Motegrity

Indicated For

Chronic idiopathic constipation

About This Medication

# Shire Cares Patient Assistance Program Guide: How to Get Motegrity (prucalopride) at Low or No Cost Motegrity (prucalopride) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults by helping to improve bowel movements when other treatments have not worked well enough. The **Shire Cares Patient Assistance Program**, offered by Takeda (formerly Shire), provides free or low-cost access to Motegrity for eligible patients struggling with high costs.[2][5] ## About Motegrity and Why Assistance Matters **Motegrity** is a **selective 5-HT4 receptor agonist** that works in the gut to increase colon motility, making it easier to have regular bowel movements. It's typically taken once daily as a 2 mg tablet and is approved for adults with CIC, a condition affecting up to 15% of the population where constipation persists despite lifestyle changes or laxatives.[1][7] Without insurance or with high copays, Motegrity can cost over $500 per month, putting a heavy burden on patients. Patient assistance programs like Shire Cares bridge this gap by covering costs for those who qualify, ensuring uninterrupted treatment to avoid complications like abdominal pain, bloating, or hemorrhoids from unmanaged constipation.[1][2] ## Who Qualifies for Shire Cares? Eligibility focuses on financial need, residency, and medical criteria. Key requirements include: - **Income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**. This is higher than many programs' 400% FPL cap, making it accessible to more moderate-income households.[2] - **U.S. citizen or legal resident** (proof required).[2] - **FDA-approved diagnosis**, such as CIC, confirmed by your doctor.[2] - **Insurance status considered case-by-case**; Medicare Part D recipients are eligible, as are uninsured or underinsured patients.[2] Note: Takeda Help at Hand no longer covers Motegrity, so focus on Shire Cares or third-party advocates like Simplefill or Prescription Hope.[6][1][7] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Shire Cares uses **300% FPL** guidelines, adjusted annually. Below is a table for 2026 estimates (check current FPL at healthcare.gov for exact figures). For a household of 1, 100% FPL is about $15,060; 300% is $45,180. | Household Size | 100% FPL (approx.) | **300% FPL Limit (approx.)** | |----------------|---------------------|------------------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $15,060 | **$45,180** | | 2 (Couple) | $20,440 | **$61,320** | | 3 | $25,820 | **$77,460** | | 4 | $31,200 | **$93,600** | *Add ~$5,760 per additional person for 100% FPL.* Applications are reviewed case-by-case, so slight overages may still qualify with extenuating circumstances.[2][9] ## Insurance Requirements Shire Cares is flexible: - **Medicare Part D patients are eligible**.[2] - Private insurance, Medicaid, or no insurance all considered individually.[2] - Attach insurance info (cards, denial letters) to your application.[2] - Programs like Simplefill work alongside existing coverage to minimize out-of-pocket costs.[1] If insured, you may still qualify if copays/deductibles make it unaffordable.[1][7] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Contact Shire Cares**: Call **888-227-3755** (Mon-Fri, typical business hours) to request an application by phone, mail, fax, or download.[2] 2. **Gather Documents**: Proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs, SSI/SSDI letters), ID/residency proof, insurance details, doctor's diagnosis note.[2] 3. **Complete Forms**: Patient fills personal/income section; **doctor completes medical section, signs, and diagnoses CIC**.[2] 4. **Submit**: Mail to PO Box 5666, Louisville, KY 40255 or fax **877-922-7379**.[2] 5. **Alternative: Use Advocates**: Services like Simplefill (1-877-386-0206) or Prescription Hope handle everything—no paperwork for you. They assess eligibility, submit apps, and manage refills for a fee (~$60-80/month).[1][7] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: 2-4 weeks after complete submission; advocates speed this up.[7] - **Supply**: Not specified duration, but often 3-12 months per approval with reauthorization.[2] - **Delivery**: Patient receives a **pharmacy card** to pick up free/low-cost Motegrity at any participating pharmacy.[2] - Ongoing: Advocates monitor refills and updates.[1] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Third-Party Services**: Simplefill, Prescription Hope ($60/month flat), Rx Advocates ($80/month)—they access multiple PAPs.[1][7][9] - **Co-Pay Cards**: Check takedapatientsupport.com for Takeda co-pay help ($5/dose if eligible).[3][4] - **Generic Options**: No generic prucalopride yet; consider doctor alternatives like linaclotide or lubiprostone PAPs. - **State Programs**: Needy Meds, RxAssist, or Medicaid expansion. - **Appeals**: Resubmit with more docs or contact advocates for other programs.[1] ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and not medical/financial advice. Eligibility, terms, and availability change; **verify directly with Shire Cares (888-227-3755) or Takeda Patient Support**. FPL limits are estimates—use official HHS guidelines. Consult your doctor before starting/stopping Motegrity. Third-party services charge fees and aren't guaranteed. Takeda (Shire) disclaims liability for third-party info. Last reviewed based on available data as of 2026.[2][1][6]

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026