Somatuline Depot

Indicated For

acromegaly, GEP-NETs

About This Medication

# IPSEN CARES Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Somatuline Depot at Low or No Cost Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) is a prescription medication used to treat certain serious conditions, and the **IPSEN CARES Patient Assistance Program** can provide it **free of charge** to eligible patients facing financial hardship who are uninsured or functionally uninsured. This guide explains everything you need to know about qualifying for and applying to the program, from eligibility rules to the step-by-step process. It's designed to be easy to follow, so you can take action quickly with your doctor's help. ## About Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) **Somatuline Depot** is an injectable somatostatin analog, a type of medication that helps control hormone levels in the body. It's FDA-approved for: - Long-term treatment of **acromegaly** in patients who haven't responded well to surgery or radiation. - Treatment of **gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs)**. - Management of **carcinoid syndrome** associated with neuroendocrine tumors. The medication is given as a deep subcutaneous injection (under the skin) every 4 weeks, typically at doses of 90 mg, 120 mg, or 180 mg depending on your condition and response. It's administered by a healthcare professional and billed under HCPCS code **J1930** (lanreotide, 1 mg). Common side effects include gallbladder issues, high blood sugar, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea or abdominal pain. **Always discuss risks and benefits with your doctor**, and report allergic reactions immediately, as it's contraindicated in those with lanreotide hypersensitivity. Somatuline Depot is expensive without assistance—often thousands of dollars per dose—so programs like IPSEN CARES are vital for access. ## Who Qualifies for the IPSEN CARES Patient Assistance Program? The program provides **free Somatuline Depot** to patients who meet **all** these criteria: - Experiencing **financial hardship** and meeting the program's financial eligibility guidelines (specific income thresholds are not publicly listed but evaluated case-by-case). - **Uninsured or functionally uninsured** (meaning high out-of-pocket costs make the medication unaffordable despite some coverage). - **U.S. resident**. - Have a **valid prescription** for an on-label use of Somatuline Depot. **Note:** Eligibility does not guarantee approval; applications are reviewed individually. This program is separate from copay assistance, which is for commercially insured patients (not government insurance like Medicare/Medicaid). ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Exact income limits (e.g., Federal Poverty Level percentages) are **not publicly specified** and are assessed based on proof of financial hardship. Ipsen evaluates household income, expenses, and other factors holistically. Here's a general overview in table form (contact the program for your personalized assessment): | Household Size | Typical Threshold Example* | Notes | |---------------|----------------------------|-------| | Individual | Case-by-case | Proof of hardship required | | Couple | Case-by-case | U.S. residency mandatory | | Family of 3 | Case-by-case | Financial docs reviewed | | Family of 4+ | Case-by-case | No fixed FPL % listed | *Examples are illustrative; actual eligibility determined by Ipsen. Call (866) 435-5677 for details. ## Insurance Requirements You must be **uninsured or functionally uninsured**. This means: - No private commercial insurance covering Somatuline Depot, or - Coverage exists but copays/deductibles make it unaffordable ("functionally uninsured"). **Government insurance note:** Patients on Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal/state programs typically do **not** qualify for this free drug PAP but may access copay help via foundations or other routes. Confirm with Ipsen. ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applying is straightforward but requires your doctor's involvement. Multiple methods are available. 1. **Talk to your doctor:** Discuss your financial situation and get a valid Somatuline Depot prescription. They'll help complete the enrollment form. 2. **Gather documents:** - Completed **enrollment form** (download from ipsencares.com or call for one). - **Valid prescription**. - **Proof of financial hardship** (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, bills showing inability to pay). 3. **Submit application:** - **Online:** Visit https://www.ipsencares.com/somatuline-depot-patient-support/smd-us-005023-patient-assistance-program and upload. - **Phone:** Call **(866) 435-5677** (8 AM–8 PM ET, Mon–Fri) for assistance or to start. - **Fax/Mail:** Follow instructions from the form or phone rep. 4. **Review process:** A Patient Access Specialist reviews within **1 business day** and contacts you and your doctor. 5. **Approval:** If approved, medication ships **free** via specialty pharmacy network to your doctor's office. **Tip:** Enroll in IPSEN CARES overall for extra support like insurance navigation. ## Timeline and Delivery - **Submission to review:** 1 business day. - **Approval notification:** Via phone/email to you and HCP. - **Delivery:** Shipped to **physician's office** (not home) through Ipsen's specialty pharmacy network for timely administration. **Reauthorization:** Required periodically—your doctor submits updates to continue supply. ## Alternatives if Denied - **Copay Assistance:** For commercially insured patients (not Medicare)—pay as little as $0 per prescription. Enroll at copay.ipsencares.com. - **Foundation Grants:** Organizations like Patient Access Network (PAN) or HealthWell for neuroendocrine conditions. - **Specialty Pharmacies:** Like QuickRx for enrollment help. - **Other PAPs:** Check needymeds.org or doctor's social worker. - **Appeal:** Contact Ipsen to discuss denial reasons and resubmit. ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available program details as of latest updates. **Eligibility, terms, and availability can change—always verify directly with IPSEN CARES at (866) 435-5677 or ipsencares.com.** Not medical advice; consult your healthcare provider for treatment decisions. Ipsen reserves the right to modify or end the program. Free medication is limited by availability.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026