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Understanding Insurance

Trying to understand healthcare coverage can be confusing. So let us help. Here, we’ll help you understand the differences between commercial or private insurance and government coverage, figure out which one you have, and point you in the right direction to learn more about what this means for you.

Insurance 101

With all of the different health insurance options available, it can be hard to know which is right for you. These videos explain how health insurance works, important things to think about when considering a health plan, and ways to help you make the most of your plan.

What is commercial or private insurance?

Commercial or private insurance is a health insurance plan that is not offered by the government. You can get it through your or your spouse’s job. You can also purchase a commercial plan directly from an insurance carrier, at Healthcare.gov, or an insurance broker.

 
 

Learn more about

Commercial or Private Insurance

What is government coverage?

Government coverage is when your healthcare program is funded by the government. These programs include:
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
  • Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
  • The Department of Defense TRICARE (DOD TRICARE)
  • The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Program
  • The Indian Health Service (IHS) Program
 

Learn more about

Medicare

 

Learn more about

Medicaid

How do I find out what my coverage is?

If you’re not sure what type of healthcare coverage you have, we can help.

Give us a call to speak with a Janssen CarePath Care Coordinator.

What do I do if my healthcare plan does not approve my treatment?

Sometimes, you may not be able to get the medication that your doctor has prescribed for you. For example, your health plan might not cover the medication if it is not on the drug list (formulary). Or your medication cost could be higher than you think it should be. When this happens, you and your doctor can ask your health plan about it. You can also see if your plan can make the medication available to you as an exception.

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 VELETRI®?

VELETRI® is a prescription medicine that is given intravenously (in a vein). It is used to treat adults with certain kinds of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1), a condition in which blood pressure is too high in the blood vessels between the heart and the lungs. VELETRI® may improve your ability to exercise as measured by how far you can walk in 6 minutes (6-minute walk test).

Studies showing VELETRI® is effective included mainly patients with NYHA Functional Class III-IV PAH. In these patients, PAH was caused by unidentified or hereditary factors or connective tissue disease.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Who should not take VELETRI®?

VELETRI® should not be used if you have heart failure due to severe left heart disease, if you develop fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) when starting therapy, or if you are allergic to epoprostenol.

Some medications may interact with VELETRI®. Please talk to your doctor about all of your medications.

What is the most important information I should know about?

It is important to use VELETRI® as directed by your doctor. VELETRI® should be used only with Sterile Water for Injection, USP, or Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection, USP. Do not mix VELETRI® with other intravenous medications. Each vial is for single use only; discard any unused medication. Use at room temperature (77°F/25°C). Do not expose VELETRI® to direct sunlight.

When you take epoprostenol for the first time, you must be in a setting (hospital or clinic) where you can be monitored for any serious side effects or in case of emergency. Your blood pressure and heart rate should also be monitored with any dose changes. If you are taking VELETRI®, your doctor may prescribe another kind of medicine used to prevent blood clots. It is the use of these medications concomitantly (in combination) with VELETRI® that may potentially cause an increase in the risk of bleeding.

Sudden and dramatic changes in dose may lead to unstable blood pressure, a return of pulmonary hypertension symptoms, or fatal low blood pressure (hypotension). Do not stop using VELETRI® without first talking to your doctor.

To reduce the risk of infection in the bloodstream, it is important to know how to properly care for the catheter and infusion pump.

What are the possible side effects of VELETRI®?

You may have side effects at the start of treatment or with dose increases. The most common side effects seen in at least 1% of patients were:

  • flushing
  • headache
  • nausea/vomiting
  • low blood pressure
  • anxiety/nervousness
  • chest pain
  • dizziness
  • slow heartbeat
  • abdominal pain
  • pain in the muscles and/or ligaments and bones
  • shortness of breath
  • back pain
  • sweating
  • upset stomach
  • numbness/increased sensitivity
  • fast heartbeat

The most common side effects in patients with PAH due to unidentified or hereditary factors with at least 10% difference between the group that received epoprostenol and the group that received conventional therapy alone were:

  • flu-like symptoms
  • fast heartbeat
  • flushing
  • diarrhea
  • nausea/vomiting
  • jaw pain
  • pain in the muscles and/or ligaments and bones
  • anxiety/nervousness
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • numbness/increased sensitivity/tingling

The most common side effects in patients with PAH due to connective tissue disease with at least 10% difference between the group that received epoprostenol and the group that received conventional therapy alone were:

  • flushing
  • low blood pressure
  • lack of appetite
  • nausea/vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • jaw pain
  • neck/joint pain
  • headache
  • skin ulcer
  • rash

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

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information for VELETRI® and discuss any questions you have with your doctor.

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