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 Metyrosine (Demser)?

Metyrosine is an FDA-approved prescription medicine used to manage pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal glands). It belongs to a class of drugs known as catecholamine synthesis inhibitors. Metyrosine is sold under the brand name Demser.

Pheochromocytoma causes your body to produce excessive levels of hormones like adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). Metyrosine works by reducing the production of these hormones. This helps control symptoms like severe high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, and headaches.

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What Is Metyrosine Used For?

Metyrosine (Demser) is an FDA-approved prescription medicine used for the treatment of pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal glands). It is FDA-approved for:

Preoperative Preparation: Metyrosine is commonly used before surgery to remove a pheochromocytoma. It is usually given together with an alpha-blocker to better control blood pressure and reduce the risk of dangerous blood pressure spikes during surgery. It lowers your body’s production of catecholamines (hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline). This lowers the risk of severe blood pressure fluctuations and other complications during the operation.

When surgery is not an option: Some patients cannot have surgery because of their medical conditions. In these cases, metyrosine is used to control the symptoms caused by pheochromocytoma.

Long-Term Management of Unresectable or Metastatic Pheochromocytoma: Metyrosine may also be used for long-term symptom control in patients with unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic pheochromocytoma when surgery cannot completely remove the tumor.

Please note that although metyrosine can lower blood pressure in people with pheochromocytoma, it is not recommended for treating essential (ordinary) high blood pressure.

How Metyrosine Copay Assistance Works

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 of Metyrosine (Demser)

Metyrosine is available as 250 mg oral capsules. Your dosage depends on your medical condition, hormone levels, blood pressure, and how well you respond to treatment. Your doctor will start with a low dose, then gradually increase your dose to find the lowest effective amount. Here is the usual recommended dosage of Metyrosine:

Starting Dose: The usual starting dose for adults and children 12 years of age and older is 250 mg orally four times daily.

Dose Adjustment: Your doctor may increase the daily dose by 250 to 500 mg every 1 to 3 days until your symptoms and hormone levels are under control.

Maintenance Dose: Most patients need 2 to 3 grams per day, divided into multiple doses.

Maximum Dose: The maximum recommended daily dose is 4 grams per day.

Your healthcare provider may monitor your blood pressure, symptoms, and urinary hormone levels while adjusting your dose to ensure the medication is working effectively and safely.

When metyrosine is used before surgery, treatment usually starts at least 5 to 7 days beforehand. It’s commonly given together with an alpha-blocker for better blood pressure control during surgery.

To help prevent crystals from forming in the urine, drink 2 to 3 liters of fluid every day, unless your healthcare provider gives you different instructions. Staying well hydrated helps prevent crystals from forming in your urine.

Metyrosine Side Effects

Common effects include:

Sleepiness or drowsiness
Sedation
Fatigue
Dizziness
Anxiety
Depression
Tremor
Diarrhea
Dry mouth
Increased saliva production
Nasal congestion
Difficulty speaking
Fine muscle twitching
Crystals in the urine (crystalluria)

Severe side effects include:

Severe Mental Health Changes: High doses of metyrosine may cause confusion, hallucinations, depression, severe anxiety, mood changes, or slowed thinking. Contact your healthcare provider promptly if these symptoms develop.

Severe Drowsiness and Mental Slowing: Metyrosine may cause significant drowsiness, slowed thinking, or difficulty concentrating, particularly at higher doses. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing activities that require alertness until you know how the medication affects you.

Kidney Problems from Crystalluria: Metyrosine crystals can form in the urine, especially at higher doses. Drinking plenty of fluids every day helps reduce this risk. Your doctor may also monitor your kidney function during treatment.

Movement Disorders: High doses can occasionally cause tremors, muscle stiffness, or involuntary movements. Your doctor may lower your dose if this happens.

Low Blood Pressure: Metyrosine lowers hormone production, which can cause dizziness or fainting when you stand up quickly.

Please note that this is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any symptoms of severe side effects or anything else that concerns you.