TOBI Podhaler

Indicated For

Cystic Fibrosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa

About This Medication

# PODCARE+ Patient Guide: How to Get TOBI Podhaler at Low or No Cost TOBI Podhaler (tobramycin inhalation powder) is a prescription antibiotic used to manage cystic fibrosis patients with *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* infections, delivered via an inhaler for twice-daily use over 28-day cycles.[7] Viatris offers two main assistance options: the **PODCARE+ Patient Support Program** with a Savings Card for commercially insured patients (potentially $0 copay up to $14,000/year) and the **Viatris Patient Assistance Program (PAP)** for uninsured patients with financial need, providing free medication for up to 12 months.[1][2][3][4] ## About TOBI Podhaler TOBI Podhaler contains tobramycin, an inhaled antibiotic powder in 28 mg capsules, taken twice daily (inhale contents of four capsules) for 28 days on-treatment followed by 28 days off. It's FDA-approved for cystic fibrosis patients aged 6+ with FEV1 25-80% predicted who have *P. aeruginosa*. Unlike liquid nebulized tobramycin, the Podhaler is dry powder for faster administration (about 5 minutes).[7] Common side effects include cough, throat irritation, and lung function changes; monitor for hearing, kidney, or balance issues. Always follow your doctor's instructions and full Prescribing Information.[1][7] ## Who Qualifies? Viatris provides targeted help based on your insurance and finances: - **PODCARE+ Savings Card (Commercially Insured)**: For patients with private/commercial insurance covering TOBI Podhaler. Pays as little as **$0** per 28-day fill, up to $14,000/year max. *Not valid* for Medicare, Medicaid, VA, DOD, TRICARE, uninsured, or if insurance pays 100%.[1][2][9] - **Viatris PAP (Uninsured/Low-Income)**: Free medication for US residents (incl. territories) who are **fully uninsured** or insured without prescription drug coverage, with demonstrated financial need (specific income limits assessed individually; no public FPL % listed). Must have a valid US prescription for FDA-approved use. Up to 12 months eligibility, 11 refills.[3][4][8] PODCARE+ also offers free enrollment help, prior authorization (PA) support via CoverMyMeds, and account managers.[1][5] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown The Savings Card has **no income requirements**—just commercial insurance. Viatris PAP assesses finances case-by-case for uninsured patients, but exact thresholds (e.g., FPL percentages) are not publicly detailed; approval is based on application info.[3][4][8] | Program | Insurance Type | Income Requirements | Max Benefit | |---------|----------------|--------------------|-------------| | **PODCARE+ Savings Card** | Commercial only (no govt programs) | None | $0 copay per fill; $14,000/year [1][9] | | **Viatris PAP** | Uninsured/no Rx coverage | Financial need (individual assessment) [3][8] | Free med, 12 months (11 refills) [3] | Contact programs for personalized eligibility. ## Insurance Requirements - **Savings Card**: Requires **commercial insurance**; invalid for Medicare (incl. Part D, employer retiree plans), Medicaid, VA/DOD/TRICARE, or uninsured (unless commercial plan excludes TOBI Podhaler).[1][2][7] - **PAP**: Must be **fully uninsured** for prescriptions or have insurance without drug coverage. Government programs disqualify.[3][8] PODCARE+ helps with PA if needed.[1] ## Step-by-Step Application ### For Savings Card (Easiest for Insured): 1. Visit **ActivateTheCard.com/TOBI** or tobipodhaler.com/savings.[1][2] 2. Check eligibility and activate (need valid prescription with prescriber ID).[6][9] 3. Present card at pharmacy for instant savings. ### For PODCARE+ Support: 1. Call **1-877-999-TOBI (8624)** Mon-Fri 8am-5pm ET or visit tobipodhalerhcp.com/Patient-Support.[1] 2. Enroll for Savings Card, PA help, or account manager.[5] ### For Viatris PAP (Uninsured): 1. Download application from viatris.com/patient-assistance-program; select "Tobi Products".[4] 2. Complete fully: patient/household income, prescriber details, proof of no Rx insurance. 3. Sign and fax to **877-427-7290** or email **ViatrisPAP@viatris.com**.[8] 4. Prescriber provides Rx for FDA use.[3] Call PODCARE+ for guidance on either.[1] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Savings Card**: Instant at pharmacy after activation; covers each 28-day fill.[2][9] - **PAP**: Processing time not specified; evaluated upon complete receipt. If approved, free med shipped or dispensed for 12 months (11 refills) with valid Rx. Reapply annually.[3][8] - PODCARE+ support available same-day via phone.[1] ## Alternatives if Denied - **Switch Programs**: Insured? Try Savings Card. Uninsured? Confirm PAP docs. - **Appeal**: Resubmit complete PAP app or request PODCARE+ review.[1][3] - **PA Support**: Use free CoverMyMeds via PODCARE+.[1] - **Other Help**: State programs, cystic fibrosis foundations (e.g., CF Foundation Compass), or generic tobramycin if appropriate. - **Biosimilars**: None listed for TOBI Podhaler.[7] ## Disclaimer This guide summarizes public info as of available sources; programs can change. Not medical/financial advice—consult your doctor, pharmacist, or call **1-877-999-TOBI (8624)** for latest details. Eligibility not guaranteed; Viatris may amend/end anytime. Full terms at activatethecard.com/tobi and viatris.com.[1][9]

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026