Three New Drugs: Buying and Access

Atazanavir, emtricitabine and enfuvirtide are available by prescription. Most states cover these drugs through their AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP). For information on your state ADAP eligibility and to find out if these drugs are covered, contact Project Inform's toll-free Hotline at 1-800-822-7422. Information is also available through the AIDS Treatment Data Network at 1-800-734-7104 or www.atdn.org. People who lack insurance, Medicaid, ADAP coverage or cannot afford to pay for the drug can sometimes gain free access to them through the manufacturer's Patient Assistance Program.

• Atazanavir: 1-800-272-4878
  

• Emtricitabine: 1-800-445-3235
  

• Enfuvirtide: 1-866-694-6670

Currently, supplies of enfuvirtide are limited, so the company has set up the "Progressive Distribution Program." Doctors apply on behalf of their patients. Once the supply meets the ongoing needs of the individual, the prescription is "activated" and the drug is shipped either to the patient or doctor. Prescriptions are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, doctors should call 1-866-694-6670 to enroll their patients. Thereafter, patients may call directly to check on their status and ask questions. Enrollment forms are available at www.fuzeon.com.

Back to the Project Inform Perspective October 2003 contents page.