported in clinical trials, primarily as complications of diverticulitis in RA patients. Use ACTEMRA with caution in patients who may be at increased risk for GI perforation. Promptly evaluate patients presenting with new-onset abdominal symptoms for early identification of GI perforation.

Laboratory Parameters

Laboratory monitoring is recommended due to potential consequences of treatment-related laboratory abnormalities in neutrophils, platelets, lipids, and liver function tests. Dosage modifications may be required.

Neutropenia: Treatment with ACTEMRA was associated with a higher incidence of neutropenia. It is not recommended to initiate ACTEMRA treatment in patients with a low neutrophil count i.e., absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 2000 per mm3. In patients who develop an ANC less than 500 per mm3 treatment is not recommended.

Thrombocytopenia: Treatment with ACTEMRA was associated with a reduction in platelet counts. It is not recommended to initiate ACTEMRA in patients with a platelet count below 100,000 per mm3. In patients who develop a platelet count less than 50,000 per mm3, treatment is not recommended.

Elevated Liver Enzymes: Treatment with ACTEMRA was associated with a higher incidence of transaminase elevations. These elevations did not result in apparent permanent or clinically evident hepatic injury in clinical trials. Increased frequency and magnitude of these elevations was observed when potentially hepatotoxic drugs (e.g., methotrexate) were used in combination with ACTEMRA.
– It is not recommended to initiate ACTEMRA treatment in patients with elevated transaminases ALT or AST >1.5x ULN. In patients who develop elevated ALT or AST >5x ULN, treatment is not recommended.

Lipid Abnormalities: Treatment with ACTEMRA was associated with increases in lipid parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterols, and/or HDL cholesterol.

Immunosuppression

The impact of treatment with ACTEMRA on the development of malignancies is not known, but malignancies were observed in clinical studies with ACTEMRA. ACTEMRA is an immunosuppressant, and treatment with immunosuppressants may result in an increased risk of malignancies.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in association with ACTEMRA and anaphylactic events with a fatal outcome have been reported with intravenous infusion of ACTEMRA. ACTEMRA for intravenous use should only be infused by a healthcare professional with appropriate medical support to manage anaphylaxis. For ACTEMRA subcutaneous injection, advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction. If anaphylaxis or other hypersensitivity reaction occurs, stop administration of ACTEMRA immediately and discontinue ACTEMRA permanently. Do not administer ACTEMRA to patients with known hypersensitivity to ACTEMRA.

Anaphylaxis and other hypersensitivity reactions that required treatment discontinuation were reported in 0.1% (3 out of 2644) of patients in the 6-month controlled trials of intravenous ACTEMRA, 0.2% (8 out of 4009) of patients in the intravenous all-exposure RA population, 0.7% (8 out of 1068) in the subcutaneous 6-month controlled RA trials, and in 0.7% (10 out of 1465) of patients in the subcutaneous all-exposure population. In the SJIA controlled trial with intravenous ACTEMRA, 1 out of 112 patients (0.9%) experienced hypersensitivity reactions that required treatment discontinuation. In the PJIA controlled trial with intravenous ACTEMRA, 0 out of 188 patients (0%) in the ACTEMRA all-exposure population experienced hypersensitivity reactions that required treatment discontinuation.

Demyelinating Disorders

The impact of treatment with ACTEMRA on demyelinating disorders is not known, but multiple sclerosis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy were reported rarely in clinical studies. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of demyelinating disorders. Prescribers should exercise caution in considering the use of ACTEMRA in patients with preexisting or recent-onset demyelinating disorders.

Active Hepatic Disease and Hepatic Impairment

Treatment with ACTEMRA is not recommended in patients with active hepatic disease or hepatic impairment.

Vaccinations

Avoid use of live vaccines concurrently with ACTEMRA. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving ACTEMRA or on the effectiveness of vaccination in patients receiving ACTEMRA. Patients should be brought up to date on all recommended vaccinations prior to initiation of ACTEMRA therapy.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA)

The most common serious adverse reactions were serious infections. The most common serious infections included pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis, herpes zoster, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, sepsis and bacterial arthritis. In the ACTEMRA-IV monotherapy clinical study, the rate of serious infections was 3.6 per 100 patient-years in the ACTEMRA group and 1.5 per 100 patient-years in the methotrexate group. The rate of serious infections in the 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg ACTEMRA plus DMARD groups was 4.4 and 5.3 events per 100 patient-years, respectively, compared to 3.9 events per 100 patient-years in the placebo plus DMARD group.

In the 5 Phase III clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions (≥5% of patients treated with ACTEMRA-IV) through 6 months were:

  ACTEMRA-IV
8 mg/kg
Monotherapy (%)		 Methotrexate (%) ACTEMRA-IV
4 mg/kg
+ DMARDs (%)		 ACTEMRA-IV
8 mg/kg
+ DMARDs (%)		 Placebo
+ DMARDs (%)
URTI 7 5 6 8 6
Nasopharyngitis 7 6 4 6 4
Headache 7 2 6 5 3
Hypertension 6 2 4 4 3
Increased ALT 6 4 3 3 1

The safety observed for ACTEMRA administered subcutaneously was consistent with the known safety profile of intravenous ACTEMRA, with the exception of injection-site reactions, which were more common with ACTEMRA-SC compared with placebo-SC injections (IV-arm).

In the 6-month control period, in SC-I, the frequency of injection-site reactions was 10.1% (64/631) and 2.4% (15/631) for the weekly ACTEMRA-SC and placebo-SC (IV-arm) group, respectively. In SC-II, the frequency of injection-site reactions was 7.1% (31/437) and 4.1% (9/218) for the every other week ACTEMRA-SC and placebo-SC groups, respectively. These injection-site reactions were mild to moderate in severity. The majority resolved without any treatment and none necessitated drug discontinuation.

GIANT CELL ARTERITIS (GCA)

The overall safety profile observed in the ACTEMRA treatment groups was generally consistent with the known safety profile of ACTEMRA. There was an overall higher incidence of infections in GCA patients relative to RA patients.

Infections

The rate of infections was 200.2 per 100 patient-years in the ACTEMRA SC weekly group and 160.2 per 100 patient-years in the ACTEMRA SC every other week group, as compared to 156.0 per 100 patient-years in the placebo + 26 week prednisone taper and 210.2 per 100 patient-years in the placebo + 52 week taper groups.

The rate of serious infections was 9.7 per 100 patient-years in the ACTEMRA SC weekly group and 4.4 per 100 patient-years in the ACTEMRA SC every other week group, as compared to 4.2 per 100 patient-years in the placebo + 26 week prednisone taper and 12.5 per 100 patient-years in the placebo + 52 week prednisone taper groups.

POLYARTICULAR JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS (PJIA)

The most common adverse events seen in ACTEMRA-treated patients in the all-exposure population included: upper respiratory tract infections, headache, nasopharyngitis, and diarrhea.

Infections

The rate of infections in the ACTEMRA all-exposure population was 163.7 per 100 patient-years. The most common events observed were nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infections. The rate of serious infections was numerically higher in patients weighing less than 30 kg treated with 10 mg/kg ACTEMRA (12.2 per 100 patient-years) compared to patients weighing at or above 30 kg, treated with 8 mg/kg ACTEMRA (4.0 per 100 patient-years). The incidence of infections leading to dose interruptions was also numerically higher in patients weighing less than 30 kg treated with 10 mg/kg ACTEMRA (21%) compared to patients weighing at or above 30 kg, treated with 8 mg/kg ACTEMRA (8%).

Infusion Reactions

In PJIA patients, infusion-related reactions are defined as all events occurring during or within 24 hours of an infusion. In the ACTEMRA all-exposure population, 11 patients (6%) experienced an event during the infusion, and 38 patients (20.2%) experienced an event within 24 hours of an infusion. The most common events occurring during infusion were headache, nausea and hypotension, and occurring within 24 hours of infusion were dizziness and hypotension. 

SYSTEMIC JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS (SJIA)

The most common adverse events (at least 5%) seen in ACTEMRA-treated patients in the 12-week controlled portion of the study were: upper respiratory tract infections, headache, nasopharyngitis, and diarrhea.

Infections

In the 12-week controlled phase, the rate of all infections in the ACTEMRA group was 345 per 100 patient-years and 287 per 100 patient-years in the placebo group. In the open-label extension over an average duration of 73 weeks of treatment, the overall rate of infections was 304 per 100 patient-years.

In the 12-week controlled phase, the rate of serious infections in the ACTEMRA group was 11.5 per 100 patient-years. In the open-label extension over an average duration of 73 weeks of treatment, the overall rate of serious infections was 11.4 per 100 patient-years. The most commonly reported serious infections included pneumonia, gastroenteritis, varicella, and otitis media.

Macrophage Activation Syndrome

In the 12-week controlled study, no patient in any treatment group experienced macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) while on assigned treatment; 3 per 112 (3%) developed MAS during open-label treatment with ACTEMRA. One patient in the placebo group escaped to ACTEMRA 12 mg per kg at Week 2 due to severe disease activity, and ultimately developed MAS at Day 70. Two additional patients developed MAS during the long-term extension. All 3 patients had ACTEMRA dose interrupted (2 patients) or discontinued (1 patient) for the MAS event, received treatment, and the MAS resolved without sequelae. Based on a limited number of cases, the incidence of MAS does not appear to be elevated in the ACTEMRA SJIA clinical development experience; however, no definitive conclusions can be made.

Infusion Reactions

In the 12-week controlled phase, 4% of ACTEMRA and 0% of placebo-treated patients experienced events occurring during infusion.

Within 24 hours after infusion, 16% of patients in the ACTEMRA treatment group and 5% of patients in the placebo group experienced an event. In the ACTEMRA group the events included rash, urticaria, diarrhea, epigastric discomfort, arthralgia, and headache. One of these events, urticaria, was considered serious.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis was reported in 1 out of 112 patients (less than 1%) treated with ACTEMRA during the controlled and open-label extension study.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

In GCA patients, no effect of concomitant corticosteroid on ACTEMRA exposure was observed.

Cytochrome P450s in the liver are down-regulated by infection and inflammation stimuli including cytokines such as IL-6. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling in RA patients treated with ACTEMRA may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels than those in the absence of ACTEMRA leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates.

Exercise caution when coadministering ACTEMRA with CYP3A4 substrate drugs where decrease in effectiveness is undesirable, e.g., oral contraceptives, lovastatin, atorvastatin, etc.

USE IN PREGNANCY

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ACTEMRA during pregnancy. Physicians are encouraged to register patients and pregnant women are encouraged to register themselves by calling 1-877-311-8972.

The limited available data with ACTEMRA in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine whether there is a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage.

You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING, for additional important safety information.