Assistance From Independent Nonprofit Co-pay Foundations
Patients who are commercially and government insured (including Medicare), but need financial assistance, can be referred to independent nonprofit co-pay foundations. Amgen makes donations to these foundations that, in turn, help qualifying insured patients with out-of-pocket costs, including co-payments and premiums, to cover the medicines they need.
Amgen Assist™ can help patients identify which co-pay foundations they may be qualified for, and provide referrals for these foundations. However, Amgen Assist™ cannot guarantee that a patient will receive assistance since these co-pay foundations are independent and not affiliated with Amgen. Each foundation has its own eligibility criteria which includes an evaluation of individual’s financial, medical, and insurance status.
For more information about co-pay support or referral to an independent co-pay foundation, call one of our coverage and reimbursement services specialists at 1-800-272-9376.
EPOGEN® (Epoetin alfa) is indicated for the treatment of anemia in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) on dialysis. EPOGEN® is indicated to elevate or maintain the red blood cell (RBC) level and to decrease the need for transfusions in these patients.
Important Safety Information, including Boxed WARNINGS
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WARNINGS: INCREASED MORTALITY, SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR and THROMBOEMBOLIC EVENTS, and INCREASED RISK OF TUMOR PROGRESSION OR RECURRENCE Renal failure: Patients experienced greater risks for death and serious cardiovascular events when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target higher versus lower hemoglobin levels (13.5 vs. 11.3 g/dL; 14 vs. 10 g/dL) in two clinical studies. Individualize dosing to achieve and maintain hemoglobin levels within the range of 10 to 12 g/dL. Cancer:
Perisurgery: EPOGEN® (Epoetin alfa) increased the rate of deep venous thromboses in patients not receiving prophylactic anticoagulation. Consider deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis. |
EPOGEN® (Epoetin alfa) is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) experienced greater risks for death and serious cardiovascular events when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target higher versus lower hemoglobin levels in two clinical studies. Patients with CRF and an insufficient hemoglobin response to ESA therapy may be at even greater risk for cardiovascular events and mortality than other patients. These events included myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, and hemodialysis vascular access thrombosis. A rate of hemoglobin rise of > 1 g/dL over 2 weeks may contribute to these risks. Seizures have occurred in patients with CRF participating in EPOGEN® clinical trials.
Cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) and of severe anemia, with or without other cytopenias, associated with neutralizing antibodies to erythropoietin have been reported in patients treated with EPOGEN®. This has been reported predominantly in patients with CRF receiving ESAs by subcutaneous administration. PRCA has also been reported in patients receiving ESAs while undergoing treatment for hepatitis C with interferon and ribavirin. A sudden loss of response to EPOGEN®, accompanied by severe anemia and low reticulocyte count, should be evaluated. If anti-erythropoietin antibody-associated anemia is suspected, withhold EPOGEN® and other ESAs. EPOGEN® should be permanently discontinued in patients with antibody-mediated anemia. Patients should not be switched to other ESAs as antibodies may cross-react.
The most commonly reported side effects in clinical trials were hypertension, headache, arthralgias, and nausea.
