A pharmacist at a CVS Specialty pharmacy in Phoenix has dedicated nearly two decades to ensuring patients with autoimmune conditions receive the medications they need.
These conditions, such as psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa, often require injectable medications, which can be daunting for patients to administer themselves.
The pharmacist’s role is crucial in guiding patients through the process, explaining how to use the medication and alerting them to potential side effects.
One patient, Claire, who struggled with psoriasis, exemplifies the challenges faced by many. Initially afraid of injectable treatments, Claire found a regimen that worked for her with the support of the pharmacy team.
Seeing her quality of life improve was a testament to the impact of accessible medication.
However, many patients are concerned about the cost of these medications, which can be thousands of dollars per month. For example, Otrexup, a treatment for psoriasis, costs nearly $1,100.
Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) like CVS Caremark play a vital role in keeping these medications affordable by negotiating lower prices.
Proposed legislation in Arizona could undermine PBMs’ ability to control costs. The bill includes a new dispensing fee of $10.11 per prescription, which would likely be passed on to patients.
This added expense could be the difference between affording medication and other essential expenses.
As prices for everyday necessities rise, patients may have to choose between their medications and other needs. The goal of pharmacists is to ensure patients can afford the treatments they need.
Therefore, Arizona lawmakers are urged to reconsider legislation that could impede PBMs’ efforts to negotiate lower prescription drug costs, protecting patients’ access to life-changing medications.
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