Question 1

How can I lower the cost of my norgestimate

Accepted Answer

You can lower cost of your norgestimate using one of the 4 following drug savings programs: Rx Advantage Card for norgestimate, Canadian Prescription Savings for norgestimate, norgestimate Drug Coupons, norgestimate Patient Assistance Programs

Question 2

What dosages is norgestimate available in?

Accepted Answer

norgestimate is available as an oral tablet that contains a combination of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol.

Question 3

What is norgestimate used for?

Accepted Answer

norgestimate is a combination of a progestin and estrogen that is used to prevent pregnancy.

Question 4

How does norgestimate work?

Accepted Answer

norgestimate is a combination medication that contains two hormones, norgestimate (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). Both hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by:  Suppressing ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary) Changing cervical mucus to block sperm movement Creating an unfriendly environment for the fertilized egg by changing the lining in the uterus (womb)

Question 5

How do I take norgestimate?

Accepted Answer

norgestimate comes in a 28-day pack. Your medication might look different depending on which branded generic your provider prescribes. Please take the medication as instructed by your provider or following the directions on the package. In general: There are 21 active tablets and they contain different dosages of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. In general:

Day 1 through 7: 0.18 mg norgestimate and 25 mcg ethinyl estradiol
Day 8 through 14: 0.215 mg norgestimate and 25 mcg ethinyl estradiol
Day 15 through 21: 0.25 mg norgestimate and 25 mcg ethinyl estradiol
Day 22 through 28: Placebo tablets (hormone-free)

The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth at the same time every day for 28 days, following the order as instructed on the package.

Question 6

Is it safe for me to take norgestimate?

Accepted Answer

norgestimate is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have any of the following:

Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
A past history of deep vein thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
Known thrombophilic conditions
Cerebral vascular or coronary artery disease (current or past history)
Valvular heart disease with complications
Persistent blood pressure values of 160 mm Hg systolic or 100 mg Hg diastolic
Diabetes with vascular involvement
Headaches with focal neurological symptoms
Major surgery with prolonged immobilization
Known or suspected carcinoma of the breast or personal history of breast cancer
Carcinoma of the endometrium or other known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia
Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
Cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy or jaundice with prior pill use
Acute or chronic hepatocellular disease with abnormal
liver function
Hepatic adenomas or carcinomas
Known or suspected pregnancy
Hypersensitivity to any component of this product

Question 7

norgestimate Common Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of norgestimate:  Headache or migraine Breast changes (tenderness, enlargement) Vaginal infection Stomach pain Mood changes Vaginal discharge Changes in weight

Question 8

norgestimate Serious Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Serious side effects are rare with norgestimate. Serious Side Effects Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.  Heart attack: chest pain, stomach discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, confusion, trouble seeing, headache, difficulty walking Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg): leg cramp, swelling, pain, muscle tightness Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung): cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, racing heart

Question 9

Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on norgestimate

Accepted Answer

No drug-drug interaction studies were conducted with norgestimate. However, always let your physician and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking

Question 10

Who makes norgestimate?

Accepted Answer

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Question 11

Is norgestimate safe in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

norgestimate should not be used during pregnancy.

Question 12

What is the brand name for norgestimate?

Accepted Answer

TRI-LO-SPRINTECTRI-CYCLEN

Question 13

How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my norgestimate prescription?

Accepted Answer

After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your norgestimate prescription

Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.

Question 14

How do the NowPatient norgestimate savings programs work?

Accepted Answer

After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.

Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.

Question 15

Are the NowPatient norgestimate savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.

	Rx Advantage Card* for norgestimate	Canadian Prescription Savings* for norgestimate	norgestimate Drug Coupon*	norgestimate Patient Assistance Program*
Insured (federal, state or government)	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured (Commercial or Private)	Available	Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Uninsured	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company

*This is not insurance.

Question 16

Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of norgestimate?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below

	Rx Advantage Card* for norgestimate	Canadian Prescription Savings* for norgestimate	norgestimate Drug Coupon*	norgestimate Patient Assistance Program*
Brand	Yes	Yes	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Generic	Yes	Yes	No	No

*This is not insurance.

Question 17

If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the norgestimate savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?

Accepted Answer

If you are insured with Medicare and the norgestimate drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.

If you are denied Medicaid for norgestimate, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question 18

I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the norgestimate prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, norgestimate is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed norgestimate for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.

Question 19

I am commercially or privately insured and none of the norgestimate prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.

If you cannot afford your copay contribution, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.

Question 20

If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the norgestimate prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay contributions?

Accepted Answer

If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:

1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for norgestimate

If you are having trouble paying for your norgestimate medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for norgestimate you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:

Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
norgestimate is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers norgestimate
If norgestimate is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications

You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.

2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for norgestimate

If you are having trouble paying for your norgestimate medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for norgestimate you will need to meet the following criteria:

You live in and are being treated in the United States
You are insured and your plan covers norgestimate
If norgestimate is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications

You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.

3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for norgestimate

Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your norgestimate treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for norgestimate you will need to meet the following criteria:

You must be currently insured and have coverage for norgestimate
You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.

You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.