Supporting patients taking ZYPITAMAG during the COVID-19 pandemic

Dear Healthcare Provider,

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has changed and is continuing to change our world. We recognize that this has been a very difficult and stressful year, especially for patients that are managing a serious illness.

In order to keep our staff and their families safe, and to reduce the number of people exposed to this virus, all of our field staff are working from their home office and providing remote support for healthcare providers. You can schedule a remote meeting with our Zypitamag (pitavastatin) tablets Pharmaceutical Access and Education Specialists through our contact page or by calling us at 1-800-509-0544.

We have also made a concerted effort to provide additional educational support by creating several physician led presentations which can be found on our website.

In addition, we are doing everything we can to improve patient access to Zypitamag (pitavastatin) tablets and make it the most accessible pitavastatin in the U.S.

We have implemented:

Contactless Home Delivery: Medicure launched a new Online Pharmacy Program in June of this year. If you prescribe Zypitamag through our Online Pharmacy partner, Blink Health, we will provide any PA/ST assistance, free home delivery and no added pharmacy fees for ALL of your patients. Your patients may also be eligible for additional savings through this program if they are a:

Commercially Insured Patient: Eligible commercially insured patients will receive the first month of Zypitamag free, and subsequently, the co-pay will be bought down to $10/month. Click here for eligibility criteria.
Cash-Paying Patient: Eligible cash paying patient, will receive the first month free, followed by a cash price of only $29/month on a 90-day prescription. This offer is not available to patients who are eligible for government coverage. Click here for full eligibility criteria.

We are still offering:

The Zypitamag Dual Savings Card Program: This program is available for:

Commercially insured patients: Eligible commercially insured patients will receive the first month free and thereafter, reduce their co-pay by up to $85/month, bringing it down to as little as $10/month. Click here for eligibility criteria.
Cash-Paying Patients: Eligible patients can use our Dual Savings Card at their pharmacy of choice to simply pay cash. These patients will receive their first month free, and then $183 off per month thereafter. Click here for eligibility criteria.

We have an unwavering focus on delivering safe, efficacious and cost-effective medicines that benefit patients and healthcare providers. We are continuing to assess and adapt as new information becomes available.

Please be safe during these challenging times.

Kindly,

Neil Owens
President and Chief Operating Officer
Medicure Inc.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR ZYPITAMAG™ (pitavastatin) tablets

INDICATIONS & USAGE

ZYPITAMAG is indicated as an adjunctive therapy to diet in adult patients with primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia to reduce elevated total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), triglycerides (TG), and to increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Limitations of Use: The effect of ZYPITAMAG on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: ZYPITAMAG is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to product components, in patients with active liver disease (which may include unexplained persistent elevations in hepatic transaminase levels), in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, in nursing mothers, or in co-administration with cyclosporine.

WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis: Risk factors include age 65 and greater, renal impairment, inadequately treated hypothyroidism, concomitant use of certain drugs, and higher doses of ZYPITAMAG. ZYPITAMAG is contraindicated in patients taking cyclosporine and not recommended in patients taking gemfibrozil. The following drugs when used concomitantly with ZYPITAMAG may also increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis: lipid-modifying dosages of niacin (>1 g/day), fibrates, and colchicine. Discontinue ZYPITAMAG if markedly elevated CK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Temporarily discontinue ZYPITAMAG in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis; e.g., sepsis; shock; severe hypovolemia; major surgery; trauma; severe metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte disorders; or uncontrolled epilepsy. Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing the ZYPITAMAG dosage. Instruct patients to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever.
Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy (IMNM): There have been rare reports of IMNM, an autoimmune myopathy, associated with statin use. IMNM is characterized by: proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase, which persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment; positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy; and improvement with immunosuppressive agents.
Hepatic Dysfunction: Increases in serum transaminases can occur. Rare postmarketing reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure have occurred. Consider liver enzyme testing before initiating therapy and as clinically indicated thereafter. If serious hepatic injury with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice occurs, promptly discontinue ZYPITAMAG.
Increases in HbA1c and Fasting Serum Glucose Levels: Increases of each have been reported with statins, including ZYPITAMAG. Optimize lifestyle measures, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, and making healthy food choices.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most frequent adverse reactions (rate ≥ 2%) are myalgia, back pain, diarrhea, constipation and pain in extremity. This is not a complete list of all reported adverse events.

For additional information, refer to full Prescribing Information.

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.