LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- US WorldMeds, a
Kentucky-based specialty
pharmaceutical company, announced Walgreens will stock LUCEMYRA
(lofexidine) tablets in Walgreens pharmacies across the U.S.,
effective September 1. LUCEMYRA is
the only FDA-approved, non-opioid, non-addictive treatment for
relief of multiple symptoms of opioid withdrawal in adults and
requires a valid prescription to be
dispensed.1 Eligible patients covered by commercial
insurance will pay $0* for a LUCEMYRA
prescription. Patients without insurance coverage for LUCEMYRA may
be eligible to pay $300 for a
LUCEMYRA prescription.
According to provisional data released in July by the National
Center for Health Statistics, more than 93,000 people died from
drug overdoses in 2020, a death toll jump of more than 21,000, or
nearly 30%, far eclipsing the record set the prior
year.2 More than 900,000 people have died of
overdoses since the U.S. drug epidemic began in 1999, according to
the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.3 Overdose deaths involving opioids have
continued to drive the death toll, accounting for 69,710 overdose
deaths in 2020, up from 50,963 in 2019.2
"LUCEMYRA offers hope for people who want to discontinue
opioid use and struggle with the agonizing symptoms of opioid
withdrawal," said P. Breckinridge
Jones, Chief Executive Officer and founder of US WorldMeds.
"US WorldMeds is committed to helping patients in need. We are
extremely proud to be partnering with Walgreens, a premier national
pharmacy retailer, in support of this vitally important
issue."
* Patients whose prescriptions will be paid for in part or
in whole by Medicare, Medicaid, or any similar federal or state
healthcare program, are not eligible for savings or rebates
according to federal and state law. Patients must visit a
participating pharmacy for savings or rebates on their LUCEMYRA
prescriptions. Maximum benefits may apply.
The actual savings on out-of-pocket costs for LUCEMYRA will vary
according to refill quantity, personal healthcare insurance
coverage, and adherence to FDA dosing guidelines. For more
information about the LUCEMYRA Prescription Savings Co-Pay
Assistance Program, please review the Terms and Conditions on
LUCEMYRA.com.
LUCEMYRA® (lofexidine) – Important Safety
Information
What is LUCEMYRA?
LUCEMYRA is a non-opioid prescription medicine used in adults to
help with the symptoms of opioid withdrawal that may happen when
you stop taking an opioid suddenly.
LUCEMYRA will not completely prevent the symptoms of opioid
withdrawal and is not a treatment for opioid use disorder.
Important Safety Information:
LUCEMYRA can cause
serious side effects, including low blood pressure, slow heart
rate, and fainting. Watch for symptoms of low blood pressure or
heart rate, including dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
at rest or when quickly standing up; if you experience these
symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away and do not take
your next dose of LUCEMYRA until you have talked to your healthcare
provider. Avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated and be careful
not to stand up too suddenly from lying or sitting, as these may
increase your risk of low blood pressure and fainting.
When your treatment is complete, you will need to stop taking
LUCEMYRA gradually, or your blood pressure could increase.
After a period of not using opioid drugs, you can become more
sensitive to the effects of opioids if you start using them again.
This may increase your risk of overdose and death.
Before taking LUCEMYRA, tell your healthcare provider about all
your medical conditions, including if you have low blood pressure,
slow heart rate, any heart problems including history of heart
attack or a condition called long QT syndrome, liver or kidney
problems, or if you drink alcohol. Tell your healthcare provider if
you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding;
it is not known if LUCEMYRA can harm your unborn baby or whether
LUCEMYRA passes into your breast milk.
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take
benzodiazepines, barbiturates, tranquilizers, or sleeping pills, as
taking these with LUCEMYRA can cause serious side effects.
The most common side effects of LUCEMYRA include low blood
pressure or symptoms of low blood pressure such as lightheadedness,
slow heart rate, dizziness, sleepiness, and dry mouth.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS or product complaints,
contact US WorldMeds at 1-833-LUCEMYRA. You may also report
SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Please click here to access the full U.S. Prescribing
Information and Patient Information for LUCEMYRA.
About Opioid Withdrawal
Opioids lower norepinephrine,
a brain chemical that supports vital functions like respiration and
consciousness. With continued opioid use, the brain establishes a
new equilibrium by increasing compensatory norepinephrine
production in order to maintain normal functioning. When opioids
are removed, or the dose is significantly reduced, the brain's
increased norepinephrine levels are no longer offset by the
presence of the opioids. This results in a norepinephrine surge
that produces the acute and painful symptoms of withdrawal.
About US WorldMeds
USWM, LLC (US WorldMeds) is a
privately held specialty pharmaceutical company that develops,
licenses, and markets unique healthcare products designed to
improve the lives of patients with challenging conditions and unmet
medical needs. US WorldMeds has built a branded product
portfolio in the therapeutic areas of addiction medicine, malignant
hyperthermia, and allergy. In May
2020, the company acquired commercial rights to Adamis'
SYMJEPI products in the U.S. market. More information on US
WorldMeds can be found at USWorldMeds.com.
About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is
included in the United States
segment of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), a global
leader in retail pharmacy. As America's most loved pharmacy, health
and beauty company, Walgreens' purpose is to champion the health
and well-being of every community in America. Operating more than
9,000 retail locations across America, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Walgreens is proud to be
a neighborhood health destination serving approximately 8 million
customers each day. Walgreens pharmacists play a critical role in
the U.S. healthcare system by providing a wide range of pharmacy
and healthcare services. To best meet the needs of customers and
patients, Walgreens offers a true omnichannel experience, with
platforms bringing together physical and digital, supported by the
latest technology to deliver high-quality products and services in
local communities nationwide.
References
1. LUCEMYRA® [Prescribing Information]. Louisville, KY: USWM, LLC; 2021. 2.
Provisional Drug Overdose Death Counts, National Center for Health
Statistics, Vital Statistics Rapid Release, July 14, 2021. 3. Drug Overdose Deaths, Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, July 14,
2021.
USWMLUC-00429
Media inquiries:
Doug Zink
dzink@usworldmeds.com
(513) 846-0093
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SOURCE US WorldMeds, LLC