Vafseo

Indicated For

anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults on dialysis

About This Medication

# AkebiaCares Patient Guide: How to Get Vafseo (vadadustat) at Low or No Cost **Important Update: The AkebiaCares Patient Assistance Program (PAP) for Vafseo ended on December 31, 2024.** Due to 2025 CMS regulatory changes, dialysis providers now handle reimbursement for oral-only medications like Vafseo. This guide explains your options for accessing Vafseo affordably.[1] ## About Vafseo (vadadustat) Vafseo is an oral prescription medicine approved by the FDA in March 2024 to treat **anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD)** in adults on dialysis for at least three months.[4][8][10] Anemia means you have fewer red blood cells (RBCs), leading to low hemoglobin and less oxygen for your body. Vafseo works by boosting erythropoietin, a protein that helps your body make more RBCs.[4] Take Vafseo once daily by mouth. It's not for immediate anemia correction via transfusions, non-dialysis CKD patients, or improving quality of life/fatigue.[10] Common side effects include **high blood pressure** and **diarrhea**. Serious risks involve worsening hypertension, seizures (1.6% of patients), and monitoring for new seizures.[1][4][6] Always talk to your doctor about risks. Report side effects to Akebia at 1-844-445-3799 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.[4] ## Who Qualifies for Help with Vafseo? Since the PAP discontinued, direct financial aid from AkebiaCares is unavailable.[1] Instead: - **Dialysis patients on Medicare**: CMS granted **TDAPA reimbursement** starting January 1, 2025, for two years. This adds payment to dialysis organizations beyond the ESRD bundled rate, plus a Level II HCPCS code for billing.[3] Your dialysis center handles this—no extra cost to you under Medicare Part B. - **Other insurance/private pay**: Dialysis providers reimburse oral meds post-2025 rules.[1] Networks like Innovative Renal Care (IRC) offer Vafseo at 230+ centers for eligible patients.[6] - **General eligibility**: Must be on dialysis ≥3 months with CKD anemia.[4][8] AkebiaCares still offers **non-financial support** like benefits investigation via case managers (1-855-686-8601, Mon-Fri 8AM-8PM ET).[4] ## Income Eligibility No income-based PAP exists now.[1] Previously, it helped financially eligible patients, but details aren't specified post-discontinuation. TDAPA focuses on dialysis reimbursement, not patient income.[3] | Household Size | Previous FPL Threshold (Example, Pre-2025) | Current Status | |----------------|--------------------------------------------|---------------| | Individual | Not specified | N/A - Program ended[1] | | Couple | Not specified | N/A - Dialysis provider covers[1][3] | | Family of 3 | Not specified | N/A | | Family of 4 | Not specified | N/A | **Notes**: Check with your dialysis provider for any internal aid. CMS changes shifted burden to providers.[1] ## Insurance Requirements - **Medicare**: Automatic TDAPA coverage at dialysis facilities starting 2025.[3] No patient action needed. - **Medicaid/Commercial**: Providers reimburse; AkebiaCares can assist with prior authorizations/appeals via phone.[9] - **Uninsured**: Explore dialysis center protocols (e.g., IRC serves 16,000+ patients).[6] No commercial PAP.[1] ## Step-by-Step: Accessing Vafseo Affordably 1. **Confirm eligibility**: Ensure ≥3 months on dialysis with CKD anemia. Discuss with your doctor.[4][8] 2. **Get prescribed**: Your HCP prescribes Vafseo. Use AkebiaCares HCP resources.[1][2] 3. **Contact dialysis provider**: They bill under TDAPA (Medicare) or reimburse per CMS rules.[1][3] 4. **Call AkebiaCares for support**: 1-855-686-8601 for benefits check, copay help (if available), or navigation.[4][9] 5. **Visit provider site**: If at IRC or similar, follow their Vafseo protocol.[6] 6. **Monitor access**: Akebia expands to 275,000+ patients by late 2024 via providers.[6] No formal application since PAP ended. Processing is provider-led.[1] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Approval**: TDAPA immediate from Jan 1, 2025; billing guidance issued weeks after Oct 2024 announcement.[3] - **Delivery**: Oral tablets dispensed at dialysis centers. No shipping delays.[4] - **Refills**: Ongoing via prescription refills at provider.[1] ## Alternatives if Denied or No Access - **Switch providers**: Seek IRC or similar networks.[6] - **Other treatments**: Injectable ESAs like darbepoetin alfa (similar side effects).[1] Discuss with doctor. - **Financial aid**: General programs like NeedyMeds/PAN Foundation (not Akebia-specific). State kidney programs. - **Biosimilars**: None listed for Vafseo.[ ] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only, based on available data as of 2026. It's not medical/financial advice. The AkebiaCares PAP discontinued Dec 31, 2024.[1] Rules change; verify with your doctor, dialysis provider, or AkebiaCares (1-855-686-8601). CMS TDAPA lasts two years.[3] Consult professionals for personalized help. Akebia/Medicare details may update—check official sites.[1][3][4]

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026