Inflation reduction act

Access Bristol Myers Squibb's statements, updates and insights regarding the Inflation Reduction Act.

8/29/2023

BMS statement on selection of ELIQUIS® (apixaban) for inflation reduction act’s medicare “Negotiation” program

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a list of the medicines that have been selected for the first round of so-called “negotiation” as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. BMS has one medicine on the list – ELIQUIS®(apixaban) – which was widely expected given it is among the highest government expenditures in the Medicare program.

ELIQUIS was targeted for this program due to the sheer number of Medicare patients who benefit from the medicine, not its price. The selection of ELIQUIS underscores that it is an important treatment option for Medicare patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), not caused by a heart valve problem, who rely on the medicine to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots, as well to treat blood clots in the legs or lungs and reduce the risk of them recurring in patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Since it was first approved in 2012, it has been used by more than 11 million Americans. Effective treatment to reduce the risk of stroke is an important benefit to patients and the health care system where stroke-related care commonly leads to hospitalization and extended rehabilitation needs.

Medicare patients who are prescribed ELIQUIS are currently able to get it with relatively low out-of-pocket costs at an average of $55 per month. This reality is at risk, as the government has not required that insurance companies make selected medicines available in the future without burdensome cost sharing or hurdles to access.

We remain driven by our commitment to patients and will continue to advocate for an environment that supports patient access and future innovation.

ELIQUIS important safety information

Indications

ELIQUIS is indicated to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

ELIQUIS is indicated for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery.

ELIQUIS is indicated for the treatment of DVT and PE, and to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial therapy.


Important safety information

WARNING: (A) PREMATURE DISCONTINUATION OF ELIQUIS INCREASES THE RISK OF THROMBOTIC EVENTS, (B) SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA

A. Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including ELIQUIS, increases the risk of thrombotic events. If anticoagulation with ELIQUIS is discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, consider coverage with another anticoagulant.

B. Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients treated with ELIQUIS who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures. Factors that can increase the risk of developing epidural or spinal hematomas in these patients include:

  • use of indwelling epidural catheters
  • concomitant use of other drugs that affect hemostasis, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors, other anticoagulants
  • a history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal punctures
  • a history of spinal deformity or spinal surgery
  • optimal timing between the administration of ELIQUIS and neuraxial procedures is not known

Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary.

Consider the benefits and risks before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated.

Click each section to expand important safety details.
 



Please see U.S. FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide.

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