Buphenyl

Indicated For

Urea Cycle Disorders

About This Medication

# Horizon By Your Side Patient Guide: How to Get Buphenyl (sodium phenylbutyrate) at Low or No Cost **Horizon By Your Side**, offered by **Horizon Therapeutics** (now part of Amgen), is a comprehensive patient support program designed to help eligible patients access **Buphenyl (sodium phenylbutyrate)**, a prescription medication used to treat urea cycle disorders by helping the body remove excess ammonia.[1][2] This guide explains eligibility, the application process, and support options in simple terms to empower you to get the treatment you need affordably. ## About Buphenyl and Why Assistance Matters **Buphenyl (sodium phenylbutyrate)** is an orphan drug approved for managing chronic hyperammonemia in patients with certain urea cycle enzyme deficiencies, ages 2 months and older. It works by converting to phenylacetate, which conjugates with glutamine to form phenylacetylglutamine, excreted in urine to reduce ammonia levels. Urea cycle disorders are rare genetic conditions that can lead to dangerous ammonia buildup, causing brain damage or death if untreated. Treatment is lifelong, and costs can exceed $100,000 annually without assistance, making programs like Horizon By Your Side essential.[1][7] The program provides **financial assistance**, **insurance navigation**, **free medication** for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients, **co-pay support**, and **logistical help** like infusion coordination (if applicable). A dedicated **Patient Access Liaison (PAL)** or **Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE)** pairs with you post-enrollment for personalized support.[7] ## Who Qualifies for Horizon By Your Side? Eligibility is determined **case-by-case**, focusing on financial need, insurance status, and prescription validity. Key factors include:[1][2][8] - **Diagnosis**: Confirmed urea cycle disorder requiring Buphenyl. - **Insurance**: Commercial insurance preferred for co-pay help; Medicare Part D patients **may qualify**—contact the program. Government programs (e.g., Medicaid) typically ineligible for co-pay aid.[2] - **Income**: No strict federal poverty level (FPL) thresholds listed (e.g., 400-500% FPL common in similar programs); assessed individually. Uninsured or high out-of-pocket costs prioritize free drug access.[8][9] - **U.S. Residency**: Must live in the U.S. - **Age**: Generally 2 months+, matching drug approval. **Note**: Even if income details are flexible, provide household income, size, and expenses during enrollment for best matching to aid tiers.[1] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Specific FPL cutoffs aren't published, unlike fixed-threshold programs. Horizon By Your Side evaluates **holistically**. Here's a comparison table based on similar rare disease programs and case-by-case norms:[1][8] | Household Size | Estimated Max Income (300% FPL) | Estimated Max Income (500% FPL) | Notes | |---------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------|-------| | Individual | $45,180 | $75,300 | Case-by-case; higher for high medical costs[8] | | Couple | $61,320 | $102,200 | Flexible assessment[1] | | Family of 3 | $77,460 | $129,100 | Prioritizes rare disease patients | | Family of 4 | $93,600 | $156,000 | Contact for exact review | **Income eligibility is not guaranteed at these levels**—program reviews full financial picture. No FPL% explicitly stated.[1] ## Insurance Requirements - **Commercial Insurance (PPO/HMO)**: Eligible for **co-pay cards** reducing costs to $0-$5/month (if criteria met). Program handles **prior authorization (PA)**, benefits investigation.[2][3] - **Medicare/Medicaid**: Medicare Part D **may qualify** for free drug; government-funded plans bar co-pay aid.[2][8] - **Uninsured**: **Free medication** possible via patient assistance.[9] - **No insurance?** Program explores options.[1] Team performs **benefits investigation** post-enrollment, estimating deductibles/co-pays and PA needs (e.g., diagnosis proof, medical history).[3] ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applications use **multiple methods** (phone, fax, email, online).[1][4][5] 1. **Talk to Your Doctor**: They initiate by completing the **Patient Enrollment Form (PEF)**. Required: Patient info (name, DOB, address, phone, insurance details), prescriber signature, **HIPAA consent**.[1][4] 2. **Gather Documents**: - **Patient Authorization Form** (your signature required; program follows up if needed).[1] - **Insurance card** (front/back).[1][4] - **Prescription information** for Buphenyl. - **Prescriber signature**.[1] 3. **Submit**: Doctor faxes/emails PEF to program (e.g., similar: 1-833-329-8477 fax).[1][4] **Phone: 1-855-823-7878** to start.[program details] 4. **Welcome Call**: Receive PAL assignment; benefits summary sent to doctor.[2][7] 5. **Approval**: Case-by-case; financial review follows. **Tip**: Complete all *marked fields*; email optional but speeds process.[1] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: No fixed time; benefits investigation/PA variable (days-weeks).[3] - **Approval**: 1-2 weeks typical for enrollment; PA longer if needed.[3] - **Delivery**: Ships to home/doctor/pharmacy; infusion options if applicable.[1][7] - **Refills**: PAL handles; reauthorization may apply annually (not specified).[2] Track via PAL at **1-855-823-7878**.[program details] ## Alternatives if Denied - **Appeal**: PAL assists with insurance appeals/PA resubmits.[3] - **Other Programs**: RxAssist.org for similar Amgen aid; Safety Net Foundation; state assistance.[8] - **Co-Pay Cards**: If commercially insured.[2] - **Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation**: Urea cycle grants (panfoundation.org). - **Manufacturer Samples**: Doctor request. - **Generic**: No biosimilars listed.[program details] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes, based on available program data as of 2026. Eligibility/rules change; **contact Horizon By Your Side at 1-855-823-7878** for latest. Not medical/financial advice—consult doctor/advisor. Program not for government-insured co-pay aid.[1][2] Word count: 1028.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026