Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. today announced the launch of My SPRYCEL® (dasatinib) Support, a useful resource to assist adult patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who are taking SPRYCEL. SPRYCEL is a prescription medicine used to treat adults who have CML and are not benefitting from, or cannot tolerate, prior treatment including Gleevec®* (imatinib mesylate). The program helps patients learn more about SPRYCEL and how to be involved in treatment decisions with a healthcare provider.
“In addition to empowering patients to take an active role in managing their health, programs like My SPRYCEL Support aid in the safe and appropriate use of medicines”
"In addition to empowering patients to take an active role in managing their health, programs like My SPRYCEL Support aid in the safe and appropriate use of medicines," said John A. Manfredi, MD, Georgia Cancer Specialists. "This type of patient-centric program may also support appropriate medication management, which is especially important in a chronic disease like CML."
My SPRYCEL Support also grants patients access to a SPRYCEL Care Counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week. SPRYCEL Care Counselors are registered nurses with the background and training to help understand, and respond to, questions about SPRYCEL; discuss what patients may expect from treatment; describe side effects that may occur as well as the importance of contacting a healthcare provider immediately if they do; and offer general health and lifestyle tips. SPRYCEL Care Counselors are available to provide patients with important information regarding SPRYCEL, but cannot offer medical advice specific to their health.
"CML patients often need support and resources throughout the treatment process. My SPRYCEL Support is a unique and helpful program that offers patients a variety of tools to keep them informed about their treatment with SPRYCEL and motivated to stay involved in their care with their healthcare provider. I am excited that such an interactive program is now available to patients," said Linda Shlemon, a SPRYCEL Care Counselor.
My SPRYCEL Support enrollees are provided helpful information, including: a patient brochure that reviews study data, dosing, how to take SPRYCEL, potential side effects, and tips on having productive and meaningful discussions with members of a healthcare team; as well as a daily journal to help track activities and personal thoughts throughout the treatment process. Patients will also receive a co-pay assistance brochure that provides eligible patients with information about co-pay assistance during their treatment with SPRYCEL.
If patients qualify for co-pay assistance, they can receive up to $100 per month toward their co-pay for a period of 12 months, with a maximum benefit of $1,200. Patients residing in Massachusetts, or whose prescriptions are covered in full or in part by any state or federally funded program, including but not limited to Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap, Veterans Affairs (VA), or Department of Defense (DOD) programs, are not eligible for the My SPRYCEL (dasatinib) Support Co-pay Assistance Program. Additional restrictions apply.
Patients interested in learning more about My SPRYCEL Support can call 1-877-526-7334 or visit www.SPRYCEL.com. A Support Kit will arrive in the mail, and a SPRYCEL Care Counselor will contact the patient to confirm that they have received the kit and address questions they may have about SPRYCEL and the program.
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