Retacrit Copay Assistance - AmeriPharma® Specialty Care

How Assistance Works

Streamlining our patient’s specialty pharmacy experience with unmatched full-service convenience

1. Check Your Coverage/Benefits Verification

Our team of expert billers finds the best avenues of coverage that minimize out-of-pocket costs.
2. Transfer Prescription to AmeriPharma®

We process your prescription by working with your previous pharmacy or prescriber, making the transition quick and easy.
3. Prior Authorization

Our team of specialists obtains approval from your insurance companies within 24 to 72 hours.
4. Copay Assistance & Financial Aid

We secure financial aid and decrease copays, out-of-pocket expenses, and high deductibles. To date, AmeriPharma® Specialty Care has secured $55 million in financial assistance for our patients.
5. Nursing Care Coordination If Needed

AmeriPharma® puts your schedule and home environment first when scheduling and coordinating one of our specialized nurses for your in-home infusions.
6. Delivery Coordination

Medications are always delivered in strict compliance with the specific requirements for shipping. Next-day and overnight cold-chain deliveries are coordinated around your schedule.

What Is Retacrit?

Retacrit (epoetin alfa-epbx) is an FDA-approved medication used to treat anemia in certain patients. The active ingredient in Retacrit is epoetin alfa-epbx, a lab-made version of the natural protein, erythropoietin (EPO). EPO is a hormone produced mainly by the kidneys that signals the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. When your body does not produce enough EPO, your RBC count drops and you can develop anemia.

Retacrit was developed by Pfizer and was first approved by the FDA in 2018. It is a biosimilar to Epogen and Procrit. This means the medications have no clinically meaningful differences in safety or effectiveness. However, Retacrit is often less expensive than the other two products.

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What Is Retacrit Used To Treat?

Retacrit is an FDA-approved medication used to treat anemia caused by certain medical conditions and medications. The FDA has approved Retacrit for use in the following situations:

Anemia Treatment: Retacrit is used to treat anemia due to:

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), including patients on dialysis and those not on dialysis.
Chemotherapy that suppresses bone marrow activity, when chemotherapy is expected to continue for at least 2 additional months.
Zidovudine (a medication used to treat HIV).

Reducing Blood Transfusions in Some Surgeries: Retacrit is used to reduce the frequency of blood transfusions in patients undergoing elective surgeries that are not related to the heart or blood vessels.

Retacrit is not intended for the immediate treatment of severe anemia when urgent blood transfusions are required.

How Does Retacrit Work?

Retacrit works by replacing missing or insufficient EPO, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. As red blood cell levels increase, the blood can carry more oxygen throughout the body. This helps improve common anemia symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Copay and Financial Assistance

AmeriPharma® Specialty Pharmacy alleviates financial burdens for patients and their families

Advanced software locates funding sources to match you with top-dollar foundation programs
One of our copay assistance specialists will assist with the application process
Automatic updates will be sent to you and your physician on the status of the funding

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Dosing

Retacrit is available as a solution for injection in single-dose and multi-dose vials. The dosage of Retacrit depends on body weight, medical condition, hemoglobin levels, and response to treatment. Before starting treatment, your healthcare provider may check your iron levels and continue monitoring them during therapy. Iron supplementation may also be recommended if necessary. Also, other possible causes of anemia should be identified and treated before beginning therapy.

Recommended dosages include:

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): For adult patients, the usual starting dose is 50 to 100 units per kilogram of body weight given three times per week. Pediatric patients usually receive 50 units per kilogram of body weight three times weekly. The maintenance dose is adjusted individually based on the patient’s response.

HIV Patients Taking Zidovudine: The recommended dose is 100 units per kg of body weight three times weekly.

Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: Adult patients may receive 40,000 units once weekly or 150 units/kg three times weekly. Children older than 5 years may receive 600 units/kg intravenously once weekly.

Surgery Patients: The recommended dose is 300 units/kg daily for 15 days or 600 units/kg once weekly.

Retacrit Side Effects

Common side effects include:

Headache and dizziness
Fever and chills
Pain in your bones, joints, or muscles
Nausea and vomiting
High blood sugar
Itching and rash
Trouble sleeping
Weight loss
Depressed mood

Serious side effects include:

Blood Clots: Retacrit may increase the risk of blood clots in the veins or arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness, or swelling in your arms or legs.
Severe Allergic Reactions: Stop using Retacrit and seek help right away if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing, rash, swelling, or a fast heartbeat.
High Blood Pressure: Retacrit can cause or worsen high blood pressure. During treatment, your doctor may regularly monitor your blood pressure.
Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA): In rare cases, your body may stop producing red blood cells, causing severe anemia due to an immune reaction against Retacrit. This condition is called pure red cell aplasia. Contact your doctor if your anemia worsens suddenly.
Heart Failure: Retacrit may increase your risk of heart failure. Tell your doctor right away if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, rapid weight gain, or swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs.