AEGiS-BALA: Crixivan to be Available Through Local Pharmacies

Crixivan to be Available Through Local Pharmacies

Being Alive; April 1997

Since March, 1996, Merck's potent protease inhibitor Crixivan has been available almost exclusively through a managed distribution program at Stadtlanders, a mail-order pharmacy in Pittsburgh. People wishing to take Crixivan have been required to have their doctors send prescriptions to Stadtlanders. Merck has stated that they made Crixivan available six months before their new manufacturing facilities were completed, and this exclusive distribution system through Stadtlanders was necessary to maximize the use of a limited drug supply.

Merck recently announced that starting in May, Crixivan will be available through participating pharmacies across the country. "Counting the number of patients taking Crixivan is still needed," states Merck, "to ensure uninterrupted therapy, due to increasing use of the medication worldwide."

To accomplish this, local pharmacies will track the number of people receiving Crixivan by transmitting limited data to PAID Prescriptions, a manager of retail pharmacy networks (and a subsidiary of Merck-Medco Managed Care). While some patient-identifying information will be transmitted, PAID will not provide that information to Merck or any other third parties.

People already receiving Crixivan through Stadtlanders will have the option of continuing with Stadtlanders or switching to a participating pharmacy of their choice. To use a local pharmacy, call to ask if that particular pharmacy is going to be part of the distribution program.

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ÆGIS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Roxane Laboratories, the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1997. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

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This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
©1997. AEGIS.