Isentress

Indicated For

HIV-1 infection

About This Medication

# Merck Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Isentress (raltegravir) at Low or No Cost Isentress (raltegravir) is an antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children. The **Merck Patient Assistance Program** provides this important medicine **free of charge** to eligible patients who are primarily uninsured and meet specific financial criteria.[1][4] ## About Isentress (raltegravir) **Isentress**, also known as raltegravir, belongs to a class of drugs called integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs). It works by blocking the HIV virus from multiplying in your body, helping to control the infection and prevent it from damaging your immune system. Isentress is typically taken as part of a combination therapy with other HIV medications. It's available in tablet form, including Isentress HD (600 mg extended-release tablets), and dosing is usually twice daily with or without food.[1][2][4] This guide focuses on the Merck Patient Assistance Program (PAP), which helps patients like you access Isentress when cost is a barrier. The program is designed for those facing financial hardship, ensuring you can stay on your prescribed treatment without interruption.[1][6] ## Who Qualifies for the Program? To qualify for the **Merck Patient Assistance Program**, you must meet **all three** key conditions:[1][3][8] 1. **Residency and Prescription**: You must be a resident of the United States (including Puerto Rico and U.S. territories) and have a valid prescription for Isentress from a U.S.-licensed healthcare provider.[1][3] 2. **No Insurance Coverage**: You do not have prescription drug coverage through private insurance, HMOs, Medicaid, Medicare, veterans assistance, state programs, or any other social service agency. Underinsured patients with **special financial or medical hardship** may also qualify on a case-by-case basis.[1][2][4] 3. **Financial Need**: Your household income must meet the program's criteria, demonstrating you cannot afford your medicine. The program primarily serves those with incomes at or below certain federal poverty level (FPL) thresholds or in financial hardship, though exact limits are assessed individually (e.g., references suggest up to ~$79,800 for individuals, $108,200 for couples, $165,000 for families of 4 in some contexts).[8] **Note**: Eligibility is determined holistically, focusing on uninsured status and financial/medical hardship. The program reserves the right to audit applications and request proof of income or hardship.[3][5] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown The Merck PAP does not publish fixed income tables publicly but evaluates based on financial hardship. Here's a general guide based on program references (always confirm during application as limits can update):[8] | Household Size | Approximate Max Annual Income | Notes | |---------------|-------------------------------|--------| | 1 (Individual) | ≤ $79,800 | Primarily uninsured with hardship[8] | | 2 (Couple) | ≤ $108,200 | Case-by-case for underinsured[8] | | 3 | Varies by FPL/hardship | Contact program for details[1] | | 4 | ≤ $165,000 | Financial need primary factor[8] | | 5+ | Add ~$25,000 per person | Assessed individually[1][3] | **Important**: These are illustrative; call (800) 727-5400 for your specific situation. No strict FPL percentage is listed, but income must align with 'cannot afford' criteria.[1][4] ## Insurance Requirements The program is **primarily for uninsured patients**. You **cannot** have any form of prescription coverage, including:[1][2] - Private insurance or HMOs - Medicare Part D - Medicaid - Veterans (VA) benefits - State pharmacy assistance - Other social services **Underinsured?** You may qualify if you face **special financial or medical hardship** (e.g., high copays making meds unaffordable). Medicare patients are generally ineligible unless no coverage applies.[1][4][9] Disclose all coverage honestly—false info can lead to denial.[3] ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applying is straightforward and free. Here's how:[1][4][5] 1. **Check Eligibility**: Review criteria on MerckHelps.com or call **(800) 727-5400** (8 AM-8 PM ET, Mon-Fri).[1][4] 2. **Get the Form**: Download from merckhelps.com/ISENTRESS, request by phone, or ask your doctor.[1][5] 3. **Complete Patient Sections**: Fill out all personal info (Sections 1-3), sign, and date. Use black ink if handwriting.[1][3] 4. **Visit Your Doctor**: Take the form to your U.S.-licensed prescriber. They complete Section 4 (prescription, up to 3 Merck meds/90-day supply), sign Sections 4-5, and note delivery preferences.[1][4] 5. **Submit**: Mail original form to **Merck Patient Assistance Program, PO Box 690, Horsham, PA 19044-9979**. No fax/email unless specified.[3][4] **Required Documents**: - Prescription from U.S.-licensed provider - Fully completed, signed enrollment form (patient + doctor)[1][3] No additional docs needed upfront, but audits may request proof.[5] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: Typically **less than 7 business days** if complete; up to **2 weeks** overall. Urgent needs? Call (800) 727-5400.[5][10] - **Approval**: If eligible, meds ship **free to your home** (or doctor's office if requested).[1][4] - **Supply**: Up to 90-day supply + **3 refills** per form. Form valid **up to 12 months**; **reauthorization required** annually or sooner.[1][4][7] ## Refills and Reauthorization Contact the program before running out. Your doctor may need to submit refill info or a new form after 12 months/3 refills. Enrollment may be calendar-year limited.[1][7] ## Alternatives if Denied - **Appeal**: Call (800) 727-5400 to discuss reasons and resubmit.[5] - **Other Merck Programs**: Check Merck Access for copay help if insured.[6] - **RxAssist.org**: Search other HIV assistance (e.g., PAN Foundation).[7] - **Generic Raltegravir**: Ask your doctor about alternatives if appropriate. - **State Programs**: Local AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) for HIV meds. No biosimilars listed for Isentress.[4] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on available program details as of latest sources. Eligibility, processes, and income limits can change—**always verify with Merck at (800) 727-5400 or merckhelps.com**. Not medical advice; consult your doctor for treatment. Merck reserves audit rights; provide accurate info to avoid issues. Word count: ~950.[1][3][5]

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026