Retacrit

Indicated For

CKD anemia, cancer, HIV, perisurgery

About This Medication

# Pfizer Oncology Together Patient Guide: How to Get Retacrit (epoetin alfa-epbx) at Low or No Cost Retacrit (epoetin alfa-epbx) is a biosimilar erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) used to treat anemia by helping your body make more red blood cells. Pfizer Oncology Together offers **co-pay assistance** for eligible commercially insured patients, potentially reducing your out-of-pocket costs to **$0 per month** (up to $10,000 annually per product), and connects uninsured or low-income patients to the separate Pfizer Patient Assistance Program (PAP).[1][3][4][5] ## About Retacrit and Why You Might Need It Retacrit is prescribed for specific types of anemia, such as: - Anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. - Anemia in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy (when treatment is expected to last at least two more months). - Reducing the need for blood transfusions before elective non-cardiac, non-vascular surgery.[2] **Important Safety Note**: Retacrit carries **boxed warnings** for increased risk of death, heart problems, stroke, blood clots, and tumor growth in certain cancer patients. Use the lowest dose to avoid needing red blood cell transfusions, and do not start if hemoglobin is over 11 g/dL. Always follow your doctor's instructions and discuss risks.[2] This guide explains how Pfizer Oncology Together can help lower or eliminate costs for Retacrit, making treatment more accessible. ## Who Qualifies for Assistance? Pfizer Oncology Together primarily provides **co-pay assistance** for **commercially insured patients**. If you're uninsured or low-income, they can guide you to Pfizer's full Patient Assistance Program (PAP), though specific Retacrit details under PAP are not outlined here—call for eligibility.[1][3][5] ### Key Eligibility Criteria - **For Co-Pay Help**: Commercially insured (private insurance, not government programs). Excludes Medicare, Medicaid, VA, Tricare, etc.[4][5] - **Income**: No strict federal poverty level (FPL) thresholds listed for co-pay; it's based on commercial insurance. For PAP (uninsured/low-income), income limits apply but are not detailed for Retacrit—program checks household income against state restrictions.[5][9] - **Prescription**: Valid prescription for Retacrit from your doctor. - **U.S. Resident**: Must live in the U.S.[6] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Co-pay assistance doesn't have fixed income thresholds—it's for commercially insured patients regardless of income (terms apply). For full PAP free medication, income is reviewed (typically up to 400-500% FPL, but call to confirm for Retacrit).[5][9] | Household Size | Co-Pay Assistance | Full PAP (Estimated, Call to Confirm) | |----------------|-------------------|-------------------------------------| | Individual | No income limit (commercial insurance required) | Up to ~$60,000/year (varies by state) | | Couple | No income limit (commercial insurance required) | Up to ~$80,000/year (varies by state) | | Family of 3 | No income limit (commercial insurance required) | Up to ~$100,000/year (varies by state) | | Family of 4 | No income limit (commercial insurance required) | Up to ~$120,000/year (varies by state) | *Notes: Co-pay caps at $10,000 savings/year. PAP for uninsured/low-income; exact Retacrit thresholds not specified—contact program.[4][5][9]* ## Insurance Requirements - **Eligible**: Commercial/private insurance only for co-pay help. Patients may pay **$0** out-of-pocket.[4][5][8] - **Not Eligible**: Government insurance like Medicare Part D, Medicaid, etc. However, some sources note Medicare Part D patients *may* qualify for certain assistance—call to verify.[10] - **Uninsured/Low-Income**: Directed to Pfizer PAP for potential free medication.[3][9] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Talk to Your Doctor**: Confirm Retacrit prescription. Your healthcare provider (HCP) can enroll you via the Provider Portal or fax form.[1][6] 2. **Choose Your Path**: - **Commercially Insured (Co-Pay)**: Enroll online at pfizeroncologytogether.com, use Co-Pay Patient Portal, or call (800) 505-4426.[1][4][7] - **Uninsured/Low-Income (PAP)**: HCP or patient applies via Pfizer RxPathways; Pfizer Oncology Together connects you.[3][9] 3. **Gather Documents**: Prescription, proof of income (for PAP), insurance card (for co-pay). Exact list not specified—program will guide.[6] 4. **Enroll**: Online, phone, fax enrollment form. Specify Retacrit dosage, quantity, refills.[1][6] 5. **Submit**: HCP faxes or uses portal; patients can sign up directly for co-pay card.[7] 6. **Get Support**: Patient Access Navigators (Mon-Fri, 9AM-5PM local time) help with access/reimbursement.[1] Multiple methods available (online, phone, fax).[1] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: 2-3 weeks for PAP enrollment notification.[9] Co-pay approval often faster (real-time portal for HCPs).[1] - **Delivery**: Co-pay card for pharmacy use; medication via your pharmacy or HCP. Free meds under PAP shipped to doctor's office or pharmacy.[6] - **Refills**: Specify on form; reauthorization may be needed (call for details).[6] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Switch Insurance Type**: If government-insured, explore state programs or Medicare Extra Help. - **Other Assistance**: Pfizer RxPathways for PAP; Patient Access Navigators connect to resources.[3][9] - **Biosimilars**: No specific alternatives listed for Retacrit.[ ] - **General Help**: NeedyMeds, RxAssist, or PAN Foundation for anemia meds. - **Appeal**: Contact program—Navigators assist with denials.[1] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available program details as of latest info. Eligibility, terms, and benefits can change. **Always verify with Pfizer Oncology Together at (800) 505-4426 or your HCP.** Not medical advice—discuss Retacrit risks/benefits with your doctor. Limits apply (e.g., $10,000 cap). Pfizer not liable for errors. See full Prescribing Info for Retacrit.[1][2][4]

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026