Stalevo

Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. Patient Guide: How to Get Stalevo (carbidopa, levodopa, entacapone) at Low or No Cost

Stalevo is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, combining carbidopa, levodopa, and entacapone to help improve movement control by increasing dopamine levels in the brain.[1][2] The Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (NPAF) offers Stalevo at no cost to eligible patients who meet specific criteria, including residency, income, and insurance requirements.[1][2]

Who Qualifies for the NPAF Program?

To qualify for free Stalevo through NPAF, you must meet all of these criteria:

• Reside in the United States or a U.S. Territory.[1][2][3]
• Be treated on an outpatient basis by a licensed U.S. healthcare provider (HCP).[1][2]
• Have limited or no prescription insurance coverage (uninsured or government insurance like Medicare without full coverage; private insurance may qualify if it doesn't cover the medication fully, but prior authorization denials may be needed).[1][2][3]
• Meet income guidelines based on Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which vary by household size, medication, state (higher limits in Alaska and Hawaii), and are checked via the NPAF eligibility tool.[1][2][6]
• Have a valid prescription for Stalevo from your doctor.[1][3]

Important notes:

• NPAF does not cover patients with insurance tied to alternative funding programs that adjust based on PAP enrollment.[1][2]
• You cannot be enrolled by health plans, pharmacies, or their agents—only you, your guardian, or caregiver.[2]
• Programs can change; NPAF reserves the right to modify or end it.[2]

About Stalevo

Stalevo (carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone) is approved for Parkinson's disease patients experiencing "wearing-off" symptoms, where medication effects diminish before the next dose. Carbidopa prevents levodopa breakdown outside the brain, levodopa converts to dopamine to ease tremors, stiffness, and slowness, and entacapone prolongs levodopa's action by inhibiting its breakdown. It's taken multiple times daily, with dosing tailored by your doctor. Common side effects include nausea, dyskinesia (involuntary movements), and low blood pressure—discuss with your HCP.[1][2] This program helps if cost is a barrier, providing up to a year's supply depending on eligibility.[2][6]

Income Eligibility Breakdown

NPAF income limits are <400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for most medications like Stalevo, but exact thresholds depend on household size, your state, and the specific drug—use the online tool at www.PAP.Novartis.com for precise figures, as they update annually.[1][2][6] Proof is required via the first 2 pages of your most recent 1040 tax return (or equivalent if not filing taxes).[1][3][6]

Here's a sample table based on 2025 FPL guidelines (confirm current at PAP.Novartis.com; Alaska/Hawaii higher):

Notes: Household size from your tax return. If no tax return, contact NPAF at 1-800-277-2254.[1][3] Sliding scale applies; not all details public without checker.[2][6]

Insurance Requirements

• Uninsured or underinsured preferred; provide copies (front/back) of all insurance cards (primary, secondary, Rx).[1][3]
• Medicare: Eligible if no/low Rx coverage; may need Extra Help denial proof.[2][8]
• Private insurance: Possible if PA/appeal denied (submit copies); no coverage from alternative funding-linked plans.[1][2]
• Government insurance OK if meets other criteria.[1]

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Check Eligibility: Visit www.PAP.Novartis.com, enter Stalevo and your details.[2][3][6]
2. Download Form: Get the application from the site or PDFs.[1][3]
3. Patient Section: Fill personal info, household size, income, insurance. Sign authorization for HCP info release. Attach: tax return first 2 pages, insurance cards (front/back), PA denial if applicable.[1][3][6]
4. HCP Section: Your doctor completes their part, including prescription, diagnosis confirmation, signs.[3][4]
5. Submit: Fax to 1-855-817-2711 or mail to NPAF, PO Box 2529, Columbus, OH 43216 (or current address on form).[1][3][6] Complete apps only— incompletes delay/deny.[1][3]
6. Follow Up: Call 1-800-277-2254 (M-F, 9am-6pm EST) for questions.[1][4][6]

Tip: Use checklists in forms to avoid errors.[3][4]

Timeline and Delivery

• Processing: ~4 weeks for decision letter (text if opted in).[2][6]
• If approved, medication ships free to your doctor's office or home (details in letter).[2][7]
• Supply duration varies (often 1-12 months); reapply as needed.[2]

Alternatives if Denied

• Appeal: Review denial letter for reasons (e.g., income, docs); resubmit fixes.[2][7]
• Other Programs: Novartis Co-Pay Assistance (if insured), Simplefill, RxHope, or PANO for oncology (not applicable).[5][9]
• Generic Options: Discuss biosimilars/affordable alternatives with HCP (none listed for Stalevo).[1]
• State Programs: Check Medicaid, Extra Help for Medicare.
• Contact NPAF for guidance.[2][7]

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes based on available NPAF details as of latest updates. Eligibility, income limits, addresses, and terms can change—always verify at www.PAP.Novartis.com or call 1-800-277-2254. NPAF decisions final; not guaranteed. Consult your doctor for medical advice. Not affiliated with Novartis.[1][2][3]