Our new program improves affordability of and access to all Boehringer inhalers
The U.S. healthcare system is complex and often doesn’t work for patients, especially the most vulnerable. As an independent company, we have the freedom to envision and work toward solutions that can make a difference for patients.
Now is the time to act for patients
Too many patients living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma can’t afford their medications. At Boehringer, we believe everyone deserves access to affordable medicines. That’s why we decided we weren’t going to wait to act. Our first-of-its-kind program caps out-of-pocket costs at $35 per month for eligible patients* for all of our inhaler products. The program is more expansive than any we’ve offered in the past, and is accessible to as many patients as possible—including under- and uninsured patients and those whose co-pays are at the highest levels.
Program provides automatic savings at the pharmacy counter
In a complex healthcare system, our goal is to make patient access to medicines as simple as possible. The reduced out-of-pocket cost will be automatically applied at the pharmacy counter for the majority of eligible patients* with commercial insurance. More than 90% of pharmacies across the country are participating, making this change seamless for most patients. This means patients do not have to fill out a form or go to a website—the discount happens with no additional action required.
Committed to innovation but also support the entry of generics
Due to generic availability, the automatic savings are not available for Spiriva® HandiHaler® (tiotropium bromide). We support generic competition and do not want to stand in the way of patients accessing generic alternatives. In some cases, a healthcare provider may determine the branded product is more suitable for the patient. We wanted to ensure these eligible patients* can receive the same reduced out-of-pocket costs for Spiriva® HandiHaler®. These patients can visit the product’s website to enroll for a co-pay card to pay $35 for a 30-day prescription.
Uninsured patients will benefit
For all other eligible patients*, including those whose pharmacies do not participate and for those without insurance, they can visit our product websites where they can easily enroll for a co-pay card to present at pharmacies to receive the same reduced out-of-pocket costs.
Creating a better system for patients through reform
While our inhaler program represents a major step forward, our work is far from done. We will continue to seek long-term solutions and reform that support a better system for patients.
For more information, visit www.InhalerOffer.com.
*Terms and conditions apply. Government restrictions exclude people enrolled in federal government insurance programs from co-pay support.
“The announced price cap from Boehringer Ingelheim is a step toward improving access to essential asthma medicine and demonstrates that the voice of the asthma patient community is being heard.” – Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO of the The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
“Access to asthma medications can save lives, reduce hospitalizations, and lower the more than $82 billion in annual costs to the U.S. economy from this chronic disease. But the U.S. health care system is complex, and often leaves patients with few affordable options.” – The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Related Press Releases
Boehringer inhalers now available at $35 a month for eligible patients
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SPIRIVA® HANDIHALER ® (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder)
Indication
SPIRIVA HANDIHALER is a prescription medicine used once each day (a maintenance medicine) to control symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by relaxing your airways and keeping them open. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. SPIRIVA HANDIHALER also reduces the likelihood of flare-ups and worsening of COPD symptoms (COPD exacerbations).
Important Safety Information
Do not use SPIRIVA HANDIHALER if you are allergic to tiotropium, ipratropium, atropine or similar drugs, or any ingredient in this medicine.
SPIRIVA HANDIHALER is not a rescue medicine and should not be used for treating sudden breathing problems. Your doctor may give you other medicine to use for sudden breathing problems.
SPIRIVA HANDIHALER can cause allergic reactions. Symptoms can include raised red patches on your skin (hives), itching, rash, and/or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing. If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking the medicine and seek emergency medical care.
Before using SPIRIVA HANDIHALER, tell your doctor if you have a severe allergy to milk proteins.
SPIRIVA HANDIHALER can cause your breathing to suddenly get worse (bronchospasm). If this happens, use your rescue inhaler, stop taking SPIRIVA HANDIHALER, and call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical care.
SPIRIVA HANDIHALER can increase the pressure in your eyes (acute narrow-angle glaucoma), which can cause the following symptoms: eye pain, blurred vision, seeing halos or colored images along with red eyes. If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking your medicine and call your doctor right away.
Dizziness and blurred vision may occur with SPIRIVA HANDIHALER. If you experience these symptoms, use caution when engaging in activities such as driving a car, or operating appliances, or machinery.
SPIRIVA HANDIHALER can cause new or worsened urinary retention. Symptoms of blockage in your bladder, and/or enlarged prostate, may include difficulty passing urine and/or painful urination. If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking your medicine and call your doctor right away.
The most common side effects with SPIRIVA HANDIHALER include upper respiratory tract infection, dry mouth, sinus infection, sore throat, non-specific chest pain, urinary tract infection, indigestion, runny nose, constipation, increased heart rate and blurred vision.
Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including kidney problems, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, problems passing urine, or blockage in your bladder.
Tell your doctor all the medicines you take, including eye drops. Ask your doctor if you are taking any anticholinergic medicines because taking them together can increase side effects.
Do not swallow SPIRIVA capsules. The contents of the capsule should only be inhaled through your mouth using the HANDIHALER device.
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.
Click here for full Prescribing Information and Patient Instructions for Use for SPIRIVA HANDIHALER.