Increlex

Indicated For

Severe Primary IGF-1 Deficiency, growth failure

About This Medication

# **IPSEN CARES Patient Assistance Program** Patient Guide: How to Get **Increlex (mecasermin)** at Low or No Cost This guide explains the **IPSEN CARES Patient Assistance Program (PAP)**, which provides **Increlex** (mecasermin) at no cost to eligible patients facing financial hardship. It's designed for uninsured or functionally uninsured individuals who meet specific criteria, helping ensure access to this important medication.[2][3][7] ## About **Increlex (mecasermin)** **Increlex** is a prescription medication containing **mecasermin**, a recombinant insulin-like growth factor-1 (rhIGF-1). It's FDA-approved for the long-term treatment of growth failure in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency (SPIGFD), or with growth hormone (GH) gene deletion who have developed neutralizing antibodies to GH.[1][3] Increlex works by mimicking the action of natural IGF-1, a hormone that promotes growth in bones and tissues. It's given as a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection twice daily, typically before meals. Common side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), injection site reactions, and headaches. Patients must be closely monitored by their healthcare provider, especially for blood sugar levels, as dosing starts low and increases gradually.[1] This therapy can significantly improve growth velocity in eligible children, but its high list price—often over $50,000 per year—makes assistance programs essential for many families.[7] ## Who Qualifies for the Program? The **IPSEN CARES PAP** targets patients experiencing **financial hardship** who are **uninsured or functionally uninsured**. Key eligibility factors include: - U.S. residents (including Puerto Rico and territories).[5][7] - No enrollment in government insurance programs like **Medicare, Medicaid, VA, DoD, or TRICARE**.[7] - Proof of financial need, such as low income or inability to afford the medication.[2][7] - Valid prescription for Increlex from a U.S. healthcare provider.[3] **Note**: There's no strict federal poverty level (FPL) percentage listed (e.g., 400% FPL), but approval is based on demonstrated financial hardship. Cash-pay patients (no insurance or insurance not covering Increlex) may qualify for free medication through PAP, separate from the copay program which offers up to $1,000 per prescription (max $12,000/year).[1][7] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Specific income thresholds aren't publicly detailed as fixed numbers; eligibility hinges on **financial hardship** review. IPSEN CARES assesses household income, expenses, and resources case-by-case. Here's a general overview based on program notes: | Household Size | Typical Threshold Example (if FPL-based, varies) | Key Notes | |---------------|-------------------------------------------------|-----------| | Individual | Not specified; financial hardship required | Proof like tax returns, pay stubs needed[2] | | Couple | Not specified; financial hardship required | Household income considered[7] | | Family of 3 | Not specified; financial hardship required | Includes dependents[3] | | Family of 4+ | Not specified; financial hardship required | Larger families may have flexibility[7] | Contact IPSEN CARES for a pre-screening. They perform **benefits verification** to confirm eligibility.[1][3] ## Insurance Requirements - **Must be uninsured or functionally uninsured** (insurance doesn't cover Increlex).[1][7] - **Ineligible** if enrolled in government programs: Medicare, Medicaid, VA, DoD, TRICARE.[7] - Cash-pay patients qualify; Medicare Part D 'donut hole' patients do **not** for copay assistance.[1] - Commercial insurance patients may access copay help instead, but PAP is for no-coverage scenarios.[1][3] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Discuss with your healthcare provider**: Confirm Increlex prescription and ask them to complete their section of the enrollment form.[3][5] 2. **Download the Enrollment Form**: Available at www.ipsencares.com. Complete patient/guardian sections, including PAP opt-in (pages 2-7).[3][6] 3. **Gather required documents**: - Completed, signed application form.[2] - **Proof of financial hardship** (e.g., recent tax return, pay stubs, bank statements, bills).[2][7] - **Valid Increlex prescription**.[3] - **Healthcare provider information** and signature.[3] 4. **Submit**: Fax to 1-888-525-2416 or enroll online if available. Call (866) 435-5677 for help (Mon-Fri, 8 AM-8 PM ET).[1][2][4] 5. **IPSEN CARES Review**: A Patient Access Manager verifies benefits, income, and eligibility. They'll contact you with status.[3] **Application methods**: Fax, phone support, or online enrollment.[1][7] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing time**: Not specified; typically weeks after complete submission. Expect a call from an IPSEN CARES specialist post-review.[3][6] - **Delivery**: Medication ships **free to your healthcare provider's office** (not directly home).[7] - Pick up from provider; they handle injections training if needed.[10] - **Reauthorization required**: Yes, periodically (e.g., annually or per refill) to confirm ongoing eligibility.[7] ## Alternatives if Denied - **Copay Assistance Program**: For commercially insured or cash-pay with coverage gaps—up to $1,000 per Rx, $12,000/year max.[1] - **General benefits verification** via IPSEN CARES for other options.[1] - **Other PAPs**: Check NeedyMeds, RxAssist, or Partnership for Prescription Assistance. - **State programs**, manufacturer samples, or 340B clinics. - **Patient Access Manager** can explore financial access options like grants.[10] If denied, ask for reasons and reapply with more documentation. ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available program details as of latest updates. Eligibility, terms, and availability can change; **always verify directly with IPSEN CARES at (866) 435-5677 or ipsencares.com**. Not medical advice—consult your doctor for treatment decisions. Ipsen reserves the right to modify or end the program. Participation may involve sharing personal/health info for verification.[1][2][3][9] (Word count: 1028)

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026