Abraxane (paclitaxel protein-bound particles; albumin-bound)
Abraxane is a microtubule inhibitor used, in combination with Gemzar, for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer as first-line treatment.
Celgene offers 3 financial assistance programs for patients using Abraxane:
Celgene Commercial Co-pay Program
TThis program reduces the prescription copay for Abraxane to $0 for qualifying patients who have private or commercial insurance, with a benefit of up to $10,000 provided annually.
Celgene Patient Assistance Program
Patients with no insurance, or not enough insurance to cover their medication, who meet certain financial criteria may receive Abraxane for free.
Celgene Patient Support
The program connects patients with public insurance to outside resources that may help with the cost of copays, deductibles, and insurance premiums.
Gemzar (gemcitabine)
Gemzar is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor used as first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced (stage II or III nonresectable) or metastatic (stage IV) pancreatic cancer. Gemzar is also used in patients with pancreatic cancer who have previously received treatment with fluorouracil.
(Lilly PatientOne does not currently offer any direct financial assistance programs for Gemzar.)
Onivyde (irinotecan liposome injection)
Onivyde is a topoisomerase inhibitor used, in combination with fluorouracil and leucovorin, for the treatment of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer whose disease has progressed after treatment with Gemzar.
Ipsen Cares offers 2 financial assistance programs for patients using Onivyde:
Onivyde Copay Program
Eligible patients with private insurance will pay $0 per order of Onivyde, with a maximum annual benefit of $20,000.
Ipsen Cares Patient Assistance Program
Uninsured patients who meet the income criteria may be eligible to receive Onivyde at no cost.
Tarceva (erlotinib) Tablets
Tarceva is a kinase inhibitor used, in combination with Gemzar, for the treatment of patients with advanced-stage pancreatic cancer whose cancer has spread, grown, or cannot be surgically removed and who have not received previous chemotherapy.
Genentech offers 2 financial assistance programs for patients using Tarceva:
Genentech BioOncology Co-pay Assistance Program
The program ensures a $5 copay for privately insured patients receiving Tarceva, with up to $25,000 provided annually, and has no income requirements for participation.
Genentech Patient Foundation
This foundation provides Tarceva free of charge to uninsured or underinsured patients whose annual household income is less than $150,000 and who meet specific financial criteria. For households with more than 4 people, add $25,000 per each additional member. Tarceva is also provided free for patients who are unable to afford their out-of-pocket costs and cannot find other financial assistance.
Table. Drugs Prescribed for Pancreatic Cancer
- Drug name (generic name)
- Drug company
- Indication
- Patient support services
- Abraxane (paclitaxel protein-bound particles; albumin-bound)
- Celgene
- Advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer, first-line treatment, in combination with Gemzar
- Celgene Commercial Co-pay Program
800-931-8691
Celgene Patient Assistance Program
800-931-8691
Celgene Patient Support
800-931-8691
- Gemzar (gemcitabine)
- Eli Lilly
- First-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer
In patients with pancreatic cancer who have received fluorouracil therapy - (No specific program)
866-472-8663
- Onivyde (irinotecan liposome injection)
- Ipsen
- Metastatic pancreatic cancer, in combination with fluorouracil and leucovorin
- Onivyde Copay Program
866-435-5677
Ipsen Cares Patient Assistance Program
866-435-5677
- Tarceva (erlotinib) Tablets
- Genentech
- Advanced-stage pancreatic cancer that has spread, grown, or cannot be surgically removed, in combination with Gemzar
- Genentech Co-pay BioOncology Assistance Program
855-692-6729
Genentech Patient Foundation
888-941-3331