Natpara

Indicated For

hypoparathyroidism

About This Medication

# NATPARA Patient Guide: How to Get Natpara at Low or No Cost **Important Notice: The NATPARA Special Use Program closed on December 31, 2025. As of 2026, NATPARA is no longer available through this or any Takeda patient assistance program.** This guide provides historical context on the program for reference, but patients should consult healthcare providers for current hypoparathyroidism treatment options.[7] ## About Natpara (Parathyroid Hormone) Natpara is a prescription medication containing **parathyroid hormone** used to treat **hypoparathyroidism**, a rare condition where the parathyroid glands do not produce enough hormone, leading to low blood calcium levels. It helps maintain calcium balance when other treatments like calcium and vitamin D supplements are insufficient. Natpara was administered as a daily subcutaneous injection via a prefilled cartridge in a delivery device.[1][5] **Key risks**: Natpara carries serious risks, including potential bone cancer (osteosarcoma), which is why it was subject to a strict **REMS program** (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) required by the FDA. Only certified prescribers and pharmacies could prescribe and dispense it.[5][6] Natpara was recalled in 2019 due to manufacturing issues but made available through a limited **Special Use Program** for patients facing life-threatening complications from discontinuation. This program supported a very small number of prior users.[1][7] ## Who Qualifies for Assistance? The **NATPARA Special Use Program** was not a traditional financial assistance program based on income. Instead, eligibility was extremely limited: - Patients **previously prescribed Natpara** before the 2019 recall. - Those facing **life-threatening complications** (e.g., severe hypocalcemia) due to stopping the drug. - Requests made **by healthcare providers** only, not directly by patients.[1][7] Takeda's **Help at Hand** program offered free medication to uninsured or underinsured patients for eligible products, but Natpara was **not listed** among them. General co-pay programs reduced costs to $5 per dose for eligible insured patients, but again, Natpara's restricted status excluded it.[2][3] **No broad income-based eligibility**: Unlike standard PAPs (Patient Assistance Programs), there were no Federal Poverty Level (FPL) thresholds like 400% or 500% FPL. Qualification hinged on medical necessity under the Special Use Program.[1] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown | Household Size | Annual Income Limit | % of FPL | Notes | |---------------|---------------------|----------|-------| | Individual | Not Applicable | N/A | Eligibility based on prior Natpara use and life-threatening risk, not income.[1][7] | | Couple | Not Applicable | N/A | No income criteria; provider-requested only. | | Family of 3 | Not Applicable | N/A | Special Use Program was not needs-based. | | Family of 4 | Not Applicable | N/A | Consult provider for alternatives post-2025 closure. | **Disclaimer**: Table reflects the unique, non-financial criteria of the program. Standard Takeda programs like Help at Hand may apply income limits for other drugs (typically up to 400-500% FPL, varying by product), but not for Natpara.[2][3] ## Insurance Requirements Natpara required enrollment in the **NATPARA REMS Program**. Prescribers had to certify via training and submit forms; pharmacies verified certification and completed **Patient-Prescriber Acknowledgment Forms**.[5][6] - **No insurance?** Help at Hand was for uninsured/underinsured, but Natpara unavailable.[2] - **Commercial insurance?** Co-pay cards potentially reduced costs to $5/dose, but REMS/special use restrictions applied.[3] - **Government insurance (Medicare/Medicaid)?** Not eligible for Takeda co-pay programs; patients directed to Extra Help or nonprofits.[9] The Special Use Program bypassed typical insurance but was provider-initiated for emergencies.[1][7] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Consult your doctor**: Discuss if you qualified (prior Natpara user with life-threatening issues). Only providers could request.[1] 2. **REMS enrollment**: Doctor completes online/paper certification at www.NATPARAREMS.com, Knowledge Assessment, and Prescriber Enrollment Form (fax 1-844-NAT-REMS or email NATPARAREMS@takeda.com).[5][6] 3. **Patient forms**: Complete Patient-Prescriber Acknowledgment Form with doctor; receive patient brochure.[6] 4. **Special Use request**: Provider contacts NATPARA Special Use Program manager at **1-866-888-0660** (Mon-Fri, 8 AM-? ET) to request access.[7] 5. **Pharmacy verification**: Certified pharmacy verifies prescriber/patient forms, fills prescription, and ships.[6] 6. **Contact Takeda**: For questions, call 1-855-NATPARA (1-855-628-7272).[1][6] **Post-2025**: Program closed; work with your doctor on alternatives like high-dose calcium/vitamin D or clinical trials.[7] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: Varies; REMS forms faxed immediately, Special Use requests handled case-by-case for urgent needs.[6][7] - **Approval**: Provider-led; anticipated for small number of patients quickly if eligible.[1] - **Delivery**: Certified pharmacies contacted patients to arrange shipment after filling.[6] Monthly supplies for ongoing needs under Special Use, but program ended Dec 31, 2025.[7][9] ## Alternatives if Denied or Post-Closure - **Standard hypoparathyroidism treatments**: Oral calcium, active vitamin D (calcitriol), magnesium supplements.[1] - **Takeda programs for other drugs**: Help at Hand (free for eligible uninsured), Co-Pay ($5/dose).[2][3] - **Other resources**: PAN Foundation, HealthWell Foundation for hypoparathyroidism; Medicare Extra Help.[9] - **Clinical trials**: Search ClinicalTrials.gov for parathyroid hormone analogs. - **Provider support**: Takeda's Patient Support at www.takedapatientsupport.com or 1-855-NATPARA.[4] **Biosimilars**: None available for Natpara.[ ] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on historical program details up to 2025. It does not constitute medical or financial advice. **NATPARA is no longer available.** Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized treatment plans. Eligibility, availability, and terms change; verify with Takeda or FDA. Takeda disclaims liability for decisions based on this guide. Data sourced from Takeda sites, FDA, REMS (2019-2025).[1][5][7] (Word count: 942)

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026