PIQRAY
Used for Cancer
NowPatient helps you obtain your PIQRAY prescription for free or at low-cost. Drug savings programs are suitable for individuals who are insured, don't have insurance or are underinsured and can't afford your medicine.
Manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
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PIQRAY key facts
What is PIQRAY?
PIQRAY is the brand name for alpelisib and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is PIQRAY available in?
PIQRAY is available as a 50 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg oral tablet.
What is PIQRAY used for?
PIQRAY is an anticancer agent and is used to treat metastatic or advanced breast cancer that’s hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, with PIK3CA mutations (in females who’ve gone through menopause and in males).
How does PIQRAY work?
PIQRAY is a kinase inhibitor. It targets proteins made by the PIK3CA gene. Typically, these proteins send signals to help cells grow and divide. In people with certain types of breast cancer, there are changes to their PIK3CA gene (mutations). These mutations cause the proteins made by the PIK3CA gene to send too many signals. This leads to the cancer cells growing and dividing very fast. PIQRAY blocks the PIK3CA proteins from sending too many signals to cancer cells. With less signals to grow, the cancer cells won’t be able to grow as fast.
How do I take PIQRAY?
PIQRAY is typically taken as 300 mg by mouth once daily.
Is it safe for me to take PIQRAY?
PIQRAY 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.
PIQRAY Common Side Effects
Common side effects of PIQRAY:
- High blood sugar
- Higher creatinine levels
- Diarrhea
- Low white blood cell count
- Higher liver enzyme levels
- Rash
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Low red blood cell count
- Loss of appetite
- Painful sores in the mouth and throat
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Lower calcium, potassium, and magnesium levels
- Longer activated partial thromboplastin time
- Hair loss
PIQRAY Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with PIQRAY. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following. Dangerously high blood sugar: dry mouth, feeling thirsty, confusion, headache, nausea or vomiting, fruity breath, dry or flushed skin, fast breathing, urinating more often, experiencing weight loss while feeling more hungry
Serious lung problems: trouble breathing, dry cough, feeling very tired or weak, not feeling hungry, chest pain and discomfort Severe allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face Severe skin reactions: skin rash, blisters on skin, peeling skin, fever
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on PIQRAY
The following medications may interact with PIQRAY:
- CYP3A4 Inducers: Avoid coadministration of PIQRAY with a strong
- CYP3A4 inducer. Consider an alternative concomitant drug with no or minimal potential to induce CYP3A4.
- Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP) Inhibitors: Avoid the use of BCRP inhibitors in patients treated with PIQRAY.
- If unable to use alternative drugs, closely monitor for increased adverse reactions.
Who makes PIQRAY?
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Is PIQRAY safe in pregnancy?
PIQRAY can harm your unborn baby.
Females who are able to become pregnant:
- Your healthcare provider will check to see if you are pregnant before you start treatment with PIQRAY
- You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with PIQRAY and for 1 week after the last dose
- Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that may be right for you during this time.
If you become pregnant or think you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider right away
Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant:
- You should use condoms and effective birth control during treatment with PIQRAY and for 1 week after the last dose.
- If your female partner becomes pregnant, tell your healthcare provider right away.
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effects in the USDrug Savings Guide
A practical guide to saving money and receiving support with prescription costs
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my PIQRAY prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your PIQRAY prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient PIQRAY savings programs work?
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.
Are the NowPatient PIQRAY savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
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 PIQRAY | Canadian Prescription Savings* for PIQRAY | PIQRAY Drug Coupon* | PIQRAY 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.
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of PIQRAY?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
| Rx Advantage Card* for PIQRAY | Canadian Prescription Savings* for PIQRAY | PIQRAY Drug Coupon* | PIQRAY 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.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the PIQRAY savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the PIQRAY 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 PIQRAY, 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).
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the PIQRAY prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, PIQRAY 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 PIQRAY for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the PIQRAY prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can 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, 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.
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the PIQRAY 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?
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 PIQRAY
If you are having trouble paying for your PIQRAY 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 PIQRAY you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- PIQRAY 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 PIQRAY
- If PIQRAY 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 PIQRAY
If you are having trouble paying for your PIQRAY medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for PIQRAY 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 PIQRAY
- If PIQRAY 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 PIQRAY
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 PIQRAY 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 PIQRAY you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for PIQRAY
- 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.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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