--Enhanced Purple Plus(TM) Program Provides Instant Rebates and Educational
Tools--
WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AstraZeneca (NYSE:
AZN) today announced the enhancements to the Purple Plus(TM) Program for
patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who are prescribed
NEXIUM(R) (esomeprazole magnesium). This patient support program is
designed to make NEXIUM more affordable for patients through instant
rebates, and to provide educational tools that can assist patients in
staying adherent to their prescribed therapy.
"NEXIUM is a very important treatment option for patients with GERD
because of its proven efficacy in healing damage to the esophagus caused by
acid reflux," said Doug Levine, MD, Executive Director in Clinical
Development for AstraZeneca. "As part of our long-standing commitment to
positively impact the gastrointestinal health of patients with acid-related
diseases, we are pleased to offer a program that can make NEXIUM, as
prescribed by health care professionals, more affordable to patients. The
support and education components of Purple Plus(TM) can help patients
appropriately partner with their health care professionals in managing
their disease through recommended treatment interventions, which optimizes
the chances for achieving the best possible outcomes."
Nationwide, NEXIUM costs the majority of patients with prescription
coverage less than a dollar a day, based on national average co-pay.(1)
Individual costs may vary. Refill data shows that patients who participate
in the Purple Plus(TM) program stay on therapy longer than non-members.(2)
In addition, patients participating in the Purple Plus(TM) Program can
receive instant rebates (up to $30 for insured and $50 for uninsured) on
their NEXIUM prescriptions through the Purple Plus(TM) Savings Card.
Patients also will receive regular e-mail and direct mail communications
containing acid reflux education, refill reminders, newsletters and
cookbooks.
Furthermore, patients have access to comprehensive online resources and
tools, including a GERD-friendly meal planner, trigger checker, an online
dietitian, fitness planner, and more, which are all accessible through the
member's own personal web page on http://www.PurplePill.com.
Enrollment in the Purple Plus(TM) program is simple and entails no
paperwork. NEXIUM(R) (esomeprazole magnesium) patients can enroll by: 1)
Visiting http://www.PurplePill.com, 2) Calling 1-888-PurplePill, or 3) Activating
the Purple Plus(TM) Savings Card they receive from their physician. Once
enrolled, each person will receive a Welcome kit in the mail, with
subsequent mailings to follow.
The Purple Plus(TM) Program enhances face-to-face interactions between
physicians and patients by providing a program that helps educate them
about managing acid reflux disease, understanding overall gastrointestinal
(GI) wellness, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
About GERD
Approximately 60 million Americans experience gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD) symptoms more than twice a week.(3) GERD is characterized by
frequent and persistent heartburn, which occurs when the lower esophageal
sphincter (the valve separating the esophagus and stomach) does not close
properly, allowing acid to back up into the esophagus. GERD is chronic and,
if left untreated, may lead to more serious medical conditions.
About NEXIUM(R) (esomeprazole magnesium)
NEXIUM is prescribed for the treatment of frequent, persistent
heartburn symptoms due to acid reflux disease. These symptoms typically
occur on two or more days per week despite treatment and diet change.
For many people, NEXIUM can also heal damage to the esophagus caused by
acid reflux. This damage can occur over time, when acid from the stomach
erodes (wears away) the lining of the esophagus. Only a doctor can
determine if you have this condition, called erosive esophagitis. Most
erosions heal in 4 to 8 weeks. Your results may vary.
Common side effects with NEXIUM(R) (esomeprazole magnesium) include
headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Symptom relief does not rule out
other serious stomach conditions.
AstraZeneca is committed to helping people get the medicines they need.
In 2006, 97,614 NEXIUM patients were provided patient assistance through
AstraZeneca programs, which equates to patient savings of $105M.
Nationwide, NEXIUM costs the majority of patients with prescription
coverage less than a dollar a day, based on national average co-pay.
Individual costs may vary.(1)
For more information about NEXIUM, talk to your doctor, visit
http://www.Purplepill.com, or call 1-888-Purplepill.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the
research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription
pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the
world's leading pharmaceutical companies with healthcare sales of $26.47
billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular,
neuroscience, respiratory, oncology and infection products. AstraZeneca is
listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Global) as well as the
FTSE4Good Index.
In the United States, AstraZeneca is a $12.44 billion healthcare
business with more than 12,000 employees. For nearly three decades,
AstraZeneca has offered drug assistance programs side by side with its
medicines, and over the past five years, has provided over $3 billion in
savings to more than 1 million patients throughout the US and Puerto Rico.
AstraZeneca has been named one of the "100 Best Companies for Working
Mothers" by Working Mother magazine and is the only large pharmaceutical
company named to FORTUNE magazine's 2007 list of "100 Best Companies to
Work For." In 2006, for the fifth consecutive year, Science magazine named
AstraZeneca a "Top Employer" on its ranking of the world's most respected
biopharmaceutical employers.
For more information about AstraZeneca, please visit: http://www.astrazeneca.com.
(1) Source: Wolters Kluwer Health SourceŽ, Dynamic Claims Analyzer January
through August 2007. Based on average monthly co-pay amount for
commercial and Medicare Part D programs. Survey included 4100 plans;
63% of claims had a co-pay of $29 or less. Does not include other
types of out-of-pocket costs. DA-NEX-99: Wolters Kluwer Health
Source(R) Dynamic Claims TM, January through August 2007.
(2) DOF DA-NEX-98
(3) Shaker R, Castell DO, Schoenfeld PS, Spechler SJ. Nighttime heartburn
is an under-appreciated clinical problem that impacts sleep and
daytime function: The results of a Gallup survey conducted on behalf
of the American Gastroenterological Association. American Journal of
Gastroenterology 2003;98(7):1487-1493.
SOURCE AstraZeneca
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Related links:
http://www.astrazeneca-us.com
http://www.astrazeneca.com http://www.Purplepill.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/985887.html/
CONTACT:
Blair Hains, +1-302-885-1813, or Corey
Windett, +1-302-885-0034, both of AstraZeneca
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