Source Requests Newsletter #142

Need pharmacists, cardiologists, etc

Hi and happy almost Friday!

Reminders

• Please check out the intro here if you haven’t already, and don’t forget about my resources for PR professionals :)

• EOD for me means 11:59pm, but the earlier the better!

• If you mention a study or say “research,” please link it!

• Feel free to forward this email (and future emails) to experts or PRs who may be able to help :)

1. Story: Eliquis and Aetna

• Publication: SingleCare

• Sources needed: Cardiologists, pharmacists, and similar doctors who are a) based in the US, b) not associated with SingleCare’s competitors, and c) haven’t been quoted a lot by me in this publication

• Deadline to answer questions: Thursday, May 8 at 12p noon ET

• Note: Please answer them from your professional experience, writing things like "My patients have experienced...." or "When I prescribe this to my patients, I inform them about..." etc as applicable.

• Questions:

  • Please explain Aetna's criteria for coverage of Eliquis (certain BMI? certain diagnosis? etc).

  • Please explain the approval process, including prior authorization and step therapy protocols.

  • Please explain the role of healthcare providers in ensuring medical necessity for Eliquis.

2. Story: Xarelto / rivaroxaban

• Publication: SingleCare

• Sources needed: Cardiologists, pharmacists, and similar doctors who are a) based in the US, b) not associated with SingleCare’s competitors, and c) haven’t been quoted a lot by me in this publication

• Deadline to answer questions: Thursday, May 8 at 12p noon ET

• Note: Please answer them from your professional experience, writing things like "My patients have experienced...." or "When I prescribe this to my patients, I inform them about..." etc as applicable.

• Questions:

  • What are off-label uses for Xarelto?

  • What are off-label uses for Xarelto alternatives, such as Eliquis, warfarin, Pradaxa, Plavix, and Brilinta?

  • Please share tips for switching from Xarelto/rivaroxaban to one of the alternatives listed above.

  • Can a pharmacist dispense rivaroxaban if the prescription is for Xarelto

  • Please share the withdrawal symptoms of Xarelto/rivaroxaban if people don't keep up on daily dosages or there is a shortage.

3. Story: Atorvastatin tier

• Publication: SingleCare

• Sources needed: Cardiologists, pharmacists, and similar doctors who are a) based in the US, b) not associated with SingleCare’s competitors, and c) haven’t been quoted a lot by me in this publication

• Deadline to answer questions: Thursday, May 8 at 12p noon ET

• Note: Please answer them from your professional experience, writing things like "My patients have experienced...." or "When I prescribe this to my patients, I inform them about..." etc as applicable.

• Questions:

  • What formulary tier is atorvastatin typically with commercial insurance plans, Medicare, etc?

  • What factors influence atorvastatin's tier status? (Including, but not limited to, generic drug availability)

  • Compare your response in #2 to other cholesterol medications, such as simvastatin and rosuvastatin.

  • How do insurance plans typically approach coverage for cholesterol medications?

  • Please compare the coverage and classification of blood pressure medications to cholesterol medications.

  • Why might atorvastatin be free sometimes for certain patients?

  • Please share tips for finding atorvastatin coverage details on your insurance drug list.

  • What are the implications of a generic status on insurance coverage?

4. Story: Rosuvastatin vs. atorvastatin side effects

• Publication: SingleCare

• Sources needed: Cardiologists, pharmacists, and similar doctors who are a) based in the US, b) not associated with SingleCare’s competitors, and c) haven’t been quoted a lot by me in this publication

• Deadline to answer questions: Thursday, May 8 at 12p noon ET

• Note: Please answer them from your professional experience, writing things like "My patients have experienced...." or "When I prescribe this to my patients, I inform them about..." etc as applicable.

• Questions:

  • Does rosuvastatin or atorvastatin have fewer side effects?

  • How quickly do side effects kick in for rosuvastatin? What about atorvastatin

  • How long do the side effects last for rosuvastatin? What about atorvastatin

  • What are the long-term side effects of rosuvastatin? Atorvastatin?

  • What are the risk factors for permanent side effects with each of these drugs

  • How can you avoid side effects for these two medications? (Taking them at a certain time of day? With food? Every day or as needed or? For how long? etc)

Thank you!

Ashley