Comming Soon Demser (Metyrosine) Copay Assistance Program |QuickRx

Without insurance or copay assistance, Demser (metyrosine) can be very expensive. As a specialty medication for the rare condition pheochromocytoma, Demser costs can be significant for patients.

Factors That Affect Demser Cost:

• Dosage requirements: Demser is available as 250 mg capsules; daily doses typically range from 1 g to 4 g per day
• Generic availability: Generic metyrosine is available and may cost less than brand Demser
• Insurance coverage: Many plans cover Demser with varying copay or coinsurance amounts
• Drug shortages: Demser may occasionally be in short supply, which can affect availability and pricing

Contact QuickRx at (917) 830-2525 to explore copay assistance options that may help reduce your Demser costs.

Several copay assistance programs may help reduce Demser (metyrosine) costs depending on your insurance status and financial situation.

Available Demser Copay Assistance Options:

• Manufacturer copay cards: For commercially insured patients
• Patient assistance programs: For uninsured or underinsured patients meeting income requirements
• Independent foundation grants: Organizations supporting patients with rare diseases and adrenal tumors
• State pharmaceutical assistance programs: Varies by state

QuickRx can help determine which programs you qualify for and assist with enrollment at no cost to you.

Medicare patients cannot use manufacturer copay cards due to federal regulations. However, other assistance options may be available for Medicare beneficiaries.

Medicare Patient Options:

• Independent foundation grants: Some foundations provide assistance regardless of insurance type
• State pharmaceutical assistance programs: Many states offer additional help for Medicare patients
• Medicare Extra Help: Low-Income Subsidy program for prescription costs
• Generic metyrosine: May be a lower-cost option compared to brand Demser

QuickRx can help Medicare patients explore all available options for reducing Demser costs. Call (800) 496-6111 to speak with a patient navigator.

No, QuickRx provides completely FREE copay assistance services for all patients. Our patient navigators help you find and enroll in Demser copay assistance programs at no charge.

What QuickRx Does For Free:

• Reviews your insurance coverage and identifies available programs
• Completes copay card and patient assistance applications
• Coordinates with your healthcare provider for required documentation
• Manages ongoing renewals and insurance changes
• Provides continuous support throughout your pheochromocytoma treatment

Our goal is to help you access the Demser you need at the lowest possible cost.

Yes, generic metyrosine is available. Generic versions may cost less than brand-name Demser.

Available Metyrosine Formulations:

• Brand Demser: 250 mg capsules
• Generic metyrosine: 250 mg capsules available from other manufacturers

Note: Demser may occasionally be in short supply. If you have difficulty obtaining your medication, QuickRx can help identify availability and alternative options.

Demser (metyrosine) is a prescription medication used to treat pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor of the adrenal gland. It belongs to a class of medications called tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitors.

About Demser:

• Drug class: Tyrosine Hydroxylase Inhibitor
• Mechanism: Blocks the production of catecholamines (hormones like adrenaline) by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase; reduces catecholamine levels by 35% to 80%
• Manufacturer: Bausch Health US LLC
• Available form: 250 mg capsules

Demser helps control the symptoms of pheochromocytoma by reducing the excessive production of catecholamines that cause high blood pressure and other symptoms.

Demser is FDA-approved for treating pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor that develops in the adrenal glands.

FDA-Approved Indications:

• Short-term management: Preparation before surgery to remove pheochromocytoma (typically 5-7 days before surgery)
• Long-term management: When surgery is contraindicated or for chronic malignant pheochromocytoma

About Pheochromocytoma:

• A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that produces excess catecholamines (adrenaline-like hormones)
• Causes symptoms including high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and headaches
• Usually treated with surgical removal; Demser helps stabilize patients before surgery

Note: Demser is generally reserved for patients who cannot be treated with combined alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade due to intolerance or other medical reasons.

Demser dosing is individualized based on blood pressure and symptom control.

Dosing Information:

• Initial dose: 250 mg taken 4 times daily
• Dose increases: May be increased by 250 to 500 mg per day as needed
• Maximum dose: 4 grams (4,000 mg) per day in 4 divided doses
• Usual maintenance: 2 to 3 grams per day in 4 divided doses

Treatment Goals:

• For patients with high blood pressure: Titrate to achieve normal blood pressure and symptom control
• For patients with normal blood pressure: Titrate to reduce catecholamines by 50% or more
• For preoperative use: Administer optimal dose for 5 to 7 days before surgery

Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose for your situation.

Demser may be taken with or without food.

Administration Instructions:

• Take capsules as directed by your healthcare provider
• May be taken with or without meals
• Typically taken 4 times per day (for standard dosing)

IMPORTANT – Stay Hydrated:

• Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water each day
• Maintain urine output of at least 2 liters per day, especially at doses above 2 grams daily
• Adequate hydration helps prevent crystal formation in the urine (crystalluria)

Storage:

• Store at room temperature (68°F to 77°F)
• Protect from light
• Keep away from moisture and heat

Like all medications, Demser can cause side effects. The most common side effects affect the nervous system and digestive tract.

Most Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness/sedation: Very common; may impair ability to drive or operate machinery
• Diarrhea: Occurs in about 10% of patients
• Extrapyramidal reactions: Movement problems occurring in about 10% of patients (tremors, muscle stiffness, involuntary movements)

Other Possible Side Effects:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• Headache
• Nasal congestion
• Anxiety or depression
• Swelling (peripheral edema)

Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects while taking Demser.

Serious Side Effects Requiring Medical Attention:

• Crystalluria/kidney stones: Back pain, abdominal pain, blood in urine, cloudy urine, painful urination
• Severe movement problems: Trouble controlling body movements, twitching, change in balance, trouble swallowing or speaking, drooling
• Mental health changes: Confusion, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there), severe anxiety, depression
• Urinary problems: Trouble passing urine, pain when urinating
• Allergic reactions: Rash, hives, itching, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing

To Prevent Crystalluria:

Drink plenty of fluids (6-8 glasses of water daily) to maintain adequate urine output. If crystalluria occurs, your doctor may reduce your dose or discontinue treatment.

Certain patients should not take Demser or should use caution.

Demser is Contraindicated In:

• Hypersensitivity: Patients with known allergy to metyrosine or any component of the formulation

Use Caution If You Have:

• Kidney problems: Including history of kidney stones
• Liver disease: Use with caution
• Heart problems: Discuss with your doctor

Age Restrictions:

• Demser is approved for patients 12 years and older
• Not approved for children younger than 12 years

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

• Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Caution is recommended when administering to nursing women

Demser can interact with several medications, particularly those that cause sedation or affect movement. Always tell your doctor about all medications you take.

Medications to AVOID with Demser:

• Metoclopramide (Reglan): May increase risk of movement problems
• Bromopride: May increase adverse effects
• Iobenguane radiopharmaceutical products: Stop Demser before and after these imaging tests

Medications Requiring Monitoring:

• Alcohol: May increase sedation; avoid drinking alcohol
• CNS depressants: Opioids, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, anxiety medications, seizure medications – may increase drowsiness
• Antipsychotic medications: May increase risk of movement problems and excessive sedation
• Promethazine: May increase risk of extrapyramidal symptoms

Ask your doctor before taking any new medications, including over-the-counter medicines.

Because Demser can cause drowsiness and affect coordination, certain precautions are important.

Activities to Avoid:

• Driving: Avoid until you know how Demser affects you
• Operating machinery: May impair physical and mental abilities
• Hazardous activities: Your reactions may be impaired

Substances to Avoid:

• Alcohol: Can increase drowsiness and other side effects
• Other sedating medications: Unless approved by your doctor

Hydration Requirements:

• Do NOT allow yourself to become dehydrated
• Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily
• Maintain urine output of at least 2 liters per day

Regular monitoring is important during Demser treatment.

Required Monitoring:

• Blood pressure: Monitor regularly; continuously during surgery
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Monitor during surgery
• Urinalysis: Regular urine tests to check for crystals
• Urine output: Should be at least 2 liters (about 2 quarts) per day, especially with doses above 2 grams daily

During and After Surgery:

• Continuous blood pressure and ECG monitoring
• Maintain adequate fluid volume to avoid low blood pressure
• Demser does not eliminate the risk of high blood pressure crises or heart rhythm problems during surgery

Long-Term Use:

The safety of long-term use has not been fully established. Periodic evaluation by your healthcare provider is recommended.

You may experience withdrawal symptoms for 2 to 3 days after stopping Demser.

Possible Withdrawal Symptoms:

• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Increased alertness or overstimulation
• Anxiety
• Agitation

Important Notes:

• Do not stop taking Demser suddenly without talking to your doctor
• Your doctor will advise you on how to safely stop treatment if needed
• Withdrawal symptoms are usually temporary and resolve within a few days

Questions about your Demser copay assistance? Contact QuickRx at (917) 830-2525 or (800) 496-6111.