Medical conditions can sometimes cause financial strain.
In addition to hospital and pharmacy bills, there may be extra costs such as transportation,
home-care costs, or even child-care fees. Lost wages can also add worry to an already
stressful situation. Here are a few suggestions for how to manage some of your healthcare
costs:
Speak to your healthcare team.
Your team—including your doctors, nurses, and other health professionals—is a great
resource to ask about how to handle the costs of having AFib. They work with people
in your situation all the time, so they may know if financial resources are available.
They may be able to provide you with more information about special programs that
help cover some costs. Ask your healthcare team or someone in your doctor's office
to call your medicine's manufacturer directly to learn if you qualify.
Talk to a counselor.
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Most hospitals have a financial counselor in their business office to help people
work through financial uncertainties. Make an appointment as soon as you think finances
might be an issue. Sharing with a counselor could be the first step to coming up
with a financial plan.
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Explain the situation.
Letting the right people know up front that you have concerns about your finances
will help. Taking control and calling them in advance will make it easier for them
to help you hold off payments or come up with a payment plan that you can manage
more easily.
So don't wait—when dealing with medical conditions like AFib, it may be tempting
to ignore certain financial issues. But doing so can make the situation worse. Start
speaking to people now to get the help you need.
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When you call, someone will help you find options that may work for you.
The MULTAQ Reimbursement Hotline is a free service for patients, caregivers, and
doctors. If you've been prescribed MULTAQ, the Hotline may be able to help you and
your healthcare team find answers to your reimbursement questions.
How can the MULTAQ Reimbursement Hotline help?
Call the Hotline to find out about ways to help pay for your medicines, including
insurance coverage and reimbursement opportunities. The Hotline can also guide you
through applying for each of these options.
In addition, the Hotline can help patients search for alternative coverage. Because
everyone's situation is different, it's important to call and find out what options
are available to you.
Call the MULTAQ Reimbursement Hotline at 1-888-9MULTAQ (968-5827).
Call to speak with a MULTAQ Reimbursement Hotline representative. Representatives
are available to help Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Standard Time
(EST).
The Reimbursement Hotline can also help you connect with the sanofi-aventis U.S.
Patient Assistance Program.
Sanofi-aventis, the manufacturer of MULTAQ, provides patients with support and assistance
through the Patient Assistance Program (PAP). This program provides information
about reimbursement, help for uninsured and underinsured patients, and help with
other financial issues.
To be eligible for this program:
You must be a legal U.S. resident
Your annual income must be at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Line. Regardless
of your finances, don't assume you don't qualify for coverage—call the MULTAQ Reimbursement
Hotline and ask
You must not have public or private prescription drug insurance, with the exception
of Medicare Part D. If you have a Part D plan but are unable to afford MULTAQ, you
can file an appeal
With programs like PAP, sanofi-aventis helps people get the care they need. You
can find out more about the Patient Assistance Program by visiting patientassistanceprogram.sanofi-aventis.us,
or by calling 1-888-9MULTAQ (968-5827).
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Important Safety Information
Do not take MULTAQ if you have severe heart failure
or if you have been in the hospital recently for heart failure, even if you are
better now. People with severe heart failure who take MULTAQ have an increased chance
of dying.
Call your doctor immediately if you're taking MULTAQ and feel symptoms of worsening
heart failure. These may include weight gain, leg swelling, and increasing shortness
of breath while resting.
You should not take MULTAQ if you have severe liver problems.
You should not take MULTAQ if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan to become
pregnant as it is not known if it may pass to or harm your baby.
Your potassium levels should be within the normal range prior to and while taking
MULTAQ. Tell your doctor about any diuretic medications you are taking as some can
lower the level of potassium or magnesium in your blood.
Your doctor may perform certain tests, such as heart exams and blood tests, while
you're taking MULTAQ.
MULTAQ can interact with certain medications and herbal supplements. Do not use
the following medications with MULTAQ:
- Nefazodone
- Voriconazole
- Ritonavir
- Telithromycin
- Ketoconazole
- Clarithromycin
- Itraconazole
- Cyclosporine
The following medicines can lead to a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm if taken with
MULTAQ:
- Phenothiazines
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Certain medicines used to treat abnormal heart rhythm or fast heartbeat
- Certain antibiotics
Please read the accompanying Medication Guide and tell your doctor about all medications
you take to help avoid serious drug interactions. Do not drink grapefruit juice
while taking MULTAQ.
The most common side effects when taking MULTAQ are diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain,
skin rash, and slowed heartbeat.
Full Prescribing Information Including Boxed Warning
MULTAQ Medication Guide (English)
Guía del Medicamento de MULTAQ (Español)
Click here for information on drug anti-counterfeiting
Remember, your doctor is the single best source of information regarding your health.
Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health or your medicine.
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