These are extraordinary times—we’re here to help
At Novartis, we are committed to the health and well-being of our patients, and we are closely monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
It's important that you take precautions to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 and contact your prescribing healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your COSENTYX® treatment.
You can also reach out to 1-844-COSENTYX (1-844-267-3689), or call your dedicated Personal Support Specialist from COSENTYX® Connect.
To learn more about how Novartis is responding to COVID-19, visit novartis.com/coronavirus.
Can COVID-19, or the COVID-19 vaccine, affect my treatment with COSENTYX?
Is it safe to continue taking COSENTYX during this time?
It is important that you do not make any changes or stop your treatment without first talking to your doctor. We believe that treatment decisions should be made with your doctor. Every individual’s medical condition and history are different, and only your healthcare provider can decide what is right for you in light of COVID-19.
Patient safety is the highest priority for Novartis. As a company, we are taking the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) seriously, and we are committed to keeping the communities we serve updated with any new information we learn that could help inform health decisions related to our medicines.
We encourage you to follow the Centers for Disease Control recommendations for staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Should I take a break or stop taking COSENTYX during the COVID-19 pandemic?
It is important that you do not make any changes or stop your treatment without first talking to your doctor. We believe that treatment decisions should be made with your doctor. Every individual’s medical condition and history are different, and only your healthcare provider can decide what is right for you in light of COVID-19.
We encourage you to follow the Centers for Disease Control recommendations for staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If I am immunocompromised and currently taking COSENTYX, am I at a higher risk of getting COVID-19?
While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not made any specific warnings for people on immunosuppressant therapies as they relate to COVID-19, COSENTYX is an immunosuppressant and may contribute to a higher risk of infections because of its suppressive effect on the immune system. Every person has different risks and medical conditions.
It is important to take precautions to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 and to seek prompt medical care if you believe you have been infected. Talk to your doctor or healthcare team about any concerns you have about your health. It is also important to note that under no circumstance should you stop taking COSENTYX without first talking to your doctor.
Should I be taking extra precautions if I am taking COSENTYX during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Do not make any changes to your medication routine that are not directed by your doctor or healthcare team. Otherwise, follow the general safety and hygiene guidelines from the experts at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which include handwashing, social distancing, and cleaning surfaces. For details regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, refer to the CDC.gov website.
If I have been exposed to COVID-19 (or I am having flu-like symptoms), should I stop taking COSENTYX?
If you believe you have been exposed to or infected with the virus, your doctor or a healthcare provider is the best person to talk to about any concerns you have about your health. Please seek prompt medical care as soon as you can. It is also important to note that under no circumstance should you stop taking COSENTYX without first talking to your doctor.
Will getting a COVID-19 vaccine interrupt taking or delay starting treatment with COSENTYX?
There’s no evidence to show that COSENTYX should be delayed or stopped in people receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the COSENTYX Prescribing Information (PI), people treated with COSENTYX should not receive live vaccines; however, they may receive non-live vaccinations. You should still speak to your doctor before planning to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
It is important that you do not make any changes or stop your COSENTYX treatment without first consulting your doctor.
Are the available COVID-19 vaccines live or non-live?
The currently available vaccines on the market, by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, are non-live vaccines. As of March 2021, there are no live COVID-19 vaccines being developed.
As new vaccines are being developed, please check back with us here for the latest information.
Does Novartis recommend that people taking COSENTYX get the COVID-19 vaccine?
While Novartis cannot make recommendations on COVID-19 vaccinations, dermatology and rheumatology patient advocacy organizations such as the National Psoriasis Foundation, the Arthritis Foundation, and the Spondylitis Association of America have provided additional information.
As always, your doctor will be the best person to talk to about your overall health concerns and to help make decisions about your treatment.
Are there any known risks of getting the vaccine while being treated with COSENTYX?
As of February 2021, Novartis is not aware of any data regarding the use of biologics with the current vaccines on the market or in development. There is no evidence to show that COSENTYX should be stopped in people receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Who can I reach out to with questions?
Your doctor will be the best person to talk to about your overall health concerns and to help make decisions about your treatment. But remember, your dedicated Personal Support Specialist from COSENTYX® Connect is also available to answer any questions you may have about your treatment. You can reach them at 1-844-COSENTYX (1-844-267-3689).
Paying for and getting COSENTYX
What if my financial situation has changed due to loss of employment or health insurance?
We understand these are trying times, and Novartis is committed to making your medication accessible and affordable. If your insurance plan is changing, or you are wondering about your co-pay, you can call COSENTYX® Connect at 1-844-COSENTYX (1-844-267-3689) or download the Insurance Coverage Questions brochure. At COSENTYX® Connect, we can help you determine your options to help make COSENTYX more affordable.
$0 Co-pay Program.* You could pay nothing for your monthly COSENTYX prescriptions through the $0 co-pay program if you have commercial or private prescription insurance. Click here to register for a $0 co-pay or call 1-844-COSENTYX (1-844-267-3689) and press option 1.
Get up to 2 years of COSENTYX for free. During this crisis, if you have commercial or private insurance and your prescription coverage isn’t initially approved, you may get up to 2 years of COSENTYX for free through Covered Until You’re Covered while we work with your healthcare provider to try to secure coverage for COSENTYX.
Visit the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (NPAF), if you have limited or no prescription coverage or cannot afford your medication due to employment loss. You may be eligible to receive Novartis medications for free. Learn more at the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation or by calling 1-800-277-2254.
Will it be more difficult to get COSENTYX during the COVID-19 pandemic?
At this time, we do not anticipate any shortages or disruptions to our product supply. If you have any other questions, please call your specialty pharmacy or speak with your doctor. You can also reach out to your dedicated Personal Support Specialist from COSENTYX® Connect or call us at 1-844-COSENTYX (1-844-267-3689).
Should I ask for an emergency supply of COSENTYX?
While Novartis does not anticipate any supply shortages, we advise all people taking COSENTYX to follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to get an extra supply of all essential medications, including COSENTYX. We recommend you talk with your specialty pharmacy or doctor about a 90-day prescription of COSENTYX. You can also call your dedicated Personal Support Specialist from COSENTYX® Connect to help. Filling a 90-day prescription will ensure you have enough medication to get through the next few months. This could potentially reduce trips to healthcare providers and support our nation’s efforts to decrease the spread of COVID-19.
Can I still get my COSENTYX delivered?
You can still get COSENTYX delivered to your home. Please contact your specialty pharmacy or healthcare provider for more information regarding delivery of your medication.
Your dedicated Personal Support Specialist from COSENTYX® Connect may also be able to help. Please contact them directly or call 1-844-COSENTYX (1-844-267-3689) and press option 1.
Visiting my doctor
Is it safe to visit my doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic?
We believe that treatment decisions should be made with your doctor. Every individual’s medical condition and history are different, and only your healthcare provider can decide what is right for you in light of COVID-19.
Be sure to call ahead before visiting your doctor. Keep in mind, some healthcare providers may have adopted phone or video chats (also called telemedicine) as a way to safely meet.
For details regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and recommendations, refer to the CDC.gov website.
What if I can’t get an appointment to speak with my dermatologist or rheumatologist?
Visit the following links for help finding a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating your condition. Be sure to call ahead to see if they are open and seeing new patients. Keep in mind, some healthcare providers may have adopted phone or video chats (also called telemedicine) as a way to safely meet.
To find a dermatologist near you who has experience treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis with biologics, click here.
To find a rheumatologist near you who has experience treating active psoriatic arthritis with biologics, click here.
To find a rheumatologist near you who has experience treating active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) with biologics, click here.
Novartis response to COVID-19
Novartis COVID-19 Response Fund is providing urgently needed support for healthcare workers and communities in more than 50 projects around the world.
Novartis established a $20 million Global Response Fund in mid-March to support communities around the world impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund aims to support public health initiatives designed to help communities manage the challenges posed by the pandemic, such as programs to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, digital platforms for data collection or dissemination of important public health information, and community health programs.
To learn more about how Novartis is responding to COVID-19, visit novartis.com/coronavirus.
Where can I find additional resources?
To follow the latest information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).
Click on the advocacy organization's logo below for the latest news about your condition and COVID-19.
*Program Terms & Conditions:
Limitations apply. Valid only for those with private insurance. The COSENTYX Co-pay Program includes the Co-pay Card, Payment Card (if applicable), and Rebate, with a combined annual limit up to $16,000. Patient is responsible for any costs once limit is reached in a calendar year. Program not valid (i) under Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA, DoD, or any other federal or state health care program, (ii) where patient is not using insurance coverage at all, (iii) where the patient’s insurance plan reimburses for the entire cost of the drug, or (iv) where product is not covered by patient’s insurance. The value of this program is exclusively for the benefit of patients and is intended to be credited towards patient out-of-pocket obligations and maximums, including applicable co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Program is not valid where prohibited by law. Patient may not seek reimbursement for the value received from this program from other parties, including any health insurance program or plan, flexible spending account, or health care savings account. Patient is responsible for complying with any applicable limitations and requirements of their health plan related to the use of the Program. Valid only in the United States and Puerto Rico. This Program is not health insurance. Program may not be combined with any third-party rebate, coupon, or offer. Proof of purchase may be required. Novartis reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend the Program and discontinue support at any time without notice.
†Covered Until You’re Covered Program: Eligible patients must have commercial insurance, a valid prescription for COSENTYX, and a denial of insurance coverage based on a prior authorization request. Program requires the submission of an appeal of the coverage denial within the first 90 days of enrollment in order to remain eligible. Program provides initial 5 weekly doses (if prescribed) and monthly doses for free to patients for up to two years or until they receive insurance coverage approval, whichever occurs earlier. Program is not available to patients whose medications are reimbursed in whole or in part by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or any other federal or state program. Patients may be asked to re-verify insurance coverage status during the course of the program. No purchase necessary. Program is not health insurance, nor is participation a guarantee of insurance coverage. Limitations may apply. Enrolled patients awaiting coverage for COSENTYX after two years may be eligible for a limited Program extension. Novartis reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend the Program and discontinue support at any time without notice.
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