Comtan

Indicated For

Parkinson's disease

About This Medication

# Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation Patient Guide: How to Get Comtan (entacapone) at Low or No Cost Comtan (entacapone) is a prescription medication used to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms by extending the effects of levodopa/carbidopa therapy. The **Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF)** offers this drug at no cost to eligible patients who meet income guidelines, residency requirements, and have limited or no prescription insurance coverage.[1][2] ## About Comtan (entacapone) **Comtan** is an oral tablet taken alongside levodopa/carbidopa to help manage Parkinson's disease. It works as a **COMT inhibitor**, which prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the body, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain for better symptom control like tremors, stiffness, and slow movement. Typical dosing is one 200 mg tablet with each levodopa/carbidopa dose, up to 10 times daily. Common side effects include involuntary movements (dyskinesia), nausea, diarrhea, and urine discoloration. Always follow your doctor's instructions and report side effects promptly. This program provides free medication to help make treatment more accessible.[1][7] ## Who Qualifies for the Program? To qualify for free Comtan through NPAF, you must: - Reside in the **United States** or a U.S. Territory. - Be treated on an **outpatient basis** by a licensed U.S. healthcare provider (HCP). - Have **limited or no prescription insurance coverage** (uninsured or government insurance like Medicare without adequate drug coverage; no commercial insurance or alternative funding programs). - Meet **income guidelines** (typically up to **400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**; higher limits for Alaska and Hawaii). - Have a **valid prescription** for Comtan. Patients with insurance tied to programs that adjust coverage based on PAP enrollment are ineligible. Extra Help applicants may need proof of denial.[1][2][3] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Eligibility is based on household income up to **400% of the FPL**. Use your household size from your tax return (Form 1040). Alaska and Hawaii have adjusted limits—check www.PAP.Novartis.com for exact figures, as they vary yearly. Here's a sample table for **2026 Continental U.S. FPL** (estimates; verify current guidelines): | Household Size | 100% FPL | 400% FPL Threshold | |---------------|----------|---------------------| | 1 | $15,060 | **$60,240** | | 2 | $20,440 | **$81,760** | | 3 | $25,820 | **$103,280** | | 4 | $31,200 | **$124,800** | | +1 per person | +$5,380 | **+ $21,520** | **Notes**: Provide proof like the first 2 pages of your 1040 tax return, W-2s, pay stubs, or 1099s. Non-filers contact NPAF at 1-800-277-2254.[2][3][7] ## Insurance Requirements You must be **uninsured** for prescriptions or have **government insurance** (e.g., Medicare Part A/B without Part D coverage, Medicaid if it doesn't cover the drug). Submit front/back copies of **all** insurance cards (primary, secondary, Rx). If insured, include **prior authorization (PA) denial** or **Extra Help denial**. No coverage from commercial plans, pharmacy benefit managers, or alternative funding programs. NPAF verifies this to ensure fairness.[1][3][5] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Check Eligibility**: Visit www.PAP.Novartis.com or call 1-800-277-2254 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm ET) to pre-screen.[1][6] 2. **Download/Request Form**: Get the application from www.PAP.Novartis.com. Patient and HCP complete sections.[2][3] 3. **Gather Documents**: - Proof of income (tax return pages 1-2, W-2, stubs). - Proof of Extra Help/PA denial (if applicable). - HCP prescription (original or faxed separately). - Insurance cards (front/back). - Patient authorization signature.[3][5][7] 4. **Complete Form**: Fill patient info, income, insurance; sign Section 5. HCP completes prescriber page, Rx, and authorization.[2] 5. **Submit**: Fax to 1-855-817-2711 or mail to NPAF, P.O. Box 52029, Phoenix, AZ 85072-2029 (or current address like PO Box 2529, Columbus, OH 43216).[2][3] **Tip**: Double-check completeness—missing info causes delays/denials.[1][5] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: Up to **4 weeks** from complete submission. You'll get a letter (and text if opted in) on status or next steps.[1] - **Delivery**: Medication **shipped directly to you** (patient's address). Initial supply and refills as approved.[1] - **Reauthorization**: **Required**—resubmit annually or as notified to confirm ongoing eligibility.[program data] ## Alternatives if Denied - **Appeal**: Contact NPAF for missing docs or clarifications.[1] - **Other Programs**: Check PANO (oncology), co-pay assistance, or universal sites like RxHope, Simplefill, or NeedyMeds.[9] - **Extra Help**: Apply via SSA.gov if Medicare; denial proof helps NPAF.[3] - **State Programs**: Local Medicaid or charity clinics. - **Manufacturer Alternatives**: No biosimilars listed; discuss generics with HCP.[program data] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on available NPAF details as of 2026. Programs can change—**always verify at www.PAP.Novartis.com or 1-800-277-2254**. NPAF reserves rights to modify/deny. Not medical advice; consult your HCP. Eligibility not guaranteed. Word count: ~950.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026