|
Reimbursement of PrEPREX * Oncology Formats for Cancer Patients
PrEPREX * (epoetin alfa)
DIN(s)
02231587 (10000IU/1.0mL)
02243239 (20000IU / 0.5mL)
02288680 (30000IU / 0.75mL)
02240722 (40000IU/mL)
PrEPREX * Product Monograph
PrEPREX* is an eligible benefit through most private insurance plans, provincial/ territorial drug benefit programs and federal drug plans. Please choose the appropriate drug plan/program from the sidebar menu for specific information on PrEPREX * reimbursement. PrEPREX* is indicated for use in a number of clinical settings. This information pertains to PrEPREX * prescribed for cancer patients. For the full list of indications, please see the PrEPREX *Product Monograph
Treatment of Anemia Due to Chemotherapy in Patients With Non-Myeloid Malignancies:
PrEPREX * is indicated for the treatment of anemia due to the effect of concomitantly administered chemotherapy based on studies that have shown a reduction in the need for RBC transfusions in patients with advanced or metastatic, non-myeloid malignancies receiving chemotherapy for a minimum of 2 months. Studies to determine whether PrEPREX * increases mortality or decreases progression-free/recurrence-free survival are ongoing.- In patients with a long life expectancy, the decision to administer ESAs should be based on a benefit-risk assessment with the participation of the individual patient. This should take into account the specific clinical context such as (but not limited to) the type of tumor and its stage, the degree of anemia, life expectancy, the environment in which the patient is being treated and known risks of transfusions and ESAs.
- If appropriate, red blood cell transfusion should be the preferred treatment for the management of anemia in patients with a long life expectancy and who are receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
- PrEPREX * is not indicated for use in patients receiving hormonal agents, therapeutic biologic products, or radiotherapy unless receiving concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
Serious Warnings and Precautions
ALL PATIENTS
• To minimize the risks for death and serious cardiovascular events, follow the recommended dosage for each indication for PrEPREX * and other erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS: Increased Mortality, Serious Cardiovascular and Thromboembolic Events and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION of the product monograph).
• In surgical patients treated with PrEPREX * for reduction of allogeneic red blood cell transfusions, adequate antithrombotic prophylaxis, as per current standard of care, is recommended in order to reduce the incidence of deep venous thrombosis.
• The multi-use preserved formulation contains benzyl alcohol. Benzyl alcohol has been reported to be associated with an increased incidence of neurological and other complications in premature infants which are sometimes fatal.
• Patients with uncontrolled hypertension should not be treated with PrEPREX *; blood pressure should be controlled adequately before initiation of therapy.
• PrEPREX * should be used with caution in patients with a history of seizures.
• Antibody-mediated pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) has been reported after months to years of treatment with ESAs.
CANCER PATIENTS
• ESAs increased the risks for death and serious cardiovascular and thromboembolic events in some controlled clinical trials.
• ESAs shortened overall survival and/or increased the risk of tumour progression or recurrence in some clinical studies in patients with breast, head and neck, lymphoid, cervical and non-small cell lung cancers when dosed to target a hemoglobin of ≥120 g/L.
• To minimize the above risks, use the lowest dose needed to avoid red blood cell (RBC) transfusions.
• Use ESAs only for treatment of anemia due to concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
• If appropriate, red blood cell transfusion should be the preferred treatment for the management of anemia in patients with a long life expectancy and who are receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
• Discontinue PrEPREX * following completion of a chemotherapy course.
Please consult the PrEPREX * Product Monograph for prescribing information, complete warnings and precautions, adverse events and patient selection criteria.
Resources for Healthcare Professionals and Your Patients
All About PrEPREX*
SPECTRUM* Patient Support Programme
For additional assistance with PrEPREX* reimbursement, call 1-877-793-7739.
SPECTRUM* Enrolment Form
Anemia Institute for Research and Education
Call 1-877-99ANEMIA (1 -877-992-6364)
 * All trademark rights used under license by Janssen-Ortho Inc.
|
