Etanercept Patient Enrollment

December 2000

Etanercept Patient Enrollment The American College of Rheumatology has been notified by Immunex Corp. of a potential etanercept drug supply issue. Based on the number of new prescriptions written, the manufacturers have announced a potential period of supply constraints for etanercept in 2001. They have announced an enrollment program to help ensure uninterrupted future drug availability for those patients currently receiving etanercept. Patient information provided for the enrollment program will be used only for the purposes of administering the program.

Rheumatologists should inform their etanercept-treated patients of the need to enroll by 12/31/00. Patients can register by calling 1-888-4ENBREL (1-888-436-2735). They will provide information including their name and mailing address over the phone. Patients will be mailed a temporary enrollment card, and later a permanent card will be issued that will be necessary to fill future prescriptions.

Patients for whom etanercept is prescribed after January 1 will also need to enroll by calling 1-888-4ENBREL. Patients will have access to Enbrel as additional supply becomes available.

Patients currently receiving etanercept through the RA Assistance Foundation (RAAF) will continue to receive drug from the manufacturer and need not enroll in the program. December 14, 2000 John J. Cush, MD Hotline Editor

December 2000
John J. Cush, MD
Hotline Editor

Hotline is provided by the ACR Communications and Marketing Committee as a service to members. This Hotline reflects the views of the author(s) and does not represent a position statement of the College.

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