Apply for Sandostatin (Octreotide) Copay Assistance & Patient Support Programs

Sandostatin (octreotide) is a synthetic hormone medication that mimics somatostatin, a natural substance produced by your body. It’s used to treat several serious conditions including acromegaly (excess growth hormone), carcinoid syndrome (symptoms from certain tumors), and severe diarrhea caused by specific tumors called VIPomas.

How Sandostatin (octreotide) works:

The medication binds to somatostatin receptors throughout your body, acting like a “brake” on hormone production. This helps:

• Reduce excessive growth hormone in acromegaly patients
• Control severe diarrhea and flushing from neuroendocrine tumors
• Decrease hormone secretion from certain tumors
• Manage gastrointestinal bleeding in some situations

Sandostatin (octreotide) comes in two main forms: immediate-release injections you may give yourself 2-4 times daily, and long-acting depot injections given once monthly by a healthcare professional.

FDA-Approved Uses:

Acromegaly: A condition where your pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, causing enlarged hands, feet, and facial features. Sandostatin (octreotide) reduces growth hormone and IGF-1 levels to help control symptoms and prevent complications.

Carcinoid Syndrome: Symptoms from neuroendocrine tumors including severe diarrhea and sudden flushing episodes. Sandostatin (octreotide) controls these debilitating symptoms by reducing hormone secretion from the tumors.

VIPomas: Rare tumors that secrete vasoactive intestinal peptide, causing profuse watery diarrhea. Sandostatin (octreotide) effectively manages this life-threatening condition.

Other medical uses your doctor may prescribe:

• Acute variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis
• Severe diarrhea from various causes
• Certain gastrointestinal bleeding conditions
• Pancreatic fistulas
• Chylothorax (fluid in the chest cavity)

Your healthcare provider determines if Sandostatin (octreotide) is appropriate based on your specific diagnosis and medical needs.

Two Available Forms:

Immediate-Release Sandostatin (octreotide):

• Subcutaneous injection (under the skin)
• Typically 2-4 times daily
• Can be self-administered after training
• Comes in pre-filled syringes or vials
• Used for initial treatment or breakthrough symptoms

Sandostatin LAR (octreotide depot):

• Intramuscular injection (deep muscle injection)
• Given once every 4 weeks
• Must be administered by healthcare professional
• Provides sustained medication release for entire month
• Requires special preparation before injection

Self-injection guidelines (for immediate-release):

• Rotate injection sites: thighs, abdomen, upper arms
• Allow medication to reach room temperature before injecting (30 minutes)
• Clean injection site with alcohol
• Pinch skin and inject at 90-degree angle
• Dispose of needles in sharps container
• Never reuse needles or syringes

For LAR depot: Always administered at a clinic or medical office by trained professionals. The medication requires specific mixing procedures and must be injected into the gluteal muscle.

Dosing varies by condition:

For Acromegaly:

• Immediate-release: Start at 50 mcg three times daily, may increase to 100-500 mcg three times daily based on hormone levels
• LAR depot maintenance: Usually 20 mg every 4 weeks (can adjust to 10 mg or 30 mg)

For Carcinoid Syndrome:

• Immediate-release: 100-600 mcg daily in divided doses; average 300 mcg daily
• LAR depot: Typically 20 mg every 4 weeks

For VIPomas:

• Immediate-release: 200-300 mcg daily in divided doses
• Adjusted based on symptom control

Important dosing notes:

• Take exactly as prescribed
• Don’t adjust dose without medical guidance
• When switching from immediate-release to LAR depot, continue immediate-release for 2 weeks after first depot injection
• Set reminders to avoid missed doses
• Regular blood tests determine optimal dosing

If you miss a dose:

• Immediate-release: Take as soon as you remember unless almost time for next dose
• LAR depot: Contact your healthcare provider or QuickRx immediately at (917) 830-2525 to reschedule
• Never double up on doses

Like all medications, Sandostatin (octreotide) can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Understanding potential side effects helps you manage treatment effectively.

Common side effects (affecting more than 10% of patients):

Gastrointestinal symptoms:
– Diarrhea or loose stools (often improves after first few weeks)
– Nausea and stomach discomfort
– Abdominal pain or cramping
– Gas and bloating
– Changes in stool appearance (pale or fatty stools due to reduced fat absorption)

Injection site reactions:
– Pain, redness, or swelling at injection sites
– Bruising or lumps under the skin
– Irritation that typically resolves within a few days

Metabolic changes:
– Blood sugar fluctuations (both high and low)
– Changes in thyroid function
– Gallstone formation (often without symptoms)

Other common effects:
– Headache
– Fatigue or dizziness
– Cold-like symptoms

Managing common side effects:

Most side effects are mild to moderate and improve as your body adjusts to Sandostatin:

– For digestive issues: Take Sandostatin with meals, eat smaller portions, choose low-fat foods, stay hydrated
– For injection site reactions: Rotate injection sites systematically, apply ice before injecting, let medication reach room temperature before administration
– For blood sugar changes: Monitor glucose levels as directed, especially if you have diabetes; report significant fluctuations for medication adjustments

Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention:

Contact your doctor right away if you experience:

– Severe abdominal pain (possible gallbladder or pancreas problem)
– Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
– Severe diarrhea or signs of dehydration
– Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
– Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
– Significant blood sugar changes causing confusion or unconsciousness

QuickRx’s specialty pharmacists are available to discuss side effect management strategies and coordinate with your prescribing physician when adjustments are needed.

Yes, you can travel with Sandostatin (octreotide), but careful planning is essential due to refrigeration requirements and injection supplies.

Domestic travel tips:

Packing your medication:
– Use a medical-grade cooler or insulated medication travel bag
– Include ice packs or gel packs to maintain 2°C-8°C temperature
– Keep Sandostatin in original packaging with prescription label visible
– Never pack in checked luggage—always carry with you
– Bring extra days’ supply in case of travel delays

TSA and airport security:
– Sandostatin (octreotide) is allowed through security checkpoints
– Inform TSA agents you’re carrying refrigerated medication
– Ice packs permitted if frozen solid or slushy
– Carry prescription label and doctor’s letter explaining medical necessity
– Injectable medications don’t count toward liquid limits

Hotel accommodations:
– Request room with mini-fridge before arrival
– If no refrigerator available, use ice to maintain medication temperature
– Some hotels will store Sandostatin in their main refrigerator if notified in advance

International travel:
– Verify Sandostatin (octreotide) is legal in your destination country
– Obtain travel letter from your doctor stating medical necessity
– Carry copies of prescription with both brand name (Sandostatin) and generic name (octreotide)
– Declare medication at customs with documentation ready
– Research pharmacy options at destination for emergencies

Refrigeration challenges:

Sandostatin can generally tolerate brief periods at room temperature (check manufacturer guidelines—usually up to several hours), but prolonged warm storage reduces effectiveness. If you lose refrigeration:
– Move medication to coolest available location
– Use ice or cold water in sealed bag around medication container
– Contact QuickRx or manufacturer for guidance on medication viability
– Don’t use Sandostatin exposed to heat for extended periods or showing visible changes

QuickRx travel support:

Planning a trip? Contact QuickRx in advance:
– We’ll coordinate early refills for adequate travel supply
– We can ship Sandostatin to your destination for extended domestic travel
– We’ll provide travel documentation and support letters
– We can connect you with partner pharmacies for emergency refills
– We’ll advise on temperature management for your specific travel conditions

Seek immediate medical attention for:

Severe Gallbladder Problems:

• Severe right upper abdominal pain
• Pain between shoulder blades
• Yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Fever with abdominal pain

Heart Issues:

• Slow heart rate causing dizziness or fainting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain or pressure
• Difficulty breathing

Severe Blood Sugar Problems:

• Hypoglycemia: Severe shakiness, confusion, sweating, extreme hunger
• Hyperglycemia: Excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision

Thyroid Problems:

• Unexplained weight changes
• Extreme fatigue or nervousness
• Intolerance to heat or cold
• Rapid or slow heart rate

Pancreatic Issues:

• Severe persistent abdominal pain
• Pain radiating to back
• Persistent nausea and vomiting

Allergic Reactions (rare):

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat
• Severe rash or hives

Regular monitoring required:

• Gallbladder ultrasounds (every 6-12 months)
• Blood glucose monitoring
• Thyroid function tests
• Vitamin B12 levels
• Heart monitoring if symptoms develop
• Growth hormone/IGF-1 levels (for acromegaly)

Contact your doctor for persistent diarrhea, vitamin deficiency symptoms (numbness, tingling), mood changes, or significant hair loss.

Do Not Take If:

• You’re allergic to octreotide or any ingredients
• You’ve had severe allergic reaction to Sandostatin (octreotide) previously

Use with Extreme Caution (Discuss with Doctor):

Gallbladder Disease:

• History of gallstones
• Cholecystitis
• Biliary obstruction
• Risk significantly increases with treatment

Diabetes:

• Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
• Impaired glucose tolerance
• History of hypoglycemia
• Significantly affects blood sugar control

Heart Conditions:

• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Heart rhythm disorders
• Heart block
• Recent heart attack
• Congestive heart failure

Thyroid Disorders:

• Hypothyroidism
• History of thyroid problems
• Can suppress thyroid hormone

Kidney or Liver Disease:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Dialysis (dose adjustment needed)
• Liver cirrhosis
• Affects drug clearance

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding:

• Pregnancy Category B: Use only if clearly needed
• Unknown if passes into breast milk
• Discuss family planning with doctor

Pediatric Use:

• Not established as safe/effective in children under 18
• Off-label use requires careful monitoring

Elderly Patients:

• May be more sensitive to side effects
• Increased cardiac risk
• More frequent monitoring needed

Provide complete medical history including:

• All current and past conditions
• All medications and supplements
• Previous medication reactions
• Family medical history
• Recent or planned surgeries

Immediate-Release Solution:

Before Opening:

• Refrigerate at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C)
• Do NOT freeze
• Protect from light in original carton
• Check expiration date

After Opening:

• Can keep at room temperature up to 14 days if protected from light
• Pre-filled syringes: use immediately
• Mark date when removed from refrigerator
• Discard after 14 days at room temperature

For Injection:

• Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before use
• Let reach room temperature (warmer = less painful)
• Do not heat or microwave
• Warm in hands or at room temperature

Sandostatin LAR Depot:

• Must stay refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C)
• Protect from light always
• Keep in original packaging
• Do NOT freeze
• Remove 30-60 minutes before administration
• Once mixed, use immediately

Never: ❌ Freeze (destroys medication) ❌ Store in bathroom (humidity) ❌ Leave in hot car or sunlight ❌ Use if color changed ❌ Use if cloudy (immediate-release should be clear) ❌ Use if particles visible (except LAR depot which is milky suspension)

Always: ✓ Check appearance before each use ✓ Verify expiration dates ✓ Keep away from children and pets ✓ Store in original container when possible

Traveling:

• Use insulated medication travel case with ice packs
• Request hotel refrigerator
• Carry prescription copy
• Pack in carry-on luggage (never checked)
• Bring doctor’s letter for security
• Contact QuickRx before travel: (917) 946-0576

Disposal:

• Return to pharmacy or use drug take-back program
• Do NOT flush or pour down drain
• Use FDA-approved sharps container for needles

Required Blood Tests:

Hormone Levels (for acromegaly):

• Growth hormone (GH)
• IGF-1 levels
• Every 3-6 months
• Determines dosage effectiveness

Blood Glucose:

• Fasting blood glucose
• Hemoglobin A1C (if diabetic)
• At baseline, then regularly (especially first months)
• Home monitoring if diabetic

Thyroid Function:

• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
• Free T4 if TSH abnormal
• Every 6-12 months

Vitamin B12:

• Every 6-12 months
• Supplementation if levels drop

Liver Function:

• AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin
• At baseline and periodically

Imaging Studies:

Gallbladder Ultrasound:

• Baseline before starting
• Every 6-12 months during treatment
• 15-30% develop gallstones long-term

Tumor Imaging (if applicable):

• CT scans, MRI, or nuclear medicine scans
• Every 3-6 months initially

Heart Monitoring:

• Baseline EKG
• Repeat if symptoms develop
• Regular blood pressure checks
• Home monitoring if hypertensive

Physical Examinations:

• Vital signs
• Weight monitoring
• Injection site checks
• Symptom assessment
• General physical exam

Visit Frequency:

• First months: Every 4-8 weeks
• After stabilization: Every 3-6 months
• LAR depot: Monthly for injection
• Additional visits for dose changes

QuickRx coordinates monitoring by:

• Sending test reminders
• Tracking when labs/imaging due
• Communicating with healthcare team
• Adjusting refills with dose changes

Treatment duration with Sandostatin (octreotide) varies significantly based on your diagnosis, response to therapy, and overall treatment goals.

Typical treatment timelines by condition:

Acromegaly:
– Often requires long-term or lifelong Sandostatin treatment
– Initial dose adjustments over 3-6 months to find optimal levels
– Regular growth hormone and IGF-1 monitoring to assess effectiveness
– Some patients eventually transition to surgery or radiation therapy
– Many continue Sandostatin (octreotide) indefinitely for ongoing growth hormone control

Carcinoid Syndrome:
– Duration depends on tumor progression and symptom control
– May be used long-term for chronic symptom management with Sandostatin
– Often continued as long as it effectively controls diarrhea and flushing
– Reassessed regularly based on tumor behavior and quality of life
– Can be lifelong for metastatic disease

VIPomas:
– Used for symptom control until definitive tumor treatment is possible
– May be short-term while preparing for surgery
– Can be continued long-term if surgery isn’t an option or disease recurs
– Adjusted based on diarrhea control and electrolyte balance

Monitoring during Sandostatin treatment:

Regardless of your condition, expect regular monitoring including:

Blood tests: Growth hormone levels (for acromegaly), liver function, kidney function, blood glucose, and thyroid hormones checked at intervals determined by your doctor

Imaging studies: Ultrasounds to check for gallstones (typically every 6-12 months), and MRI or CT scans to monitor tumor size and activity

Symptom assessments: Regular evaluation of symptom control, quality of life, and Sandostatin treatment response to determine if dosage adjustments are needed

QuickRx’s ongoing support:

Throughout your Sandostatin (octreotide) treatment journey, whether months or years, QuickRx provides:
– Medication refill coordination timed with your injection schedule
– Continuous copay assistance monitoring to maintain financial benefits
– Prior authorization renewals handled proactively before expiration
– Coordination with your medical team for dose changes
– Patient education and injection technique support
– Annual recertification for assistance programs

We stay with you for the entire duration of your Sandostatin therapy, ensuring uninterrupted access to affordable treatment.

While Sandostatin (octreotide) doesn’t have strict dietary prohibitions, certain dietary modifications can improve treatment tolerance and effectiveness.

General dietary recommendations:

Fat intake management:
Sandostatin can reduce fat absorption and cause steatorrhea (fatty stools). Consider:
– Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions
– Limiting high-fat foods, especially greasy or fried items
– Choosing lean proteins like chicken, fish, and plant-based options
– Reducing butter, cream, and fatty sauces
– Monitoring symptoms to identify your personal fat tolerance

Meal timing with injections:
For immediate-release Sandostatin, many patients tolerate injections better when given before meals or between meals rather than immediately after eating, as this may reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Blood sugar considerations:
Sandostatin (octreotide) affects glucose metabolism. If you have diabetes or develop blood sugar changes:
– Monitor carbohydrate intake consistently
– Avoid skipping meals (increases hypoglycemia risk)
– Work with a dietitian to balance nutrition with blood sugar management
– Keep fast-acting carbohydrates available for low blood sugar episodes

Calcium and vitamin D:
Long-term Sandostatin use can affect calcium absorption and bone health. Your doctor may recommend:
– Calcium supplements (typically 1,000-1,200 mg daily)
– Vitamin D supplementation (often 800-2,000 IU daily)
– Foods rich in calcium (dairy, leafy greens, fortified products)

Managing digestive side effects through diet:

For diarrhea:
– Increase soluble fiber (oatmeal, bananas, applesauce)
– Stay well-hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks
– Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen diarrhea
– Consider BRAT diet temporarily (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast)
– Eat foods at room temperature rather than very hot or cold

For nausea:
– Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods
– Avoid strong food odors that trigger nausea
– Try ginger tea or ginger candies
– Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
– Stay upright 30-60 minutes after eating

For gas and bloating:
– Avoid carbonated beverages
– Limit gas-producing vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, beans) initially
– Eat slowly to reduce swallowed air
– Consider smaller, more frequent meals

Alcohol considerations:

Moderate alcohol consumption is generally acceptable for most Sandostatin patients, but discuss with your doctor if you have:
– Carcinoid syndrome (alcohol can trigger flushing episodes)
– Blood sugar instability (alcohol affects glucose levels)
– Liver disease (alcohol can worsen liver problems)

Supplements and vitamins:

Always inform your doctor and QuickRx pharmacist about all supplements you take. While most vitamins are safe with Sandostatin (octreotide), some considerations include:

– Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K): May require supplementation if you develop fat malabsorption
– Vitamin B12: Long-term Sandostatin can affect B12 absorption; monitoring may be needed
– Magnesium and potassium: Important if you experience diarrhea causing electrolyte losses

QuickRx can connect you with disease-specific nutritional resources and dietitians experienced in managing diets for acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, and neuroendocrine tumors while on Sandostatin therapy.

Sandostatin (octreotide) use during pregnancy and breastfeeding requires careful evaluation of risks versus benefits by your healthcare provider.

Pregnancy considerations:

FDA Pregnancy Category: Sandostatin is not assigned a pregnancy category under the current system, but limited human data is available.

What we know:
– Animal studies have not shown significant fetal harm, but animal studies don’t always predict human responses
– There is limited data on Sandostatin (octreotide) use during human pregnancy
– Acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumors can present risks to both mother and baby if left untreated

If you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy:
– Inform your doctor immediately
– Your physician will weigh the risks of untreated disease against potential Sandostatin medication risks
– Alternative treatments may be considered depending on your condition
– More frequent monitoring may be necessary if Sandostatin is continued
– Some women safely use Sandostatin (octreotide) throughout pregnancy under close medical supervision

Breastfeeding considerations:

What we know:
– It’s unknown whether Sandostatin passes into breast milk in significant amounts
– Sandostatin (octreotide) is a large peptide molecule, which may limit absorption by breastfeeding infants
– No data exists on effects on breastfed infants or milk production

If you’re breastfeeding:
– Discuss with your doctor whether to discontinue breastfeeding, discontinue Sandostatin, or continue both with close monitoring
– Consider the importance of Sandostatin for your health condition
– Consider alternative feeding options if Sandostatin is essential for your treatment

Fertility considerations:

Some studies suggest Sandostatin (octreotide) may restore fertility in women with acromegaly who were previously infertile due to elevated growth hormone levels. If pregnancy is not desired, use appropriate contraception while taking Sandostatin.

QuickRx’s role:

While these decisions must be made with your physician, QuickRx can:
– Coordinate closely with your OB/GYN and endocrinologist for Sandostatin medication management during pregnancy
– Ensure uninterrupted medication access throughout pregnancy if Sandostatin is continued
– Adjust delivery schedules around prenatal appointments and delivery dates
– Provide additional monitoring and support during this critical time

What to do when you miss a dose depends on which Sandostatin (octreotide) formulation you’re taking.

For Immediate-Release Sandostatin (taken 2-4 times daily):

If you remember within a few hours:
– Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
– Continue with your regular schedule for subsequent Sandostatin doses

If it’s almost time for your next dose:
– Skip the missed dose
– Take your next Sandostatin dose at the regular scheduled time
– Do NOT double up doses to make up for a missed dose

If you frequently forget doses:
– Set phone alarms or reminders for each injection time
– Use a medication tracking app
– Ask QuickRx about pre-filled syringes for easier administration
– Consider transitioning to long-acting LAR for once-monthly Sandostatin dosing

For Long-Acting Release (LAR) Sandostatin (monthly injections):

If you miss your monthly injection appointment:
– Contact your doctor’s office immediately to reschedule
– Try to receive the Sandostatin LAR injection within a few days of the scheduled date
– Inform QuickRx so we can coordinate medication delivery with your rescheduled appointment

If significant delay occurs:
– Your doctor may temporarily restart immediate-release Sandostatin while getting back on schedule
– Symptoms may return if too much time passes between LAR injections
– Close monitoring may be needed to re-establish symptom control

Potential consequences of missed Sandostatin doses:

For acromegaly: Growth hormone levels may rise, potentially increasing symptoms like headaches, joint pain, and fatigue

For carcinoid syndrome: Diarrhea, flushing, and other symptoms may return or worsen

For VIPomas: Severe watery diarrhea may recur, potentially causing dangerous dehydration

Preventing missed doses:

QuickRx helps you stay on track with Sandostatin:
– Refill reminders sent before you run low
– Coordination with your injection schedule
– Automatic shipments for consistent medication access
– Direct communication with your doctor’s office for LAR appointment coordination

If you’ve missed multiple doses or are having difficulty adhering to your Sandostatin schedule, contact QuickRx or your doctor—we can help troubleshoot barriers and find solutions.

Yes, Sandostatin (octreotide) can interact with several medication classes. Always inform your doctor and QuickRx pharmacist about all medications you take.

Diabetes medications (insulin and oral hypoglycemics):
– Interaction: Sandostatin can affect blood sugar levels unpredictably—sometimes raising, sometimes lowering glucose
– Management: Close blood sugar monitoring required; diabetes medication doses may need adjustment; work with your endocrinologist to optimize diabetes control while on Sandostatin

Blood pressure medications (especially beta-blockers):
– Interaction: Sandostatin may alter heart rate and blood pressure; combination with certain medications can cause excessive bradycardia (slow heart rate)
– Management: Monitor blood pressure and heart rate; your doctor may adjust antihypertensive medications

Pain medications (codeine, morphine, other opioids):
– Interaction: Sandostatin may decrease active metabolite exposure of codeine, reducing pain relief effectiveness
– Management: Alternative pain medications may be more effective; inform your doctor if pain control worsens after starting Sandostatin

Cyclosporine (immunosuppressant):
– Interaction: Sandostatin (octreotide) may decrease cyclosporine blood levels, potentially increasing transplant rejection risk
– Management: Close cyclosporine level monitoring; dosage adjustments may be necessary

Bromocriptine (for Parkinson’s disease or pituitary tumors):
– Interaction: Sandostatin may increase bromocriptine levels and delay absorption
– Management: Monitor for increased bromocriptine side effects; dosage adjustments may be needed

Medications affecting heart rhythm:
– Interaction: Sandostatin can affect heart conduction; combining with other rhythm-affecting medications increases risk
– Management: ECG monitoring may be recommended; your cardiologist should be involved in your care

Antacids:
– Interaction: Sandostatin may decrease effectiveness of antacids by reducing stomach acid
– Management: Generally not a significant concern, but inform your doctor if reflux symptoms worsen

Important considerations:

Before starting Sandostatin, provide complete medication list including:
– All prescription medications
– Over-the-counter drugs
– Vitamins and supplements
– Herbal products
– Medications you take occasionally (not just regularly)

When starting new medications while on Sandostatin:
– Inform the prescribing doctor you’re taking Sandostatin (octreotide)
– Ask QuickRx pharmacists to review for potential interactions
– Monitor for new or worsening side effects
– Report any concerns to your healthcare team promptly

Drug interaction monitoring:

QuickRx’s specialty pharmacists review your complete medication profile for potential interactions with Sandostatin:
– When you first enroll
– With each refill
– When you report starting new medications
– Ongoing monitoring for newly identified interactions

We coordinate with your physicians when clinically significant interactions are identified, recommending dose adjustments, alternative medications, or enhanced monitoring as appropriate.

We make it simple – you make ONE call, we do everything else.

Step 1: Contact QuickRx Call (917) 946-0576 or (800) 496-6111

Step 2: We Gather Basic Information

• Insurance details (if insured)
• Prescription information
• Approximate household income
• Contact information

Step 3: We Handle Everything

• Verify insurance benefits
• Identify ALL eligible programs
• Complete all applications
• Submit to appropriate programs
• Follow up until approved
• Coordinate with your doctor’s office

Step 4: You Start Saving

• Benefits typically active in 1-2 weeks
• We notify you when approved
• Savings automatically applied
• No extra steps for you

Programs We Access:

Manufacturer Copay Cards (Commercial Insurance):

• May reduce copays to $0-$25 per prescription
• No income restrictions typically
• Cannot combine with government insurance
• We handle enrollment and activation

Independent Foundation Grants (Medicare):

• Income-based eligibility
• Covers Medicare copays and coinsurance
• Grants of $1,000-$3,000+ annually
• We apply early when funds available

Patient Assistance Programs (Uninsured/Underinsured):

• Free medication based on financial need
• Income qualifications (typically up to 400-500% federal poverty level)
• We gather required documentation
• Complete applications on your behalf

State-Specific Programs (Medicaid):

• Supplemental assistance through foundations
• Case-by-case determination
• We research all options

Ongoing Management:

Once enrolled, we automatically handle:

• Annual renewals
• Mid-year recertifications
• Benefit reactivation if expired
• Alternative programs if funding exhausted
• Communication with healthcare team

Typical Patient Savings:

• Commercially insured: $0 copays common
• Medicare patients: $1,000-$3,000+ yearly
• Uninsured: Free medication through patient assistance

100% Confidential:

• HIPAA-compliant processes
• Information never shared without permission
• Secure document handling

No Cost to You:

• No application fees
• No service charges
• No hidden costs
• No obligations

QuickRx is a specialty pharmacy focused exclusively on complex medications like Sandostatin (octreotide)—and that specialization makes a significant difference in your treatment experience.

Comparison: Regular Pharmacy vs. QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy

Copay Assistance:
– Regular Pharmacy: Rarely helps patients enroll in copay programs; may provide manufacturer phone numbers
– QuickRx: Dedicated specialists who know every available discount and assistance program for Sandostatin; handles entire enrollment process

Prior Authorization:
– Regular Pharmacy: Tells patients to “call your doctor” about PA requirements; doesn’t coordinate with physicians
– QuickRx: Proactively manages entire PA process for Sandostatin; works directly with physicians and insurance companies to prevent delays

Clinical Knowledge:
– Regular Pharmacy: General pharmacists without specialty medication expertise
– QuickRx: Pharmacists specializing in Sandostatin (octreotide) therapy, understanding dosing complexities, drug interactions, and side effects

Delivery Services:
– Regular Pharmacy: Cannot accommodate specialty cold-chain shipping for refrigerated medications
– QuickRx: Pharmaceutical-grade temperature-controlled shipping with insulated coolers and monitoring for Sandostatin

Patient Support:
– Regular Pharmacy: Automated phone systems and rotating pharmacy staff
– QuickRx: Dedicated care coordinators who know your case and provide direct access

Injection Training:
– Regular Pharmacy: No injection training or technique support provided
– QuickRx: One-on-one training, demonstration videos, and ongoing troubleshooting for Sandostatin self-injection

Supply Management:
– Regular Pharmacy: Patients must purchase injection supplies separately
– QuickRx: All injection supplies included free with every Sandostatin shipment automatically

Insurance Navigation:
– Regular Pharmacy: Limited ability to handle specialty pharmacy network complexities
– QuickRx: Experts in specialty medication insurance complications, medical vs. pharmacy benefits, and step therapy for Sandostatin

Disease Resources:
– Regular Pharmacy: No disease-specific educational materials
– QuickRx: Educational materials specific to acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, and neuroendocrine tumors

Refill Coordination:
– Regular Pharmacy: Patients must remember to refill; no proactive outreach
– QuickRx: Tracks usage and coordinates Sandostatin refills timed with injection schedules automatically

Real-World Example:

Typical chain pharmacy experience:
“Your insurance denied the Sandostatin prescription. You’ll need to call your doctor to get prior authorization. That could take several weeks. The cash price is $18,000 if you want to pay out of pocket.”

QuickRx experience:
“We saw the prior authorization requirement and already contacted your doctor’s office. We’ve submitted the PA with complete clinical documentation. While we wait for approval, we’ve enrolled you in the manufacturer’s bridge program so you’ll receive your first month’s Sandostatin supply at no cost. We’re also enrolling you in the copay program so once insurance approves, your cost will be $0 per month. You should receive your Sandostatin with all injection supplies within 5-7 business days.”

The good news: Most patients qualify for SOME type of assistance!

Commercial Insurance Patients:

✓ You likely qualify if you have:

• Employer-sponsored insurance
• Marketplace/ACA plans
• Private individual insurance
• COBRA coverage

✓ Manufacturer copay cards:

• Usually no income restrictions
• Reduce copays dramatically (often to $0-$25)
• Process automatically at pharmacy
• Quick enrollment (1-2 weeks)

Medicare Patients:

✓ Foundation grant programs available if:

• You have Medicare Part D
• Household income meets foundation guidelines (varies by program)
• You have active prescription for Sandostatin (octreotide)
• Funds available (we apply early and often)

✓ Grant benefits:

• Cover Part D copays and coinsurance
• Typically $1,000-$3,000+ per year
• Reapply annually
• Multiple foundations available

Medicaid Patients:

✓ May qualify for:

• State-specific supplemental programs
• Foundation grants (state-dependent)
• Additional support programs

✓ Eligibility varies by:

• Your state
• Income level
• Current coverage

Uninsured/Underinsured Patients:

✓ Patient assistance programs if:

• Household income typically below 400-500% federal poverty level
• No adequate insurance coverage
• US resident
• Valid prescription

✓ Benefits:

• Free Sandostatin (octreotide)
• Income-based qualification
• Annual applications

Income Guidelines (Approximate):

Patient Assistance Programs typically require:

• Individual: Under $60,000-$75,000 annually
• Family of 2: Under $80,000-$100,000 annually
• Family of 4: Under $120,000-$150,000 annually

Note: Guidelines vary by program and change annually

What You’ll Need:

For All Programs:

• Valid prescription for Sandostatin (octreotide)
• Insurance card (if insured)
• Contact information

For Income-Based Programs:

• Recent pay stubs or tax returns
• Proof of household income
• Bank statements (sometimes)

We Help With Documentation:

• Tell us what you have
• We’ll guide you on what’s needed
• We complete forms for you
• We gather missing documents

Special Situations:

High Deductible Plans:

• Copay cards still help
• May have additional assistance options

Medicare + Supplemental:

• Foundation grants may still apply
• We review all coverage

Recently Lost Insurance:

• Patient assistance programs available
• Quick processing for urgent needs

Changing Insurance:

• We transition you to appropriate programs
• Ensure no gap in assistance

Don’t Assume You Don’t Qualify!

Many patients are surprised they qualify. Let QuickRx review your situation – call (917) 830-2525 for free eligibility check.

Step 1: Initial Contact

Call QuickRx at (917) 830-2525. or fill out our secure online application form. You can also reach us at (800) 496-6111

Step 2: Provide Information

Share your insurance details and prescription information with our team. We’ll need:

• Your insurance card information
• Your Sandostatin prescription from your doctor
• Basic personal information for the application

Step 3: Application Submission

QuickRx completes and submits your copay card application to the manufacturer on your behalf. We handle all the paperwork so you don’t have to worry about it.

Step 4: Approval

Most patients receive approval within 24 to 48 hours. We’ll notify you as soon as your copay card is active.

Step 5: Start Saving

Once approved, your copay savings apply automatically at the pharmacy. You’ll see the reduced price when you pick up your next Sandostatin prescription.

What happens next:

QuickRx continues monitoring your copay card status and handles any renewals needed. We’ll also coordinate your prescription refills and can arrange home delivery if you prefer.

If you’re initially denied for any reason, our team will help with the appeals process or connect you to alternative assistance programs.

Ready to apply? Contact us today for free help getting your Sandostatin copay card.