Plavix Patient Assistance Programs

	; Wikipedia: Trounce
Brand name for	Clopidogrel bisulfate
Manufacturer	Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership
Available through	Bristol-Myers Squibb
Phone	800-736-0003
Eligibility	Live in the U.S., Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, and meet unspecified income requirements
Benefits	Free or reduced-cost Plavix
Disclaimer	The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician.

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Plavix is the brand name for clopidogrel bisulfate, a prescription anti-platelet medicine used to prevent blood clots in patients who have recently suffered from a heart attack or stroke, or those with certain cardiovascular conditions. Plavix works to prevent future attacks by keeping the platelets in the blood from sticking together to form clots.^[1]

Plavix patient assistance programs can help Plavix users save on their medication costs. This page provides information on patient assistance programs that may be available for Plavix patients, including programs offered through the drug's manufacturer, Bristol-Myers Squibb. Patients who do not qualify for savings can save by purchasing generic Plavix, available as of May 17, 2012.

Plavix Information

Plavix was first approved by the FDA in 1997, and is among the most widely-researched prescription antiplatelet drugs.^[5] Plavix is manufactured by a partnership between Bristol-Myers Squibb and Sanofi Pharmaceuticals, and works to prevent blood clots in patients who have previously had heart attacks or strokes, or who are otherwise at risk for cardiovascular problems.^[1]

Side effects such as headache, nosebleed, upset stomach and runny stool may occur in some patients. More serious side effects include itching, bloody stool or throwing up blood, problems speaking, weak limbs, numb limbs, jaundice, and purple spots on the skin. Before taking Plavix, patients are advised to tell their doctors if they are taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, as there may be adverse reactions. This includes drugs containing ibuprofen such as Advil or Motrin, as well as medicines like Aleve, Naprosyn, Lodine, and others.^[6]

About the Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation offers eligible patients savings on 14 different medications, including Plavix, and provides those eligible with up to 90 days of free medication. The foundation is a non-profit organization, and only covers those who live in the United States, Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands. In order to determine eligibility, the patient and their doctor must fill out an application, available online at the foundation's official website or by calling 800-736-0003.^[4]

Eligible patients usually have financial hardship and no prescription drug insurance through commercial sources or through Medicaid, federal, state or local health programs.^[4]

Plavix Choice Card Program

Patients who do not qualify for the Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation program may still be able to save by using the Plavix Choice Card. This card was made available in conjunction with the release of generic Plavix so that patients could continue Plavix treatment without paying more. The introduction of generics can raise the cost of original Plavix for insured patients, but with the card those with commercial insurance policies will pay $37 and up for the brand-name drug. The card is honored at national pharmacy chains like Duane Reed and Walgreens, but not at all pharmacies. A prescription is required to use the Plavix Chioce Card, and patients with publicly-funded insurance are not eligible. The card will cover up to $176.50 per Plavix prescription.^[7]

Plavix Choice Card enrollment is available on the official Plavix website, and patients must activate the card before using it at the pharmacy. The card is only good for out-of-pocket expenses associated with Plavix.^[8]