Zioptan

Indicated For

open-angle glaucoma, ocular hypertension

About This Medication

# Zioptan Patient Assistance Guide: How to Get Zioptan at Low or No Cost Zioptan (tafluprost ophthalmic solution) 0.0015% is a prescription eye drop used to reduce elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. While there is no traditional free patient assistance program directly from manufacturer Thea Pharma or Merck offering Zioptan at no cost, affordable access options exist through services like Prescription Hope, EyeRx Direct via Eagle Pharmacy, and Medicare support programs.[1][3][4][7] ## About Zioptan **Zioptan** is a prostaglandin analog eye drop that lowers eye pressure by increasing the outflow of fluid (aqueous humor) from the eye. The recommended dose is **one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening**. It is preservative-free, which may benefit patients sensitive to preservatives like benzalkonium chloride found in other glaucoma drops.[8] Zioptan is not typically available at local pharmacies. Instead, it must be obtained through Eagle Pharmacy via the EyeRx Direct program by e-prescribing or mailing/faxing prescriptions.[1][7] Without assistance, costs can be high, but programs below can help make it affordable. ## Who Qualifies for Assistance? Qualification depends on the program: - **Prescription Hope**: A medication access service (not insurance or a coupon) that applies to manufacturer patient assistance programs on your behalf. Open to most U.S. residents; works with any insurance.[3] - **EyeRx Direct (Eagle Pharmacy)**: Available to anyone with a prescription; fixed low pricing regardless of income.[1][7] - **Medicare Extra Help**: For low-income Medicare Part D enrollees with limited resources.[5][6][9] - **Merck Patient Assistance Program**: May cover Zioptan; check via RxAssist for uninsured or low-income patients.[2] Contact Thea Pharma/Merck at **1-800-727-5400** for direct inquiries.[4] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Traditional manufacturer programs often use Federal Poverty Level (FPL) thresholds (e.g., 400-500% FPL), but specific details for Zioptan are unavailable. Here's a guide based on similar programs and Prescription Hope guidelines: | Household Size | Prescription Hope Max Income (Approx.) | Typical PAP FPL Threshold (Example) | |----------------|---------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Individual | Up to $50,000/year | Up to 400-500% FPL (~$60,000-$75,000) | | Couple | Up to $70,000/year | Up to 400-500% FPL (~$81,000-$101,000) | | Family of 3 | Increases up to $200,000/year | Up to 400-500% FPL (~$102,000-$127,000) | | Family of 4 | Increases up to $200,000/year | Up to 400-500% FPL (~$123,000-$153,000) | *Notes: FPL varies yearly; check current levels at ASPE.hhs.gov. Prescription Hope has flexible guidelines and charges $60/month per medication.[3] Medicare Extra Help: Income <135% FPL (~$20,000 individual) plus resources < $17,550 individual.[5][6]* ## Insurance Requirements - **Prescription Hope**: Works **alongside** any insurance, including Medicare, without tiers, copays, or deductibles added by them. They handle PAP applications.[3] - **EyeRx Direct**: Cash-pay program; payments **do not count toward TrOOP** for Medicare/insurance.[7] - **Medicare Part D**: New 2025 rules include $2,000 out-of-pocket cap and Prescription Payment Plan to spread costs. Extra Help eliminates most costs for eligibles.[6][9] Uninsured or underinsured patients have the most options via PAPs.[2] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Get a Prescription**: Ask your eye doctor to e-prescribe Zioptan to Eagle Pharmacy (NPI: 1487905840, NCPDP: 5711975) or mail/fax to Théa EyeRx Direct c/o Eagle Pharmacy, PO Box 90937, Lakeland, FL 33804 / Fax: 855-618-4610.[1] 2. **For Immediate Low-Cost (EyeRx Direct)**: Sign up at www.EyeRxDirect.com. Pay **$60 for 1-month supply (1 carton)** or **$150 for 3-month supply**. Ships directly.[1][7] 3. **For Prescription Hope ($60/month service fee)**: - Visit PrescriptionHope.com and pre-qualify online. - Provide income proof, prescription, and insurance details. - They apply to PAPs like Merck's; if approved, you pay $60/month (covers orders/refills).[3] 4. **Medicare Extra Help**: Apply at SSA.gov/ExtraHelp or call 1-800-MEDICARE. PAN Foundation assists: PanFoundation.org/ExtraHelp.[5] 5. **Merck PAP**: Search RxAssist.org or call 1-800-727-5400.[2][4] ## Timeline and Delivery - **EyeRx Direct**: Ships via mail after prescription receipt; typically 7-14 days.[1][7] - **Prescription Hope**: Approval varies (2-4 weeks for PAPs); monthly refills automated.[3] - **Medicare Extra Help**: 4-6 weeks processing.[5] Delivery is by mail from Eagle Pharmacy or program-specified pharmacy. Track via program portals. ## Alternatives if Denied - Switch to **generic tafluprost** if available (check GoodRx).[9] - Other glaucoma aids: Partnership for Prescription Assistance (1-888-477-2669) or state programs.[4][6] - Copay cards via PrescriberPoint.[8] - Low-cost generics like latanoprost.[4] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and not medical or financial advice. Program details change; verify with providers. Eligibility not guaranteed. Consult your doctor before starting Zioptan. Costs as of latest data; prices may vary. (Word count: 942)

Program information last verified: March 29, 2026