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Medicaid

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a state and federal government program. It gives free or low-cost health coverage to millions of Americans. It also varies per state, so we recommend checking your state’s website to learn more.

Who does Medicaid cover?

Medicaid covers some low-income people, families, and children. It also covers pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Some states cover people who make less than a certain amount of money. But, even if you don't qualify for Medicaid based on income, you may qualify for your state's program.

When can I apply for Medicaid?

You can apply for Medicaid any time of year.

How can I find out if Medicaid covers my medication?

Medicaid might cover your medication. Since information varies by state, we recommend contacting the state directly or going to its website.

Visit Healthcare.gov to find your state’s Medicaid site and learn more.

If you have Medicaid, we can help you learn if your medication is covered and how much it will cost.

Can I qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid?

People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are considered "dual eligible." This means that both programs can cover most of your healthcare costs and you might qualify for special kinds of Medicare plans. Visit Medicare.gov to learn more.

 

Questions? 866-228-3546

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM ET

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
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What is OPSUMIT® (macitentan)?

OPSUMIT® is a prescription medicine used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, WHO Group 1). PAH is high blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs. OPSUMIT® can:

  • Improve your ability to exercise as measured by the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). In a clinical study of mainly WHO FC II-III patients, those taking OPSUMIT® walked, on average, 22 meters farther at Month 6 than patients taking a placebo (sugar pill)
  • Improve some of your symptoms
  • Help slow down the progression of your disease
  • Lower your chance of being hospitalized for PAH

It is not known if OPSUMIT® is safe and effective in children.

The most important information about OPSUMIT® (macitentan)

Do not take OPSUMIT® if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. OPSUMIT® can cause serious birth defects if taken while pregnant.

Women who are able to get pregnant must have negative pregnancy tests:

  • Before starting OPSUMIT®
  • Each month while taking OPSUMIT®
  • For 1 month after stopping OPSUMIT®

Your doctor will decide when you should take pregnancy tests.

You are medically able to get pregnant if you are a woman who fits all of the following guidelines:

  • has started puberty, even if you have not had a menstrual period yet
  • has a uterus
  • has not gone through menopause (menopause means you have not had a menstrual period for at least 12 months for natural reasons, or have had your ovaries removed)

You are not medically able to get pregnant if you are a woman who fits at least 1 of the following guidelines:

  • has not started puberty
  • does not have a uterus
  • has gone through menopause (you have not had a menstrual period for at least 12 months for natural reasons, or have had your ovaries removed)
  • is infertile for other medical reasons and this infertility is permanent and cannot be reversed

While taking OPSUMIT®, and for 1 month after stopping OPSUMIT®, women who are able to get pregnant must use 2 acceptable forms of birth control. Women who have had a tubal sterilization, a progesterone implant, or have an IUD (intrauterine device) do not need a second form of birth control. Talk to your doctor or gynecologist about which birth control to use while on OPSUMIT®. If you decide to change your form of birth control, talk with your doctor or gynecologist. This way you can be sure to choose another acceptable form of birth control. Also review the Medication Guide for acceptable birth control options.

It’s important not to have unprotected sex while taking OPSUMIT®. Tell your doctor right away if you have unprotected sex, think your birth control has failed, miss a menstrual period, or think you may be pregnant. He or she may recommend using a form of emergency birth control.

If you are the parent or caregiver of a female child who started taking OPSUMIT® before reaching puberty, check with your child regularly for any signs of puberty. Your child may reach puberty before having her first menstrual period. Talk to your doctor if you think your child is showing signs of puberty or if you have any questions about the signs of puberty.

Before starting OPSUMIT®, women must enroll in a program called the Macitentan Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). If you are a woman who is able to get pregnant, you must talk to your doctor to learn the benefits and risks of OPSUMIT®. You must also agree to all of the instructions in the program. Men who are prescribed OPSUMIT® do not need to enroll in this program.

Who should not take OPSUMIT®?

Do not take OPSUMIT® if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or become pregnant during treatment with OPSUMIT®. OPSUMIT® can cause serious birth defects. See "The most important information about OPSUMIT®."

Do not take OPSUMIT® if you are allergic to macitentan or any of the ingredients in OPSUMIT®. See the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in OPSUMIT®.

Talk to your doctor about all your medical conditions, as well as all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take. OPSUMIT® and other medicines may affect each other causing side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you take an HIV medicine. Do not start any new medicine until you check with your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking OPSUMIT®?

  • Do not get pregnant. OPSUMIT® can cause serious birth defects. See "The most important information about OPSUMIT®." If you miss a menstrual period or think you may be pregnant, call your doctor right away
  • You should not breastfeed if you take OPSUMIT®. It is not known if OPSUMIT® passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby

What are the possible side effects of OPSUMIT®?

OPSUMIT® can cause serious side effects, including:

  • Serious birth defects. See "The most important information about OPSUMIT®"
  • Some medicines that are like OPSUMIT® can cause liver problems. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver before you start OPSUMIT®. Tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms, which could be a sign of liver problems while on OPSUMIT®:
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Pain in the upper right stomach
    • Feeling tired
    • Loss of appetite
    • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow
    • Dark urine
    • Fever
    • Itching
  • Fluid retention could happen during the first weeks after starting OPSUMIT®. Tell your doctor right away if you notice unusual weight gain or swelling in your ankles or legs. Your doctor will look for the cause
  • Low red blood cell levels (anemia) can happen while taking OPSUMIT®, usually during the first weeks after starting OPSUMIT®. In some cases a blood transfusion may be needed, but this is not common. Your doctor will do blood tests to check for anemia before you start OPSUMIT®. You may also need to do these blood tests while taking OPSUMIT®
  • Decreased sperm counts. OPSUMIT®, and other medicines like OPSUMIT®, may cause decreased sperm counts in men who take these medicines. If fathering a child is important to you, tell your doctor

The most common side effects are:

  • Stuffy nose or sore throat
  • Irritation of the airways (bronchitis)
  • Headache
  • Flu
  • Urinary tract infection

Talk to your doctor if you have a side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of OPSUMIT®. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, including an Important Warning about Serious Birth Defects, for OPSUMIT®.

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