How Assistance Works
Streamlining our patient’s specialty pharmacy experience with unmatched full-service convenience
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1. Check Your Coverage/Benefits Verification
Our team of expert billers finds the best avenues of coverage that minimize out-of-pocket costs.
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2. Transfer Prescription to AmeriPharma®
We process your prescription by working with your previous pharmacy or prescriber, making the transition quick and easy.
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3. Prior Authorization
Our team of specialists obtains approval from your insurance companies within 24 to 72 hours.
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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.
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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.
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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 Zepzelca?
Zepzelca (lurbinectedin) is an FDA-approved chemotherapy medication used to treat small-cell lung cancer. The FDA first approved this medication on June 15, 2020.
If your cancer has spread to other parts of your body and other medications (e.g., platinum-based chemotherapy) haven’t worked well, ask your oncologist if this treatment is right for you.
Zepzelca is a chemotherapy medication called an alkylating agent. It works by attaching to the DNA (genetic material) of the cancer cells to stop their ability to grow and multiply.
It is given through an infusion through the veins (intravenous or IV), which takes about 1 hour. Some common side effects include tiredness, diarrhea, nausea, and constipation.
What Is Zepzelca Used for?
You can use Zepzelca when your small-cell lung cancer has:
- Spread to other parts of your body
- Gotten worse after you had other treatments like platinum-based chemotherapy
Keep in mind that the FDA approved this medication quickly based on how well it worked and how long the benefits lasted. However, its continued approval depends on further studies.
How Does It Work?
Zepzelca is an alkylating agent. It attaches to a specific part of the DNA of cancer cells and stops them from replicating. As a result, the cancer cells aren’t able to multiply, and they eventually die.\
What Are the Clinical Benefits of Zepzelca?
A clinical study was conducted on 105 patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) whose cancer got worse after receiving platinum-based chemotherapy. All the patients in the study received Zepzelca. Researchers found that 35% of all patients receiving this drug saw a reduction in their tumor size, with a median response of 5.3 months. Compared to traditional medications, Zepzelca was more effective.
Copay and Financial Assistance
AmeriPharma® Specialty Pharmacy alleviates financial burdens for patients and their families
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Advanced software locates funding sources to match you with top-dollar foundation programs
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One of our copay assistance specialists will assist with the application process
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Automatic updates will be sent to you and your physician on the status of the funding
Zepzelca Dosing Information
You can get Zepzelca as an intravenous infusion. Home infusion treatments take about an hour to complete. You may also receive some anti-nausea medications shortly before the infusion to help prevent nausea.
The dosage depends on your body’s surface area. The usual dose is 3.2 mg/m2 given once every 21 days. You will continue receiving this treatment until your cancer worsens or you experience bothersome or serious side effects [2].
Your provider will determine the right dosage for you based on your specific clinical situation. So, always follow your provider’s advice. Your prescriber will also regularly monitor you during treatment to manage any side effects you might be experiencing.
Before Receiving Zepzelca
Before you start your chemotherapy treatment with Zepzelca:
- Tell your provider if you are allergic to lurbinectedin or any of the ingredients in lurbinectedin injection.
- Inform your provider if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant. The medication may harm your unborn baby, so it shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy. If you are a female, able to become pregnant, and are receiving Zepzelca, you should use birth control during the treatment and for 6 months after the final dose. If you are a male recipient with a female partner who’s able to get pregnant, you should use birth control during the treatment and for 4 months after the final dose.
- Tell your provider all of your medical history. Inform them about all the medications that you are currently taking, including over-the-counter and herbal medications.
- Inform your provider if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after your final dose due to potential harm and side effects to your baby.
Zepzelca Side Effects
Common side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Low levels of sodium and magnesium in the blood
- Constipation
- Low white and red blood cell counts
- Low level of albumin in the blood
- Decreased appetite
- Increased kidney and liver function blood test
- Increased blood sugar
- Muscle and joint pain
- Cough and vomiting
Severe side effects:
Severe side effects of Zepzelca include:
Severe Neutropenia: In this condition, your white blood cell levels become abnormally low. This raises your chance of getting life-threatening infections. During treatment, the provider will regularly monitor your white blood cell counts. If your white blood cells become too low, your provider may adjust your dose or delay treatment.
Liver Problems: Zepzelca chemotherapy medication can damage your liver. Symptoms of liver problems include loss of appetite, pain on the right side of your stomach, and nausea or vomiting. Liver function tests (LFTs) are blood results that can indicate how healthy your liver is. Your provider will regularly monitor your LFTs during Zepzelca treatment to ensure your liver is healthy.
Severe Muscle Problems: This medication can cause severe muscle pain or weakness. Inform your provider immediately if you encounter these symptoms.
Leakage of Zepzelca Out of Your Vein During the Infusion: If Zepzelca leaks out of your vein during the infusion, it can damage the surrounding tissue and cause tissue death. If this happens, you will need urgent treatment at a hospital. During the infusion, if you see any leakage out of your vein or feel sudden pain or burning around the infusion site, tell your provider immediately.
Please note that this is not a list of all possible side effects. If you encounter any severe side effects, consult your provider immediately.
Insurances Accepted
We accept Medicare, multi-state Medicaid, Medi-Cal, Blue Shield, and most private insurances. Call us to find out more about your coverage.
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