Eisai introduces savings card for weight-loss drug Belviq
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Eisai on Tuesday announced the launch of a new savings card for Belviq (lorcaserin HCl) CIV, the most-prescribed branded FDA-approved prescription drug therapy for chronic weight management. The new savings card enables eligible patients without commercial coverage for Belviq to pay no more than $75 for each monthly prescription. Those patients who have commercial insurance for Belviq can use the card to get additional savings if their co-pay is greater than $50.
“We are pleased to see that more and more insurance companies have decided to provide coverage for medications for chronic weight management, but there are still a significant number of patients who do not have access," said Frank Ciriello, president of the global neurology business unit at Eisai. “Until coverage of these treatments becomes a standard healthcare benefit, this new card will make Belviq more affordable and accessible for appropriate patients who need it. The card is being introduced at the beginning of the year when many people resolve to lose weight and develop healthier habits.”
The savings card for Belviq can be obtained through physician offices or pharmacies and does not require activation or enrollment. Patients also can download the card at www.belviq.com/registration/ by scrolling down to click on “Register for Savings Card.” Patients then simply need to sign it and bring the card and their Belviq prescription to the pharmacy to realize instant savings. The card is good for the purchase of one prescription for any 30-day period (up to 12 uses per year).
“Working with their healthcare team, individuals affected by this chronic disease should have access to FDA-approved medications for the treatment of obesity,” said Joe Nadglowski, president and CEO of the Obesity Action Coalition. “We applaud Eisai for taking a proactive step in providing this type of program, as improving access to these medications is a critically important step in treating obesity. It is our hope that the savings program will give individuals the opportunity to address their weight and, if appropriate, utilize prescription drug therapy as part of an overall healthcare plan to improve their weight and health.”
In addition to the new savings card, patients can enroll in Believe Everyday Supports (www.believesupport.com), a comprehensive lifestyle program which includes a year’s membership to Lose It!, an app for tracking calories and activity; nutrition information; tools for meal planning and tips to help patients stay motivated.
Belviq is used along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults who have a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), or BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or Type 2 diabetes.
Belviq is a federally controlled substance (CIV) because it may be abused or lead to drug dependence.