Support and Resources for Chemotherapy

There are many available resources for patients who need support in understanding cancer care. When using any of these resources, keep the following points in mind:

  • Investigate and verify any information you receive, so that you can understand how it might or might not apply to your specific situation.
  • Always consult your doctor for health-related problems.

Neulasta FIRST STEP® Program

The Neulasta FIRST STEP® Program is a co-pay coupon program to help eligible patients pay out-of-pocket costs. If you are eligible for this program and if your doctor has determined you are an appropriate candidate for Neulasta®, this program will help you meet your deductible, co-insurance, and/or co-payment requirements.

The Neulasta FIRST STEP® Program is open to patients who meet the following criteria*:

  • An appropriate patient for Neulasta® treatment.
  • Currently have commercial health insurance that covers medication cost for Neulasta® under a medical benefit plan.
  • Not a participant in Medicare, Medicaid, or another federally funded healthcare program.
  • Not a resident of Massachusetts or of a state where otherwise prohibited by law.

To determine if you meet the eligibility requirements or for more information, please call 1-888-65-STEP1 or go online to www.AmgenFIRSTSTEP.com.

SAFETY NET® (Replacement Product)

The Amgen SAFETY NET® Foundation is an established patient-assistance program that provides Amgen product replacement to healthcare providers for eligible patients.

This program provides access to Neulasta® financial assistance for cancer patients through a simple registration and enrollment process. Once enrolled, sponsoring healthcare providers or pharmacists can receive replacement product for SAFETY NET® Foundation patients for 1 year.

Who is eligible for SAFETY NET®?

Uninsured and underinsured patients with limited financial resources are eligible for the SAFETY NET® Foundation. These patients must meet insurance and income eligibility criteria. This program extends medication assistance for all Amgen drugs and is a great resource for providing financial assistance for cancer patients.

How can patients apply for SAFETY NET®?

Patients can apply for patient assistance through a healthcare professional (sponsor). If a sponsor is uncertain about the patient's coverage:

  • Start by calling Amgen's Reimbursement Connection® at 1-800-272-9376 for assistance with insurance verification.

If a sponsor has already established that a patient does not have coverage (including Medicare or Medicaid):

  • Call the SAFETY NET® Foundation directly at 1-888-762-6436
    (888-SN-AMGEN)

How long will the eligibility investigation and enrollment process take?

Eligibility can often be determined over the phone. The enrollment and confirmation process will take approximately 48 hours after receipt of completed enrollment forms by the SAFETY NET® Foundation.

Other under-insured patient assistance

We can help you cut through the confusion - call Amgen Assist® directly at 1-800-272-9376. Every attempt will be made to ensure a reimbursement expert is available for your call. If all experts are answering other calls, please leave a message. We will use our best efforts to return your call within 1 business day.

Please click here for more information on Amgen Assist®.

Referral to an Independently Run, Third Party Co-payment Assistance Programs for under-insured patients

Access to medication(s) for patients suffering from serious illness is important. Sometimes, the co-payment obligation can pose a financial hardship to you and your family. Several independent, third-party, not-for-profit foundations exist to help you obtain access to treatment with appropriate medication(s).

Partnership for Prescription Assistance

For more information on Partnership for Prescription Assistance please call 1-888-4PPA-NOW (477-2669)

Indication

Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) is a prescription medication used to reduce the risk of infection (initially marked by fever) in patients with some tumors receiving strong chemotherapy that decreases the number of infection-fighting white blood cells.

Important Safety Information

Who should not take Neulasta®?
Do not take Neulasta® if you have had an allergic reaction to Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) or to NEUPOGEN® (Filgrastim).

What should I tell my health care provider before taking Neulasta®?
If you have a sickle cell disorder, make sure your doctor knows about it before using Neulasta®.

What are possible serious side effects of Neulasta®?
  • Spleen Rupture. Your spleen may become enlarged and can rupture while taking Neulasta®. A ruptured spleen can cause death. The spleen is located in the upper left section of your stomach area. Call your doctor right away if you have pain in the left upper stomach area or left shoulder tip area. This pain could mean your spleen is enlarged or ruptured.
  • A serious lung problem called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Call your doctor or seek emergency care right away if you have shortness of breath, trouble breathing, or a fast rate of breathing.
  • Serious Allergic Reactions. Neulasta® can cause serious allergic reactions. These reactions can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, swelling around the mouth or eyes, fast pulse, sweating, and hives. If you start to have any of these symptoms, call your doctor or seek emergency care right away. If you have an allergic reaction during the injection of Neulasta®, stop the injection. Call your doctor right away.
  • Sickle Cell Crises. You may have a serious sickle cell crisis if you have a sickle cell disorder and take Neulasta®. Serious and sometimes fatal sickle cell crises can occur in patients with sickle cell disorders receiving Filgrastim, a medicine similar to Neulasta®. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of sickle cell crisis such as pain or difficulty breathing.

What are the most common side effects of Neulasta®?
The most common side effect you may experience is aching in the bones and muscles. If this happens, it can usually be relieved with a nonaspirin pain reliever, such as acetaminophen.

What important information do I need to know about receiving Neulasta®?
  • Occasionally pain and redness may occur at the injection site. If there is a lump, swelling, or bruising at the injection site that does not go away, talk to the doctor.
  • Neulasta® should only be injected on the day the doctor has determined and should not be injected until approximately 24 hours after receiving chemotherapy.
  • The needle cover on the single-use prefilled syringe contains dry natural rubber (latex), which should not be handled by persons sensitive to this substance.

If you have any questions about this information, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Next: Information on Neutropenia and Cancer >>