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Is Rocklatan Covered By Medicare

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Rocklatan And Other Medications

Below are some of the medications that can interact with Rocklatan. This section doesnt contain all drugs that may interact with Rocklatan.

Before taking Rocklatan, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Rocklatan and eye drops containing thimerosal

Some eye drops contain a preservative called thimerosal, which helps stop the growth of bacteria in the solution. Rocklatan doesnt contain thimerosal, and Rocklatan shouldnt be used at the same time as eye drops that contain this preservative. Thats because mixing Rocklatan with eye drops that contain thimerosal can cause a precipitate to form in your eye.

If a solid mass does form, your eye wont be able to absorb Rocklatan. Therefore, the medication may be less effective. The mass may cause irritation in your eye, but it shouldnt cause any damage.

If you develop a solid mass in your eye, talk with your doctor. They may recommend spacing out your eyedrop doses even more. They can also recommend ways to decrease any irritation you may have from the solid mass.

If youll be using other eye drops with Rocklatan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can determine if the other eye drops have thimerosal in them.

Revenue Guidance Was Slashed

Aerie Pharmaceuticals reduced its 2019 revenue guidance when it reported third-quarter results on Nov. 6. — the second consecutive quarter it reduced expectations. After originally forecasting $110 million to $120 million in product revenue for the year, management walked its outlook back first to a range of $70 million to $80 million, then even further to $61 million to $66 million.

The updated guidance reflects the tepid starts for Rhopressa and Rocklatan. The drugs utilize the Rho kinase inhibitor netarsudil to reduce intraocular pressure, which is the cause of glaucoma. Rhopressa relies solely on netarsudil, while Rocklatan is a combination of netarsudil and latanoprost that’s intended for patients with severe cases. Interestingly enough, latanoprost is the current leading glaucoma medication with an estimated 41% market share — and is the current target of Aerie Pharmaceuticals’ ambitions.

Its achievements to date don’t quite match those ambitions, but management laid out what it has learned so far, and the strategy it intends to follow to improve those results. While Aerie Pharmaceuticals ended September with a healthy $346 million on the books, there’s a sense of urgency to demonstrate progress, considering how quickly the company is burning through its cash.

Metric

Data source: Press release. YOY=Year over year.

Why is growth so erratic and difficult to come by?

Rocklatan For Increased Eye Pressure In Glaucoma Or Ocular Hypertension

Rocklatan is FDA-approved to treat increased eye pressure in adults with either:

Glaucoma is an eye disease thats typically caused by too much pressure in the eye. Glaucoma can cause damage to the optic nerve. This nerve collects information from your eyes and sends it to your brain. Over time, optic nerve damage can lead to vision loss or blindness. The only symptom of open-angle glaucoma is gradual vision loss.

Rocklatan helps decrease pressure in your eye by reducing the amount of fluid the eye naturally produces.

Effectiveness for increased eye pressure in glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Rocklatan contains two active drugs: netarsudil and latanoprost. In 3-month clinical studies, Rocklatan was compared with either netarsudil or latanoprost used alone. Pressure in peoples eyes was measured to assess how well each treatment worked.

Pressure in the eye is often reported in units of mm Hg . Normal pressure in the eye is about 12 mm Hg to 22 mm Hg.

In these studies, people using Rocklatan had their eye pressure decrease an average of 1 mm Hg to 3 mm Hg more than people using either netarsudil or latanoprost alone.

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Aerie Pharmaceuticals Announces Us Launch Of Rocklatan And Increase In Rhopressa Medicare Part D Coverage To Approximately 75% Of Lives Associated Press

DURHAM, N.C.May 1, 2019Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , an ophthalmic pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of first-in-class therapies for the treatment of patients with open-angle glaucoma, retinal diseases and other diseases of the eye, today announced that it has launched Rocklatan ® 0.02%/0.005% into the United States glaucoma market. Rocklatan ® is now with national and regional U.S. pharmaceutical wholesalers, and patients can fill prescriptions for Rocklatan ® through their local pharmacies across the nation.

Rocklatan ® has already gained non-preferred brand coverage with payors representing 60% of commercial lives. Additionally, effective May 1, Medicare Part D preferred tier coverage for Rhopressa ® 0.02% increased from approximately 40% to 75%. Commercial coverage for Rhopressa ® remains at 90% of lives, with 55% of lives in a preferred tier.

About Rocklatan®

Rocklatan ® was approved by the FDA in March 2019. A link to the full product label is available on the Aerie web site at .

About Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements

View source version on businesswire.com:

KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA NORTH CAROLINA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HEALTH OPTICAL PHARMACEUTICAL

PUB: 05/01/2019 06:30 AM/DISC: 05/01/2019 06:30 AM

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190501005199/en

Rocklatan Use With Other Drugs

Aerie Pharmaceuticals: Guidance Is Unachievable After ...

Rocklatan may be used with other eye drops to treat increased eye pressure. You may use more than one eye drop to treat your condition if your eye pressure doesnt decrease enough with just one eye drop.

If you do use more than one eye drop to treat your condition, use them at least 5 minutes apart. This helps you avoid washing one eye drop out of your eye with the other one. By separating the drops by at least 5 minutes, you give your eye time to absorb both medications.

Spacing out your doses of different eye drops may also help prevent interactions between the drugs. See the Rocklatan interactions section above for more information about drugs that may interact with Rocklatan.

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How Is Glaucoma Treated

Glaucoma damage is permanent, so treatment is aimed at reducing pressure in your eyes to prevent further damage. Your treatments might include:

  • medicated eye drops that reduce the amount of fluid in your eyes
  • prescription medications
  • trabeculectomy or implant surgery
  • minimally invasive glaucoma surgery

Laser surgeries and incision surgeries can be very effective at reducing the pressure in your eye. Exactly how successful the surgeries will be may depend on:

  • how advanced your glaucoma is
  • the type of surgery performed
  • other factors specific to you

Sluggish Coverage Decisions Hurting The Franchise

On the third-quarter earnings conference call, management explained two reasons for the low fourth-quarter expectations. First, it anticipates there will be lost sales days due to the holidays. While that affects all pharmaceutical companies, it may have a more significant impact on a company in the midst of a market launch and ramp-up for two drugs.

Second, Rhopressa and Rocklatan are still experiencing a high rate of churn with doctors. Part of the reason is that the two drugs treat similar patients, so doctors are still figuring out how each fits into their practice. A larger effect comes from insurance coverage differences between the two products.

Rhopressa is accessible to the majority of people covered through commercial insurance programs and Medicare Part D. Rocklatan is accessible to an estimated 80% of individuals with private insurance but just 36% of those covered by Medicare Part D.

CEO Vicente Anido explained that many insurance programs have been slow to add Rocklatan to the lists of drugs they cover because they already cover Rhopressa, which they believe is sufficient. That has caused some doctors to prescribe Rhopressa and write a separate prescription for a generic version of latanoprost, since Rocklatan isn’t covered for all patients. That could explain some of the erratic week-to-week changes in bottles sold and churn witnessed at doctors’ offices.

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Will Rocklatan Cause Any Changes To My Eyes Eyelids Or Eyelashes

Its possible that using Rocklatan may cause changes to your eyes, eyelids, or eyelashes. In clinical studies, some people using Rocklatan experienced changes in eye pigmentation . Changes in eye color happens slowly over time. You may not notice a change in your eye color for months or even years after starting treatment.

If a change in your eye color occurs, your iris may become more brown. Usually, this change in eye color is permanent and doesnt go away after stopping Rocklatan.

Rocklatan may also cause darkening of your eyelids or eyelashes. The color of your eyelids or eyelashes may continue to be darker until you stop using the medication. However, once you stop using Rocklatan, the color of your eyelids or eyelashes may return to the color they were before treatment.

Rocklatan may also cause your eyelashes to increase in length, thickness, and number. Usually, when you stop using Rocklatan, your eyelashes will go back to the way they were before you started using the drug.

This Is Getting Complicated

There’s no doubt that Rocklatan sales are being held back due to the relatively slow uptake in insurance coverage, but investors are clearly concerned that the drug has other hurdles to overcome.

Will doctors continue to prescribe Rhopressa and a generic latanoprost even if Rocklatan becomes more accessible? It presumably would be more convenient for individuals to use one eye drop instead of two, but cost is another factor to consider — and Aerie just raised prices 9%.

Can Aerie Pharmaceuticals reduce churn by doing a better job educating doctors about its products? The glaucoma market is a little crowded, but if Rhopressa and Rocklatan are superior and more convenient, then that should provide an advantage, right? There did seem to be good penetration among top practices, but the company will need to replicate that effort across the board for sustainable success.

Simply put, Aerie Pharmaceuticals’ glaucoma portfolio still appears to hold considerable potential, but few envisioned it would be this difficult to get those drugs into the hands of patients. Investors will need to remain patient and keep an eye on product revenue growth in the first half of 2020. If obstacles continue to thwart growth, then it may be time to move on.

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Darker Eyes Eyelids And Eyelashes

  • Risk factors: Long-term use of Rocklatan

Rocklatan contains a prostaglandin, which can darken the color of your eyes, eyelids, and eyelashes. The increased brown color of the eye is usually more noticeable after a few months or years of using Rocklatan and can be permanent. These side effects are not known to be harmful, but it’s best to check in with your provider regularly so they can make sure your eyes stay healthy.

Will Rocklatan Lower My Blood Pressure

No, Rocklatan wont lower your blood pressure. Although Rocklatan decreases the pressure in your eye, it doesnt decrease your blood pressure.

Rocklatan works by reducing the amount of fluid, called aqueous humor, that the eye naturally produces. When this fluid is reduced, it decreases the pressure in your eye. However, this doesnt affect your blood pressure.

In comparison, some other medications that are used to decrease eye pressure, such as timolol , may also lower your blood pressure.

If you have questions about lowering your blood pressure, talk with your doctor.

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What Parts Of Medicare Cover Glaucoma

Whether you are enrolled in original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage includes glaucoma screening tests and treatments.

The doctor who performs the test or procedure must be enrolled in Medicare and legally licensed to perform glaucoma screenings in your state.

If youre at high risk for developing glaucoma, Medicare Part B will pay for glaucoma tests once every 12 months. Although other conditions can elevate your risk of glaucoma, Medicare considers you at high risk if you:

  • have diabetes
  • have a family history of glaucoma
  • are Black and over 50 years old
  • are Hispanic and over 65 years old

Next, well go over what each part of Medicare covers specifically for glaucoma care.

What Can I Expect With Laser Treatment

Aerie Pharmaceuticals: Guidance Is Unachievable After ...

Laser therapies can be slightly uncomfortable. People often feel a stinging sensation during the treatment, even though the area has been numbed.

Your treatment may take place in a hospital or in an outpatient setting. Most people are able to go home the same day. Usually, you can get back to your normal activities after a day or so.

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About Aerie Pharmaceuticals Inc

Aerie is an ophthalmic pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of first-in-class therapies for the treatment of patients with open-angle glaucoma, retinal diseases and other diseases of the eye. Aerie’s first product, Rhopressa® 0.02%, a once-daily eyedrop approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, was launched in the United States in April 2018. In clinical trials of Rhopressa®, the most common adverse reactions were conjunctival hyperemia, corneal verticillata, instillation site pain, and conjunctival hemorrhage. More information about Rhopressa®, including the product label, is available at www.rhopressa.com. Aeries second product, Rocklatan 0.02%/0.005%, the first and only fixed-dose combination of Rhopressa® and the widely-prescribed PGA latanoprost, has been approved by the FDA and is expected to be launched in the United States in the second quarter of 2019. More information about Rocklatan including the product label, is available at www.rocklatan.com. Aerie continues to focus on global expansion and the development of additional product candidates and technologies in ophthalmology, including for wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. More information is available at www.aeriepharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

What If I Miss A Dose

If you forget to take a dose of Rocklatan, just skip the missed dose. Then take your dose the next evening as usual. You shouldnt take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. This could raise your risk for side effects from the drug.

To help make sure you dont miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.

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How To Take Rocklatan

You should take Rocklatan according to your doctors or healthcare professionals instructions.

When you use Rocklatan, make sure that you dont touch the tip of the eyedrop bottle to your eye. You also shouldnt touch the tip of the eyedrop bottle with your fingers. Doing this can cause bacteria to grow on the tip of the container or in the eyedrop solution itself. Then, next time you use the bottle, you may develop an eye infection from the bacteria.

Some eye infections can be serious, and in rare cases, an infection may even lead to vision loss.

Will Rocklatan Cure My Condition

No, Rocklatan wont cure your condition. However, Rocklatan can decrease the pressure in your eye. Its used in people with increased eye pressure caused by either intraocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma.

Increased eye pressure over time can lead to serious side effects, such as blindness. So although Rocklatan will not cure your condition, it can help prevent it from getting worse.

There are currently no cures for intraocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. The best way to treat these conditions is to decrease your eye pressure with medications such as Rocklatan.

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Herpes Infection Of The Eye

  • Risk factors: History of herpes infection of the eye

Use of Rocklatan can trigger herpes infections of the eye in people who have had this type of infection before. Let your provider know if you have a history of herpetic keratitis or any herpes infections. If you currently have herpetic keratitis, you’ll want to avoid using Rocklatan since it can make the condition worse.

What Are The Side Effects Of Rocklatan

With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your doctor know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

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About Humana Drug List

Humana Drug List, also called formulary, lists the most widely prescribed drugs covered by Humana and is updated regularly by doctors and pharmacists in our medical committee. Updates to this years formulary are posted monthly. New medicines are added as needed, and medicines that are deemed unsafe by the Food and Drug Administration or a drug’s manufacturer are immediately removed. We will communicate changes to the Drug List to members based on the Drug List notification requirements established by each state.

If a specific drug you need is not on the list, please call the Customer Care number on the back of your Humana member ID card.

Aerie Pharmaceuticals Reports Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results And Provides Business Update

Reassessing Aerie Pharmaceuticals

Third Quarter 2021 Net Revenues of $29.3 Million Increased 46% over Third Quarter2020

Third Quarter 2021 Net Revenue Per Bottle of $89, up 16% over Third Quarter 2020

Phase 3 Studies for AR-15512 and AR-1105 Expected to Begin in the First Half of 2022

Conference Call and Webcast Today, November 4th, at 5:00 p.m. ET

DURHAM, N.C.—-Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , an ophthalmic pharmaceutical company, today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 and provided a general business update.

Our third quarter 2021 results reflect nearly 46 percent growth in net revenues and 26 percent growth in bottle volumes for our U.S. glaucoma franchise compared to the third quarter of 2020. Our net revenue per bottle remained stable at $89 in the third quarter of 2021, with a year over year increase of $12 per bottle, primarily due to renegotiated wholesaler fees. We ended the third quarter with $168 million in cash and investments and our net cash used in operations for the quarter amounted to $19 million, compared to $22 million in the third quarter of 2020, reflecting stronger revenues and continued well-controlled operating expenses. We continue to remain comfortable with 2021 analyst net revenue consensus estimates, said Benjamin F. McGraw, III, Pharm.D., Interim Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.

U.S. Glaucoma Franchise Highlights

Pipeline and Globalization Highlights

Corporate Updates

Third Quarter 2021Financial Results

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