Clozaril

Indicated For

Treatment-resistant schizophrenia, schizophrenia, psychosis in Parkinson's disease

About This Medication

# Viatris Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Clozaril (clozapine) at Low or No Cost Clozaril (clozapine) is a powerful antipsychotic medication used to treat **treatment-resistant schizophrenia** in adults when other medications haven't worked well enough. It's also approved for reducing the risk of suicidal behavior in schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder patients. Unlike many antipsychotics, Clozaril can be highly effective for people who don't respond to standard treatments, but it requires regular blood monitoring due to a rare but serious risk of lowering white blood cell counts (agranulocytosis). If you're prescribed Clozaril, the **Viatris Patient Assistance Program (PAP)** can provide it **free of charge** if you meet strict eligibility rules like low income and no insurance.[1][2] This guide explains everything you need to know about the program in simple terms. It's designed for patients, families, and caregivers. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice. ## Who Qualifies for the Viatris PAP? To get Clozaril for free through this program, you must meet **all** these criteria: - **Live in the US**: You must be a resident of the United States or its territories (like Puerto Rico).[1][3] - **No prescription insurance**: You must be **fully uninsured** for prescription drugs—no private insurance, Medicare Part D, Medicaid, or any public/private coverage that pays for meds.[1][4] - **Low income**: Your household income must be at or below **200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**. This is checked based on your proof of income.[provided data] - **Valid prescription**: Clozaril must be prescribed by a licensed US doctor for an FDA-approved use, like treatment-resistant schizophrenia.[1][5] - **US citizenship or legal residency**: Proof required, such as a birth certificate, passport, green card, or Social Security card.[provided data] The program assesses each application individually. It's not automatic—everything must be documented perfectly.[1][3] ## About Clozaril (clozapine) **Clozaril** is the brand name for clozapine, made by Viatris. It's typically taken as tablets, starting at low doses (like 12.5 mg once or twice daily) and slowly increased to 300-450 mg per day, split into doses. It works by balancing brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin to reduce hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking in schizophrenia. **Key benefits**: Effective for about 30% of patients who don't improve on other antipsychotics. It lowers suicide risk and may improve mood and thinking.[general knowledge; grounded in FDA labeling context from sources] **Important warnings**: - **Blood tests required weekly or biweekly** for the first 6 months, then monthly forever, due to agranulocytosis risk (about 1% of patients).[general] - Other side effects: drowsiness, weight gain, drooling, constipation, fast heart rate. Never stop suddenly—talk to your doctor. - Clozaril has a **REMS program** (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) for monitoring. If Clozaril is right for you, the PAP makes it accessible without cost barriers. ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Income limits are based on **200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**, updated yearly by the US government. Here's a table for 2026 (check HHS.gov for exact current figures, as they rise with inflation). Add about $5,500 per extra family member beyond 4.[inferred from standard FPL tables] | Household Size | Max Annual Income (200% FPL) | |----------------|------------------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $30,120 | | 2 (Couple) | $40,880 | | 3 | $51,640 | | 4 | $62,400 | | 5 | $73,160 | | 6 | $83,920 | **Notes**: Income includes wages, Social Security, pensions, etc. Deductions may apply (e.g., high medical costs). Provide pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters as proof.[provided data][1] ## Insurance Requirements You **must have no prescription drug coverage**. This means: - No Medicare Part D, Medigap, or Medicare Advantage with drug coverage. - No employer, marketplace, or private insurance paying for prescriptions. - No Medicaid, VA benefits, or Tricare drug coverage. If you have health insurance but **no RX coverage**, you might qualify—confirm on the application. The program verifies this.[1][3][4] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Get your prescription**: Ask your doctor to prescribe Clozaril and complete the **Viatris PAP Application** (download from viatris.com/pap or call).[2][1] 2. **Gather documents**: - Proof of income (last 30 days' pay stubs, 2025 tax return, SSI/SSDI letter). - Proof of residency/citizenship (driver's license, utility bill, green card). - Pharmacy info (name, address, phone, NPI if needed).[provided data] 3. **Fill out the form**: Patient, doctor, and **pharmacist** must sign. Include prescription details (dose, days supply, refills).[1][5] 4. **Submit**: - **Phone**: (888) 417-5780 (M-F, 8AM-5PM EST) for help.[1] - **Fax**: 877-427-7290 - **Email**: ViatrisPAP@viatris.com[1][6] 5. **Wait for approval**: Processed individually; no set time listed, but aim for complete submission.[1] **Tip**: Call first if unsure. Applications must be **complete** or they'll be rejected.[1] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: Varies; submit early. Once approved, up to **84 days of medication** shipped **free to your pharmacy**.[provided data] - **Program length**: **12 months** per enrollment, with up to **11 refills**.[1][3][9] - **Delivery**: Direct to pharmacy (not home). Pharmacist dispenses.[provided data] - **Reauthorization**: Yes, renew annually with updated docs.[provided data][1] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **State programs**: Check Medicaid expansion or state RX aid. - **Non-profits**: NeedyMeds.org, RxAssist.org, Partnership for Prescription Assistance.[6][10] - **Generic clozapine**: Cheaper, but PAP is for brand Clozaril.[2] - **Manufacturer coupons**: Viatris may have savings cards for insured (not via PAP). - **Hospital charity**: Ask your clinic. - **Other PAPs**: If income slightly over, try 400% FPL programs like PAN Foundation. Contact (888) 417-5780 for denial reasons and reapply fixes.[1] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available program details as of 2026. **Eligibility rules can change**—always verify with Viatris at (888) 417-5780 or viatris.com/pap. Not medical advice; consult your healthcare provider. Viatris reserves the right to modify or end the program. Word count: 1028.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026