Question 1

How can I lower the cost of my temozolomide

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

What dosages is temozolomide available in?

Accepted Answer

temozolomide is available as a 5 mg, 20 mg, 100 mg, 140 mg, 180 mg, and 250 mg oral capsule.

Question 3

What is temozolomide used for?

Accepted Answer

temozolomide is an alkylating drug indicated for the treatment of adults
with:

Newly diagnosed glioblastoma concomitantly with radiotherapy and then as maintenance treatment
Anaplastic astrocytoma
Adjuvant treatment of adults with newly diagnosed anaplastic astrocytoma.
Treatment of adults with refractory anaplastic astrocytoma

Question 4

How does temozolomide work?

Accepted Answer

temozolomide is an alkylating agent. This means it binds to the DNA in cells and interferes specifically with cell growth and division – preventing the tumour from growing.

Question 5

How do I take temozolomide?

Accepted Answer

The amount of temozolomide that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Question 6

Is it safe for me to take temozolomide?

Accepted Answer

temozolomide 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 a history of serious hypersensitivity to temozolomide or any other ingredients in temozolomide and dacarbazine.

Question 7

temozolomide Common Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of temozolomide:  Headache Seizure Constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, loss of appetite Trouble with memory Difficulty sleeping Muscle weakness, paralysis, difficulty walking Dizziness Tiredness Hair loss

Question 8

temozolomide Serious Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Serious side effects are rare with temozolomide. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.  Damage to the lungs which may cause shortness of breath or cough to the bone marrow (irreversible) which may cause infection, bleeding, may require blood transfusions Liver damage which may cause yellowing of eyes and skin, swelling A new cancer including leukemia resulting from treatment Allergic reaction which may cause rash, low blood pressure, wheezing, shortness of breath, swelling of the face or throat

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

There are no major drug interactions listed for temozolomide. 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 temozolomide?

Accepted Answer

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Question 11

Is temozolomide safe in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, temozolomide can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If you can become pregnant, use effective contraception during treatment with temozolomide and for 6 months after the last dose. Because of potential risk of genotoxic effects on sperm, advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use condoms during treatment with temozolomide and for 3 months after the last dose. Advise male patients not to donate semen during treatment with
temozolomide and for 3 months after the last dose.

Question 12

What is the brand name for temozolomide?

Accepted Answer

TEMODAR

Question 13

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

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

Question 14

How do the NowPatient temozolomide 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 temozolomide 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 temozolomide	Canadian Prescription Savings* for temozolomide	temozolomide Drug Coupon*	temozolomide 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 temozolomide?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below

	Rx Advantage Card* for temozolomide	Canadian Prescription Savings* for temozolomide	temozolomide Drug Coupon*	temozolomide 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 temozolomide savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?

Accepted Answer

If you are insured with Medicare and the temozolomide 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 temozolomide, 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 temozolomide prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, temozolomide 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 temozolomide 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 temozolomide 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 temozolomide 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 temozolomide

If you are having trouble paying for your temozolomide 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 temozolomide you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:

Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
temozolomide 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 temozolomide
If temozolomide 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 temozolomide

If you are having trouble paying for your temozolomide medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for temozolomide 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 temozolomide
If temozolomide 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 temozolomide

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 temozolomide 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 temozolomide you will need to meet the following criteria:

You must be currently insured and have coverage for temozolomide
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.