- Medicare Part B & D
Medicare Part D
The Part D drug benefit provides beneficiaries with coverage for outpatient prescription drugs. FRAGMIN® (dalteparin sodium injection) is potentially covered under Part D when self-administered by a patient or caretaker. The Part D benefit is administered by private health plans: either stand-alone prescription drug plans (PDPs) or Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MA-PD) plans. Medicare established a standard benefit design for Part D, with an annual deductible and three tiers of co-insurance. Part D plan sponsors may construct their own benefits, so long as their plan provides equal or better coverage than the standard. There is a gap between the initial coverage period and the catastrophic coverage period. While in this gap, known as the “doughnut hole”, the beneficiary is responsible for 100% of drug costs (but may receive a 50% discount on covered brand name drugs). Some plans provide drug coverage to beneficiaries during the coverage gap, although plans may only cover generic drugs during this period.
2012 Medicare Part D Standard Benefit Design1
| Deductible |
Initial Coverage $2,930 in total drug costs |
Coverage Gap $3,727.50 in total drug costs |
Catastrophic Coverage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Medicare pays 75% coinsurance |
Medicare pays 95% of drug costs |
|||
|
Patient pays first $320 as deductible |
Patient pays 25% coinsurance |
Patient pays 100% of drug costs 50% discount on covered brand-name drugs |
Patient pays 5% of drug costs |
|
| Cost to Patient | $320 | $652.50 | $3,727.50 | 5% |
| True Out Of Pocket (TrOOP) cost $4,700 | ||||
1. Source: CMS Medicare & You 2012 Official Government Handbook. Section3, Table Page 89. Information available at: http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/10050.pdf. Accessed February 29, 2012.
Indications
FRAGMIN® is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) indicated for:
- Prophylaxis of ischemic complications of unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction
- Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in abdominal surgery, hip replacement surgery or medical patients with severely restricted mobility during acute illness
- Extended treatment of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) to reduce the recurrence in patients with cancer. In these patients, the FRAGMIN® therapy begins with the initial VTE treatment and continues for six months.
Limitations of Use
- FRAGMIN® is not indicated for the acute treatment of VTE.
Important Safety Information
Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients who are anticoagulated with low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) or heparinoids and are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures. Factors that can increase the risk of developing epidural or spinal hematomas in these patients include:
- Use of indwelling epidural catheters
- Concomitant use of other drugs that affect hemostasis, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors, other anticoagulants
- A history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal punctures
- A history of spinal deformity or spinal surgery
Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary.
Consider the benefits and risks before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions and Drug Interactions].
- FRAGMIN® is contraindicated in patients with active major bleeding, history of heparin induced thrombocytopenia, hypersensitivity to dalteparin sodium, heparin, or pork products.
- FRAGMIN® is contraindicated in patients undergoing epidural/neuraxial anesthesia as a treatment for unstable angina and non-Q-wave MI and for prolonged VTE prophylaxis due to an increased risk of bleeding associated with the dosage of FRAGMIN® recommended for these indications.
- FRAGMIN®, like other anticoagulants, should be used with extreme caution in patients who have an increased risk of hemorrhage; bleeding can occur at any site during therapy. An unexpected drop in hematocrit or blood pressure should lead to a search for a bleeding site.
- FRAGMIN® should be used with caution in patients with bleeding diathesis, thrombocytopenia or platelet defects, severe liver or kidney insufficiency, hypertensive or diabetic retinopathy, and recent gastrointestinal bleeding.
- FRAGMIN® should be used with extreme caution in patients
with history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
- In FRAGMIN® clinical trials supporting non-cancer indications, platelet count of <50,000/mm3 occurred in <1% of patients.
- In FRAGMIN® clinical trials supporting the extended treatment of symptomatic VTE in patients with cancer, platelet counts of <100,000/mm3 occurred in 13.6% of patients, including 6.5% who also had platelet counts less than 50,000/mm3. In the same clinical trial, thrombocytopenia was reported as an adverse event in 10.9% of patients in the FRAGMIN® arm and 8.1% of patients in the oral anticoagulant arm. FRAGMIN® dose was decreased or interrupted in patients whose platelet counts fell below 100,000/mm3.
- Thrombocytopenia of any degree should be monitored closely. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia can occur with administration of FRAGMIN®. The incidence of this complication is unknown at present. In clinical practice, rare cases of thrombocytopenia with thrombosis have also been observed.
- Each multiple-dose vial of FRAGMIN® contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Benzyl alcohol has been reported to be associated with a fatal "Gasping Syndrome" in premature infants. Because benzyl alcohol may cross the placenta, use caution when administering FRAGMIN® preserved with benzyl alcohol to pregnant women. If anticoagulation with FRAGMIN® is needed during pregnancy, use preservative-free formulations, where possible.
- Periodic routine complete blood counts, including platelet count, blood chemistry, and stool occult blood tests are recommended during the course of treatment with FRAGMIN®.
- The most commonly reported side effect is hematoma at the injection site.
- Allergic reactions (i.e., pruritus, rash, fever, injection site reaction, bulleous eruption) have occurred. A few cases of anaphylactoid reactions have been reported.
- Use FRAGMIN® with care in patients receiving oral anticoagulants, platelet inhibitors, and thrombolytic agents because of increased risk of bleeding.
- FRAGMIN® cannot be used interchangeably (unit for unit) with unfractionated heparin or other low molecular weight heparins.
- FRAGMIN® Injection is not intended for intramuscular administration.
For more information about FRAGMIN, please see Full Product Information.
