Tegretol

Indicated For

epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, bipolar disorder

About This Medication

# Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation Program Patient Guide: How to Get Tegretol at Low or No Cost ## About This Program The **Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF)** provides **Tegretol (carbamazepine)** at no cost to eligible patients who cannot afford their medication. Tegretol is an anticonvulsant medication prescribed to treat seizure disorders, neuropathic pain conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, and certain psychiatric conditions including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.[1][3] ## Who Qualifies for Tegretol Assistance To receive free or low-cost Tegretol through NPAF, you must meet all of the following requirements:[3][5] - **Reside in the United States or a US Territory** - **Be treated by a licensed US healthcare provider** on an outpatient basis - **Have no prescription drug coverage** (public or private insurance) - **Meet the program's income guidelines** (which vary by household size; Alaska and Hawaii have different limits) - **Be a US resident** Patients with Medicare Part D coverage are **not eligible** for this program.[2] ## Understanding Income Eligibility The Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation evaluates income on a case-by-case basis. While specific income thresholds are not publicly disclosed, the program considers your household size when determining eligibility.[5][8] Income limits vary by product and household size, so your specific situation will be assessed individually during the application process. When applying, you will need to provide **proof of income** documentation to verify your financial need.[2][6] ## Insurance Requirements This program is designed for patients **without prescription drug coverage**. If you have any form of prescription insurance—whether private, Medicare, Medicaid, or other third-party coverage—you are typically ineligible for NPAF assistance.[5] However, if you have received a denial of Extra Help (a Medicare program), you may still qualify, and you should submit evidence of this denial with your application.[3] If you have insurance but struggle with high co-pays, Novartis also offers a **Patient Savings Co-Pay Card** that may help reduce your out-of-pocket costs for medications you're already able to access through your insurance.[9] ## How to Apply: Step-by-Step **Step 1: Check Your Eligibility** Review the eligibility requirements above to confirm you meet all criteria. You can check your eligibility through the NPAF website at pap.novartis.com.[3] **Step 2: Gather Required Documents** Before starting your application, collect the following:[6] - Proof of income (recent tax return, pay stubs, or benefit statements) - Proof of US residency - Information about your current prescription coverage (or documentation that you have none) - Your healthcare provider's contact information **Step 3: Complete Your Application** You and your healthcare provider must each complete your sections of the application. Your healthcare provider will need to:[2][6] - Complete their portion of the application - Sign the application - Provide a prescription for 90 days of Tegretol - Sign and date the Healthcare Professional Authorization section You will need to:[2][6] - Complete your portion of the application - Sign and date your section - Attach copies of all required income documentation - Attach proof of insurance status (or lack thereof) **Step 4: Submit Your Application** Send your completed application to: Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 52029 Phoenix, AZ 85072-2029 You can also call **1-800-277-2254** for assistance or to request an application be faxed to you.[5][6] ## Timeline and Medication Delivery **Processing Time:** You will receive a letter with the outcome of your application **within 4 weeks** of submission.[3] If your application is incomplete, you will receive a letter explaining what additional information is needed. **Medication Delivery:** Once your application is approved, medications are typically **shipped directly to your physician's office**, though some patients may receive a pharmacy card to use at their local pharmacy.[2] Your healthcare provider will coordinate with you regarding pickup or delivery. **Ongoing Support:** NPAF will help ensure your Tegretol prescription remains current and will assist you in obtaining similar assistance for any new medications prescribed to you.[1] ## What If Your Application Is Denied? If your application for NPAF assistance is denied, you have several options: 1. **Request clarification** by calling 1-800-277-2254 to understand why you were denied and whether you can provide additional documentation 2. **Explore alternative assistance programs** through organizations like Simplefill, which connects patients with multiple prescription assistance programs and handles all paperwork on your behalf 3. **Ask your healthcare provider** about generic carbamazepine options, which may be more affordable 4. **Contact pharmaceutical patient advocacy organizations** that may have additional resources or programs ## Important Terms and Conditions - Only you, your legal guardian, or your caregiver may enroll you in this program. Healthcare providers, specialty pharmacies, and pharmacy benefit managers cannot enroll you.[3] - Novartis reserves the right to modify or discontinue this program at any time.[3] - Novartis may contact you directly to confirm receipt of medications.[6] - All required documentation must be submitted for your application to be processed.[3] ## Disclaimer This guide provides general information about the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation program for Tegretol. Program eligibility, requirements, and benefits may change at any time. For the most current and complete information, visit pap.novartis.com or call 1-800-277-2254. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific situation and medication needs.

Program information last verified: March 25, 2026