Pegintron

Indicated For

Chronic Hepatitis C

About This Medication

# Merck Patient Assistance Program: The ACT Program Patient Guide: How to Get Pegintron (peginterferon alfa-2b) at Low or No Cost Pegintron (peginterferon alfa-2b) is a prescription medication used to treat conditions like chronic hepatitis C and melanoma, and the **Merck Patient Assistance Program (also known as The ACT Program)** provides it free to eligible uninsured U.S. residents who meet income guidelines and cannot afford their medicine.[1][2][9] This guide explains everything you need to know to apply, qualify, and get your medication. It's designed for patients like you—clear, step-by-step, and easy to follow. Always consult your doctor for medical advice. ## About Pegintron (peginterferon alfa-2b) **Pegintron** is an injectable form of interferon, a protein that helps your immune system fight viruses and certain cancers. It's FDA-approved for: - Treating chronic hepatitis C in adults and children (often with ribavirin).[9] - Adjuvant therapy for melanoma after surgery (as Sylatron, a related brand).[9] It's given as a weekly subcutaneous injection, with dosing based on your body weight (e.g., up to 3 mcg/kg/week). Common side effects include flu-like symptoms, fatigue, depression, and blood count changes—your doctor will monitor these. Treatment duration varies: 6-12 months for hepatitis C or up to a year for melanoma.[9] If you're prescribed Pegintron, this program can make it accessible at no cost if you qualify.[1][6] ## Who Qualifies for the Program? To join the **Merck Patient Assistance Program**, you must meet **all three** key criteria:[3][7] 1. **U.S. Residency**: Live in the U.S. (including territories like Puerto Rico); no citizenship required.[3][5] 2. **No Prescription Coverage**: Uninsured for this medicine—no private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, HMOs, veterans' aid, or state programs. Alternative funding plans that require PAP application as a prerequisite also disqualify you.[1][2][7] 3. **Financial Need**: Household income below program limits, and you can't afford the medicine. Exceptions possible for hardships if income qualifies.[3][7] Your doctor must prescribe Pegintron and complete part of the application.[3] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Exact income thresholds aren't listed publicly for all programs and may update yearly—**call 1-866-363-6379 for your current household size**.[1] Based on recent examples for similar Merck programs, limits are around **400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**. Here's a sample table (verify by phone as FPL changes annually):[7] | Household Size | Max Annual Income (approx. 400% FPL) | |----------------|-------------------------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $63,840 | | 2 (Couple) | $86,560 | | 3 | $109,280 | | 4 | $132,000 | | +1 per member | +$22,720 | **Notes**: Income includes all household earnings. Program verifies via credit report or documents (won't hurt your credit). Special cases reviewed individually.[3] ## Insurance Requirements **Uninsured only**—no coverage for Pegintron from any source, including Medicare Part D, Medicaid, or employer plans.[2][7] If insured but facing high costs/hardship, request an exception (income must still qualify).[3][5] Avoid plans tying coverage to PAP denial.[1] Merck's Access Program can check insurance options first.[4][10] ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applications start **by phone** for Pegintron via The ACT Program—call **1-866-363-6379**.[1] Here's how: 1. **Contact the Program**: Call 1-866-363-6379 (or general Merck PAP at 800-727-5400). Confirm Pegintron eligibility and get forms.[3][5] 2. **Gather Documents**: Prepare proof of income (e.g., tax return, pay stubs, 2 months' bank statements—one document often suffices).[3] 3. **Doctor Completes Form**: Your healthcare provider (HCP) fills Section 5: signs, dates, adds NPI, and writes prescription (separate for controlled substances).[3] 4. **You Complete Your Part**: Sign Sections 2/3; include residency proof if needed.[3] 5. **Submit**: Mail to Merck Patient Assistance Program, PO Box 690, Horsham, PA 19044-0997 (or as instructed).[5] Phone apps may ship forms to you.[1] 6. **Verification**: Program checks income/credit; approve/deny quickly.[3] HCP can order up to 3-month supply + 3 refills (1 year total).[3][5] ## Timeline and Delivery Processing is typically fast—days to weeks, though not specified.[3] Once approved, medication ships to your home (or doctor's office if requested).[5] Up to 90-day supply per fill; refills as prescribed.[5] Enrollment lasts up to 12 months; reapply after.[3][5] ## Alternatives if Denied - **Appeal**: If denied for insurance/hardship, request exception with doctor letter.[3] - **Merck Access Program**: Call for copay help or insurance navigation (if partially insured).[4][10] - **Other PAPs**: Check RxAssist.org or NeedyMeds for alternatives.[2] - **State Programs**: Veterans, Medicaid, or 340B clinics.[7] - **Generic/Biosimilars**: None listed for Pegintron.[9] - **Patient Discount Cards**: GoodRx for cash-pay (not free).[2] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on available program details as of latest data—rules change, so **verify with Merck at 1-866-363-6379**.[1][3] Not medical/financial advice. Eligibility not guaranteed. Merck provides free meds but doesn't cover other costs. Consult your doctor; report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. (Word count: 942)

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026