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WILMINGTON, Del. — AstraZeneca is kicking off a program with more than 26,000 national, regional and independent pharmacies to ramp up retail availability of Brilinta, an anticoagulant.
The drug maker said Tuesday that the U.S. pharmacy program is designed to help patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and their health care providers maintain continuity of care during the course of treatment. The company noted that it’s working with payers and pharmacies to help patients in filling their prescriptions for Brilinta in a timely fashion once they leave the hospital.
Retail pharmacy chains participating in the AstraZeneca program include Walmart, Rite Aid, Kmart, Sam’s Club, Publix, Kerr Drug, Wegmans, Giant Eagle, Tops Markets, Kinney Drugs, Bartell Drugs, Bi-Lo and Winn-Dixie.
"Our pharmacy program is one of many initiatives we have in place to help ensure that patients with ACS have widespread access to Brilinta, an important medication indicated to reduce their risk for thrombotic cardiovascular events," stated James Ferguson, executive director of medical affairs and strategic development, U.S., and vice president for global medical affairs at AstraZeneca. "When a treating physician prescribes Brilinta, it is critical that their patients start and finish the entire course of treatment without unnecessary disruptions, particularly when transitioning from the hospital to home. We believe this program will truly help patients to get access to a medication that is now part of multiple guidelines’ recommended treatment following an ACS event."
An anti-clotting medication, Brilinta (ticagrelor) is indicated to reduce the risk of a stroke or serious heart problems following a heart attack or severe chest pain (angina).
"Our efforts to help improve continuity of care are important for patients prescribed Brilinta and pharmacies are key partners for us," commented Suzanne Delaney, executive director and commercial brand leader at AstraZeneca. "It’s gratifying for us to see such robust support from wholesalers, retailers and payers, indicating positive momentum in the market."
AstraZeneca added that for patients that require Brilinta beyond their hospital stay, a savings card program is available based on eligibility. Commercially insured and cash-paying patients may be eligible for a free 30-day prescription and can save up to $825 per year on their next 11 refills, the company said. For each refill (a 30-day supply of up to 60 tablets), savings may apply after the first $18 spent by a patient, up to a $75 savings limit.
