Xerese

Indicated For

herpes labialis, cold sores

About This Medication

# Bausch Health Patient Assistance Program Guide: How to Get Xerese at Low or No Cost ## About This Program The **Bausch Health Patient Assistance Program** provides free Xerese (acyclovir and hydrocortisone) cream to eligible patients who lack adequate insurance coverage or cannot afford their medication. This program is designed to ensure that cost is never a barrier to accessing the treatment you need. ## About Xerese Xerese is a prescription cream containing acyclovir and hydrocortisone (5%/1%) used to treat cold sores on the lips and around the mouth in patients ages 6 and older. When applied early at the first sign of a cold sore, Xerese helps lessen healing time and reduces the chance of the sore becoming worse. The medication should be used exactly as directed by your healthcare provider and only on the lips and surrounding mouth area—not in the eyes, mouth, nose, or on genitals. ## Who Qualifies You may be eligible for free Xerese through the Bausch Health Patient Assistance Program if you meet these requirements: - Are a legal United States resident (including Puerto Rico) - Have a valid prescription from a licensed U.S. healthcare professional for Xerese - Do not have insurance coverage for Xerese, or your insurance no longer covers it - Are being treated as an outpatient - Meet the program's income requirements - Have a household income at or below the program's threshold **Special Note for Medicaid Patients:** As of October 1, 2025, Bausch Health stopped participating in certain federal programs that previously helped cover medications for Medicaid patients. If your Medicaid plan no longer covers Xerese, you may still qualify for free medication through this patient assistance program. ## Income Eligibility The program reviews applications on a case-by-case basis and requires income verification. While specific income thresholds are not publicly listed, the program is designed for patients with limited financial resources. You will need to provide documentation of your household income when you apply. The program considers your total annual household income when determining eligibility. ## Insurance Requirements The program serves patients with various insurance situations: - **Uninsured patients** (no health insurance) - **Underinsured patients** (insurance that doesn't cover Xerese) - **Medicaid patients** (whose coverage was discontinued or doesn't include Xerese) - **Medicare patients** (who don't have coverage for this medication) - **Commercially insured patients** (whose insurance doesn't cover Xerese) There is **no cost to apply**, regardless of your insurance status. ## How to Apply: Step-by-Step ### Step 1: Gather Required Information Before applying, have the following ready: - Your valid prescription for Xerese from your healthcare provider - Proof of household income (recent tax return, pay stubs, or benefit statements) - Your insurance information (or confirmation that you are uninsured) - Your contact information and mailing address - Your healthcare provider's information and signature on the application ### Step 2: Complete the Application You have two options to apply: **Option A: Call the Program** - Call **1-833-862-8727** - Available Monday-Friday, 8 AM-8 PM EST - A representative will guide you through the application process **Option B: Mail or Fax the Application** - Download the application form from the Bausch Health website - Complete all required sections - Have your healthcare provider sign the Prescriber Certification section - Fax to: **844-705-0160** - Or mail to: - Bausch Health Patient Assistance Program - P.O. Box 991624 - Louisville, KY 40269 ### Step 3: Submit Documentation Include all required documentation with your application. Missing information will delay your application, so ensure all fields marked with an asterisk (*) are completed. Your information is kept secure and confidential. ### Step 4: Await Approval Bausch Health will review your application and notify you of the decision. Applications may be approved in as little as 24-48 hours. ### Step 5: Receive Your Medication If approved, your free Xerese will be shipped directly to your home at no cost. There are no copays or shipping fees. ## Timeline and Delivery - **Application Review:** 24-48 hours (may vary) - **Approval Notification:** You will be contacted with the decision - **Medication Delivery:** Shipped to your home address - **Duration of Assistance:** You can receive medication for up to 1 year from the date of approval - **Shipping Cost:** Free (no shipping fees) ## Reauthorization and Refills You may be able to reapply to the program annually if you: - Continue to meet all eligibility requirements - Have a valid prescription from your healthcare provider - Still lack adequate insurance coverage for Xerese Contact the program before your current authorization expires to discuss renewal options. ## What If Your Application Is Denied? If your application is denied, you have several options: 1. **Ask for clarification:** Contact the program to understand why you were denied and whether you can provide additional information 2. **Reapply:** If your circumstances change (income decreases, insurance coverage ends), you may reapply 3. **Explore alternatives:** Ask your healthcare provider about generic acyclovir options or other cold sore treatments 4. **Contact patient advocacy organizations:** Organizations that assist with medication access may have additional resources ## Important Reminders - **No cost to apply:** There are never any fees to submit an application - **Confidentiality:** Your personal and medical information is kept secure - **Insurance coordination:** The program will not bill Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurance for free medication provided - **Prescription requirement:** You must have a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider - **Outpatient only:** This program is for patients receiving outpatient treatment ## Contact Information **Phone:** 1-833-862-8727 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM-8 PM EST) **Fax:** 844-705-0160 **Mailing Address:** Bausch Health Patient Assistance Program P.O. Box 991624 Louisville, KY 40269 ## Disclaimer This guide provides general information about the Bausch Health Patient Assistance Program for Xerese. Program details, eligibility requirements, and policies may change. For the most current and complete information, contact the program directly using the contact information above. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your treatment options and medication needs. If you experience side effects from Xerese, report them to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026