Erivedge

Indicated For

basal cell carcinoma

About This Medication

# Genentech Patient Foundation Patient Guide: How to Get Erivedge (vismodegib) at Low or No Cost This guide explains how the **Genentech Patient Foundation** can help you access **Erivedge (vismodegib)**, a prescription medication used to treat adults with metastatic basal cell carcinoma or locally advanced basal cell carcinoma that has recurred following surgery or who are not candidates for surgery or radiation. Erivedge is an oral capsule taken once daily and works by targeting specific proteins involved in cancer cell growth. If financial barriers prevent you from getting this important treatment, this program may provide it free of charge if you qualify[1][2][4]. ## Who Qualifies for the Program? The Genentech Patient Foundation assists patients in the United States (including Puerto Rico) treated by a U.S.-licensed physician who face financial challenges affording Erivedge. You may qualify if you fall into one of these groups: - **Uninsured patients** with household income under $150,000 (some exceptions apply). - **Insured patients** whose out-of-pocket maximum exceeds 7.5% of their yearly household income, based on household size and income criteria. - Patients with **financial concerns** who lack insurance coverage for Erivedge or cannot afford their insurance cost-sharing requirements[4][9]. No citizenship or immigration information is required. The program evaluates your situation holistically, focusing on financial need and insurance status rather than strict federal poverty level (FPL) cutoffs[4][7]. ## About Erivedge (vismodegib) **Erivedge** is a targeted therapy approved for advanced basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. It inhibits the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which drives tumor growth in certain basal cell carcinomas. Common side effects include muscle spasms, hair loss, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, and loss of taste—discuss these with your doctor. Treatment continues as long as you benefit and tolerate it, but regular monitoring is essential due to potential risks like birth defects (it's teratogenic, so effective contraception is required during and after treatment)[1][2]. Always take as prescribed: one 150 mg capsule daily with or without food. ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Eligibility isn't based on a fixed FPL percentage but considers household income under $150,000 for uninsured patients or high out-of-pocket costs relative to income for insured ones. Household size matters—include everyone living with you. Use this table as a general guide (call for exact assessment): | Household Size | Example Max Income (Uninsured) | Insured Consideration | |---------------|-------------------------------|----------------------| | 1 | Under $150,000 AGI | OOP max >7.5% income[4] | | 2 | Under $150,000 AGI | OOP max >7.5% income[4] | | 3 | Under $150,000 AGI | OOP max >7.5% income[4] | | 4 | Under $150,000 AGI | OOP max >7.5% income[4] | | 5+ | Under $150,000 AGI (adjusted) | OOP max >7.5% income[4] | *Notes: AGI = Adjusted Gross Income from taxes. Exact thresholds vary; Foundation Specialists confirm via phone[4][6].* ## Insurance Requirements - **No insurance or financial difficulty**: Ideal for uninsured patients. - **Insured patients**: Eligible if your plan doesn't cover Erivedge fully, or if deductibles/out-of-pocket maximums create undue burden (e.g., >7.5% of income). Not for patients in government-funded programs like Medicare, Medicaid, VA, or similar—these are excluded[4][5]. - Your plan must not require applying to this program or penalize you for doing so[4]. ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applying is straightforward and can be done online, by fax, text, or phone. Both you and your doctor must complete forms[1][2]. 1. **Discuss with your doctor**: Confirm Erivedge is prescribed and ask them to help with the **Prescriber Foundation Form** (page 2)[1][4]. 2. **Complete the Patient Consent Form**: Fill out Boxes 1 and 2 online (English/Spanish available). Provide household size, income/AGI, deductible info[1][6]. Available at gene.com/patients/enrollment. 3. **Submit together**: Doctor submits both forms via: - **Online**: My Patient Solutions (if registered) or eSubmit[1][3]. - **Fax**: (833) 999-4363[1][2]. - **Text**: Photo to (650) 877-1111[1]. 4. **Call for help**: (888) 941-3331, Mon-Fri 6am-5pm PT. Specialists guide you[2][5]. Both forms are **required**—no action until received[1][7]. ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: 5 business days for initial review; full eligibility determination in **2-4 weeks**. You'll and your doctor be contacted with outcomes/next steps[1][2][7]. - **Delivery**: If approved, medicine ships free directly to you (one year supply initially). Your doctor orders refills[2][7]. - Ongoing: Free medicine continues as long as you qualify—no annual reenrollment[7]. ## Alternatives if Denied - **Appeal your insurance**: Apply while appealing denials (no proof needed)[5]. - **Other assistance**: Foundation Specialists suggest local options or Genentech Access Solutions co-pay help (if insured/qualified)[2][6]. - **State programs**: Check PAN Foundation or NeedyMeds for basal cell carcinoma aid. - **Reapply**: Circumstances change—call to discuss[5]. - No biosimilars for Erivedge currently[program data]. ## Reauthorization **Reauthorization is required** periodically to confirm ongoing eligibility. Your doctor handles refill orders; contact the program if treatment continues beyond initial approval[program data][7]. ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on program details as of 2026. Eligibility decisions are at Genentech's discretion and may change. Not medical/financial advice—consult your doctor and call (888) 941-3331 for personalized help. Program excludes government insurance; confirm coverage first[1][4]. (Word count: 1028)

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026