Homactin betaine HCU homocystinuria

Indicated For

homocystinuria (HCU)

About This Medication

# Eton Cares Patient Assistance Program Guide: How to Get Betaine Anhydrous at Low or No Cost Betaine anhydrous for oral solution is an FDA-approved medication used to treat homocystinuria by lowering elevated homocysteine levels in blood.[1][7] The **Eton Cares** program from Eton Pharmaceuticals offers copay assistance for commercially insured patients (as low as $0 per month) and a **Patient Assistance Program (PAP)** for uninsured patients meeting financial requirements, providing medication at low or no cost.[1][6] ## About Betaine Anhydrous **Betaine anhydrous** (generic equivalent to Cystadane®) comes as a powder for oral solution in 180-gram bottles.[1][3] It acts as a methylating agent to reduce homocysteine in homocystinuria, a rare genetic disorder affecting the body's sulfur amino acid metabolism, impacting eyes, skeleton, central nervous system, and vessels.[7] Patients often take it with vitamins like B6, B12, and folate for better results.[7] Mix the prescribed scoops (1 scoop = 1 gram) in 4-6 ounces of water, juice, milk, formula, or food, taken multiple times daily as directed.[3] One bottle's supply varies by dose; refills are specified on forms.[3] Homocystinuria confirmation typically requires genetic tests (e.g., CBS, MTHFR genes) and elevated plasma homocysteine (>15-20 µmol/L).[4] Consult a metabolic specialist for diagnosis and treatment plan.[4] ## Who Qualifies for Eton Cares? Eligibility splits by insurance: - **Commercially insured**: Copay card reduces out-of-pocket to **$0/month** for eligible patients.[1][6] - **Uninsured/underinsured**: PAP for those meeting **certain financial requirements** (specific income thresholds not publicly detailed; program reviews household income).[1][6] - Automatic enrollment upon prescription.[1] **Program does not cover Medicare patients directly**; explore state programs or alternatives.[8] Contact Eton Cares for personalized eligibility check.[1] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Exact income limits (e.g., % of Federal Poverty Level) are not specified online; eligibility requires application review.[1][6] General PAP guidelines often use 400-500% FPL, but confirm with program. | Household Size | Estimated Threshold (Example, Verify with Program) | Notes | |---------------|---------------------------------------------------|-------| | Individual | Up to ~$60,000/year (300-500% FPL) | Uninsured only [1] | | Couple | Up to ~$80,000/year | Household income [6] | | Family of 3 | Up to ~$100,000/year | Financial need proof required | | Family of 4 | Up to ~$120,000/year | Restrictions apply [1] | *Table based on typical rare disease PAPs; Eton Cares assesses case-by-case. Call for exact criteria.*[1][5] ## Insurance Requirements - **Commercial insurance**: Eligible for copay help; provide policy details on enrollment.[3] - **No insurance**: PAP option if income-qualified.[1] - **Medicare**: Not covered by Eton Cares PAP; check Medicare plans, GoodRx, or state assistance (e.g., PACE/PACENET in PA).[8] - Specialty pharmacy like CVS requires insurance info; check for manufacturer copay ID.[3] - Prior authorization often needed (e.g., Cigna requires genetic proof, homocysteine levels, specialist letter).[4][7] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Get Prescribed**: Doctor confirms homocystinuria, develops plan (often with vitamins), writes Rx for betaine anhydrous.[2][4] 2. **Enroll in Eton Cares**: Automatic on prescription, or visit betaineus.com. Doctor completes referral form.[1][6] 3. **Submit to Specialty Pharmacy**: Fax enrollment to CVS Specialty (1-800-323-2445) or email Customer.ServiceFax@CVSHealth.com with patient info, insurance, Rx details (dose, quantity, refills).[3] 4. **For PAP**: Uninsured patients contact Eton Cares support (1-855-224-0233 for adverse events; program phone via site).[1][6] Provide financial docs (income proof, ID). 5. **Copay Card**: Commercially insured get card for $0 copay at pharmacy.[1] 6. **Follow-Up**: Dedicated team helps with adherence, questions.[1] Doctor signature required (no stamps); specify 'Dispense As Written' if brand/generic needed.[3] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Approval**: Copay instant; PAP processing ~2-4 weeks (varies).[1] Cigna PA within 72 hours.[4] - **Delivery**: Via specialty pharmacy (e.g., CVS, Anovo for Cystadane).[2][3] Ships to home or pharmacy. - **Refills**: As prescribed; reauthorization may apply annually.[3] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Copay ineligible**: Eton connects to other coverage or funding sources.[1][6] - **Insurance denial**: Appeal with genetic tests, homocysteine levels, specialist letter.[4] - **Medicare**: GoodRx discounts, state PAPs.[8] - **Biosimilars**: None; generic betaine available (AB-rated to Cystadane).[1][6] - **Other**: Recordati Rare Diseases PAP for Cystadane (1-866-209-7604).[5] ## Disclaimer This guide summarizes public info as of 2026; eligibility/terms change. Not medical/financial advice. Consult doctor, Eton Cares, or pharmacist. Program restrictions apply; verify at betaineus.com or 1-855-224-0233.[1] Report side effects to FDA (1-800-FDA-1088).[6] Word count: 942.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026