As published in CLSF News, Vol 9 - Issue 3, May, 2000
The research-based pharmaceutical industry has had a long-standing tradition of providing prescription medicines free of charge to physicians whose patients might not otherwise have access to necessary medicines.
To make it easier for physicians to identify the growing number of programs available for needy patients, member companies of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) created this directory. It lists company programs that provide drugs to physicians whose patients could not otherwise afford them. The programs are listed alphabetically by company. Under the entry for each program is information about how to make a request for assistance, what prescription medicines are covered, and basic eligibility criteria.
Common Questions About This Directory
Q. Who determines whether a medication is listed in the PhRMA Directory?
A. Pharmaceutical manufacturers who belong to PhRMA decide which medications to list.
Q. What does it mean if this Directory does not list a medication?
A. If a particular medication is not listed, the drug may not be available under this program or may not be manufactured by a company belonging to PhRMA. PhRMA does not have access to information about indigent programs offered by non-member companies.
Q
. What are the eligibility criteria for the program? How does one apply?A. Each company determines the eligibility criteria for its program. Eligibility criteria and application processes vary. Basic eligibility criteria are listed in the directory. If you do not find the answer to your question here, you should contact the drug manufacturer directly. Telephone numbers are listed in the directory. For numbers of companies not listed here, consult a Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR).
Q. Can PhRMA provide products directly to patients and/or health care providers?
A. Release of prescription drugs is subject to numerous federal and state laws. PhRMA is not permitted to dispense or ship pharmaceutical products.
While these programs of America’s pharmaceutical research companies are indispensable for the neediest patients, they cannot be expected to solve the larger national problem of access to medical care, including prescription drugs. The pharmaceutical industry will continue to work cooperatively with those seeking public and private sector solutions to these larger problems.
©1999 Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
See http://www.phrma.org/patients/ for more information.