Bertek Names PharmaCare a Preferred Specialty Pharmacy Provider of Apokyn(TM)
LINCOLN, R.I., April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- PharmaCare Specialty Pharmacy has
been selected as a preferred specialty pharmacy provider by Bertek
Pharmaceuticals Inc. for Apokyn,(TM) (apomorphine hydrochloride injection) a
dopamine agonist drug indicated for the acute, intermittent treatment of
hypomobility ("off" episodes) in patients that suffer from motor complications
associated with advanced Parkinson's disease.
"We're proud to partner with Bertek to provide convenient distribution of
Apokyn,(TM)" says Greg Weishar, president and CEO of PharmaCare. "Through our
unique patient support services, PharmaCare will assist patients and caregivers
by answering questions, plus provide coordinated delivery of Apokyn(TM) by
overnight express."
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system
that affects as many as 1.5 million Americans. Approximately 60,000 new cases
appear annually. The classic signs of an "off" episode in advanced Parkinson's
disease are muscle stiffness, slow movements, and difficulty starting movements.
Apokyn(TM) may help improve the ability to control movements (walk, talk, or
move around easier) when used during an "off" episode.
"We are very excited to bring Apokyn(TM) to market, and look forward to
providing this product to the Parkinson's community. Our relationship with
PharmaCare, one of three specialty pharmacy providers we have contracted with,
ensures both patients and physicians will have their Apokyn(TM) prescription
needs fulfilled by a highly respected, patient focused organization," states
James Mauzey, president of Bertek Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Apokyn(TM) is used as an acute (rescue) therapy on an as needed basis to
treat an "off" episode when it occurs in patients taking standard Parkinson's
disease therapies. Apokyn(TM) is not used to prevent "off" episodes and doesn't
replace other Parkinson's disease medicines. It is given by injection under the
skin.
PharmaCare Specialty Pharmacy serves patients who require complex drug
therapies which treat autoimmune disorders, hepatitis, cancer, multiple
sclerosis, respiratory ailments, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions.
These drugs sometimes require injections and complicated dosing instructions,
and can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $250,000 a year. To better support the
financial and healthcare needs of patients, PharmaCare Specialty Pharmacy offers
a variety of advanced services such as medication adherence monitoring, expert
medication counseling, drug interaction monitoring, reimbursement assistance and
patient counseling and education programs.
About Apokyn(TM)
Apokyn(TM) should not be used by patients who are being treated with certain
drugs to treat nausea and vomiting or irritable bowel syndrome. These
medications (including, for example, ondansetron, granisetron, dolasetron,
palonesetron, and alosetron) called 5HT3 antagonists or blockers. In addition,
Apokyn(TM) should not be used by patients who have an allergic reaction to the
drug or its ingredients (notably sodium metabisulfite). Apokyn(TM) should be
injected under the skin only, and not into a vein. Because Apokyn(TM) can cause
severe nausea and vomiting, it is taken with an oral medicine that helps to
prevent these effects. Apokyn(TM) may lower blood pressure (orthostatic
hypotension), cause fainting, and increase the risk of falling. At recommended
doses, minimal increases in QTC were observed. Caution should be used when
prescribing apomorphine with drugs that prolong the QT/QTC interval. Some
patients treated with Apokyn(TM) may get sleepy during the day or fall asleep
without warning while doing everyday activities. The most common side effects of
Apokyn(TM) are yawning, dyskinesias, nausea and/or vomiting, sleepiness,
dizziness, runny nose, hallucinations, fluid retention, chest pain, increased
sweating, flushing, and an unusually pale complexion.
On April 5, 2004, PharmaCare entered into a definitive agreement under which
it will acquire Eckerd Health Services, which includes Eckerd's mail order and
pharmacy benefit management businesses. The transaction will double the size of
PharmaCare to 30 million lives served with annual revenues in excess of $2
billion. The transaction is subject to review under the Hart- Scott Rodino Act
as well as other customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in June
of 2004. More information can be found at www.pharmacare.com.
PharmaCare is one of the largest pharmaceutical benefit management companies in the country. PharmaCare helps large employers, managed care organizations, insurance companies, unions and government agencies make safe, cost effective drug decisions for over 30 million Americans. The company's comprehensive PBM services include fully integrated, state-of-the art mail- service pharmacies and the largest specialty operation in the country. PharmaCare fills prescriptions at more than 56,800 retail pharmacies, located in all 50 states, and in nearly every city. PharmaCare is a wholly owned subsidiary of CVS Corporation (NYSE: CVS).
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