Somatostatin Analogs

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way NET patients think about treatment. Typically, many NET patients receive regular injections at their doctors’ offices. With increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines, many NET patients may want to consider enrolling in home injection programs. 

These programs allow treatment to be administered in the home by a trained nurse. To participate, your physician needs to refer you to a home injection program. Both Ipsen and Novartis offer home injection programs for somatostatin analogs.

Ipsen 

Ipsen CARES is temporarily making lanreotide available, at no charge, for eligible patients who cannot get their medicine because they are homebound due to the COVID-19 pandemic and allowing eligible patients covered by Medicare or Medicaid to participate in Nurse Home Health Administration (NHHA) services.  For more information, contact  Ipsen CARES® program at 1-866-435-5677. 

Novartis

Novartis has temporarily modified the eligibility criteria related to their mobile administration program (MAP) to allow for use by patients currently receiving long-acting octreotide, regardless of insurance plan or state of residency. The mobile administration program is available through the Novartis Patient Assistance Now Oncology (PANO) program at 1-800-282-7630.

Talk to your doctor. Talk to your insurance provider 

Remember, to participate in a home injection program, you will need a referral from your health care provider. Talk to your health care provider about your symptoms, treatment history, and co-occurring chronic conditions to see what makes the most sense for you right now.

Don’t stop or change your treatment schedule without first consulting with your health care provider. 

Getting your monthly injection through a home administration program could affect your co-pay or deductible, talk to your insurance provider first before converting to a home injection program.