Pharmacy Information and Assistance Programs

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EMD Serono Secured Distribution Program

Once you have a prescription from your healthcare provider, you can get Serostim® through a network of pharmacies called the EMD Serono Secured Distribution Program. There are nearly 300 locations throughout the country, and you can also get your prescription through the network’s mail-order service.

The AXIS Center

EMD Serono, the company that provides Serostim®, has a group of support specialists at the AXIS Center. The AXIS Center offers trained Reimbursement Specialists who can assist you with verifying your insurance benefits, determining coverage options, and locating pharmacies in your area.

Patient Assistance Program

The Serostim® Patient Assistance Program (PAP) helps people who have HIV-associated wasting get the Serostim® treatment they need. Eligible patients must meet certain financial and medical criteria to receive Serostim® free of charge.

Copay Assistance Program

The Copay Assistance Program (CAP) can decrease or potentially eliminate out-of-pocket cost for eligible commercially- or privately-insured patients. Ask your healthcare provider for information on the Serostim® Copay Assistance Program.

  • Patients must have a prescription drug benefit that covers Serostim® and a valid Serostim® prescription
  • Patient can have multiple cards but is only allowed a max of 12 Serostim® prescription discounts per lifetime
  • Patients may not use card if patients receive drug benefits from Medicaid, a Medicare drug benefit plan, or other federal or state programs (includes state Medicaid assistance program and/or pharmaceutical patient assistance programs). Additionally, patients may not use card if their private insurance, HMO, or other health or pharmacy benefit program paid for the entire Serostim® prescription
  • Void in any state where prohibited by law, taxed, or otherwise restricted. Not valid in Massachusetts
  • EMD Serono reserves the right to rescind, revoke or amend this offer at any time without notice

You can also call 1-877-714-AXIS (2947) to get more information about these programs.

Learn how to take Serostim

Important Risk Information and IndicationToggle Button

Important Risk Information and Indication

Before beginning treatment, patients should discuss with their clinician potential benefits and risks associated with Serostim® [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection].

You should NOT take Serostim® if:

  • You are hospitalized with complications due to heart or abdominal surgery
  • You are hospitalized for serious injuries
  • You are hospitalized for respiratory failure
  • You currently have cancer. Any cancer treatment should be completed before starting Serostim®
  • You are allergic to growth hormone products or any materials associated with the product

You should tell your clinician if:

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You are currently taking any medications for HIV
  • You have a history of diabetes

The most common adverse reactions associated with Serostim® are:

  • Muscle aches
  • Joint pain
  • Swelling (particularly of the hands or feet)

These side effects were generally mild-to-moderate in severity, and were often managed by lowering the dose.1

High blood glucose (sugar levels) may occur in HIV-infected individuals for many reasons and has also been reported in Serostim® clinical studies. If you have a history of high blood glucose or have other risk factors for glucose intolerance, you should be monitored closely while on Serostim®. New onset type 2 diabetes or worsening of current diabetes has been reported with Serostim®. Patients have experienced complications of diabetes, some of which were serious and continued after stopping treatment with Serostim®.

What is Serostim®?

Serostim® is human growth hormone and is the only FDA-approved medicine clinically proven to significantly increase lean body mass and body weight, and improve physical endurance. You must be on anti-retroviral therapy to be prescribed Serostim®.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

This information is not intended to replace discussions with your doctor. For additional information about Serositm® please consult the Prescribing Information and ask your doctor if Serostim® is right for you. You can also call the AXIS Center toll-free at 1-877-714-AXIS (2947). Serostim® is available by prescription only.

Please see Serostim® Prescribing Information available in English and Spanish

Reference:

  1. Moyle GJ, Daar ES, Gertner JM, et al. Growth hormone improves lean body mass, physical performance, and quality of life in subjects with HIV-associated weight loss or wasting on highly active antiretroviral therapy. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2004;35:367-375.

Indication

Serostim® is indicated for the treatment of HIV patients with wasting or cachexia to increase lean body mass and body weight, and improve physical endurance. Concomitant antiretroviral therapy is necessary.