- For U.S. Residents only.
- Non-U.S. Residents
| Gleevec® (imatinib mesylate) tablets and Tasigna® (nilotinib) 200mg capsules are available only by prescription.
A free support program for people with Ph+ CML
Home : Financial Assistance : Co-Pay Card : FAQs
Financial Assistance
Frequently asked questions
Call 1-866-972-8313 to enroll.
What is the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card?
How do I activate the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card?
How does the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card work?
How long will the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card be available?
Are there any insurance restrictions?
What if I don't have insurance at all; can I still use the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card?
Are all pharmacies participating?
What else will participants of My CML Circle receive?
I lost my My CML Circle Co-Pay Card. How can I get a replacement?
How do I use the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card if I use a mail-order or online prescription program?
I activated the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card, but it doesn't work at the pharmacy. Can someone help me?
How do I get a My CML Circle Co-Pay Card?
How can I find out about the Novartis Privacy Policy?
How do I get the Prescribing Information for Gleevec or Tasigna?
How can I stop receiving regular mail or e-mails from Novartis?
Who is Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation?
What are the call center hours of operation?
Is there a program for patients who cannot afford Gleevec or Tasigna?
What is the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card?
The My CML Circle Co-Pay Card was created by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation to help you save money on your out-of-pocket costs for Gleevec and Tasigna prescriptions. The program provides Gleevec and Tasigna patients being treated for Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myelogenous (or myeloid) leukemia (CML) with co-pay assistance.
If you are starting on or currently taking Gleevec 400 mg, you can receive up to $25 per prescription refill for 12 refills. If you are already taking a higher dose of Gleevec or your healthcare provider increases your dose of Gleevec, you can also receive up to $25 per prescription refill for 12 refills. If you are currently taking Tasigna or should your healthcare provider transition you to Tasigna, you can receive up to $75 per prescription refill for 12 refills.
Anyone participating in a federal or state government-related healthcare program which pays in whole or in part for prescription drugs is not eligible for the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card. Examples of these programs are: Medicare, Transitional Assistance Program, Tricare, Medicaid, CHAMPUS, VA, and State and Maternal Programs. Please note there are several more potential programs that qualify as government programs.
Patients in the state of Massachusetts are not eligible for the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card.
The My CML Circle Co-Pay Card is only available in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
How do I activate the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card?
To activate your card, call 1-866-972-8313. You will provide your 12-digit member ID number, in addition to your name and mailing address to enroll in the program and activate the card.
How does the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card work?
All patients must activate their card before first use. Then when you go to the pharmacy, bring your card with you along with your prescription from your doctor. Present it to the pharmacist every time you fill your Gleevec or Tasigna prescription. If you are starting on or currently taking Gleevec 400 mg, you can receive up to $25 per prescription refill for 12 refills. If you are already taking a higher dose of Gleevec or your healthcare provider increases your dose of Gleevec, you can also receive up to $25 per prescription refill for 12 refills. If you are currently taking Tasigna or should your healthcare provider transition you to Tasigna, you can receive up to $75 per prescription refill for 12 refills.
How long will the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card be available?
The card expires on 12/31/11. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this program without notice.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes, you first need a valid, signed Gleevec or Tasigna prescription from your doctor. The prescription and your My CML Circle Co-Pay Card must be presented at the pharmacy to receive the benefits of co-pay assistance.
Are there any insurance restrictions?
You may not use the card if you already receive your medications through federal or state healthcare programs, or if you are a resident of Massachusetts. Examples of these programs include: Medicare, Transitional Assistance Program, Tricare, Medicaid, CHAMPUS, VA, and State Maternal Programs.
What if I don't have insurance at all; can I still use the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card?
Yes, you can still use it even if you don't have insurance.
Are all pharmacies participating?
All pharmacies are invited to accept the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card for Gleevec and Tasigna prescriptions. There are no network requirements.
What else will participants of My CML Circle receive?
Informative Ph+ CML brochures that cover topics like the best way to communicate with your healthcare provider, regular updates about staying on Ph+ CML treatment, and healthy living tips, plus other useful information.
I lost my My CML Circle Co-Pay Card. How can I get a replacement?
If you have already enrolled in My CML Circle and lost the card, we are able to send you a replacement. Call 1-866-972-8313 to request one.
How do I use the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card if I use a mail order or online prescription program?
To redeem the benefits of the card, the following needs to be done:
- Mail in your prescription for Gleevec or Tasigna, along with a copy of the Co-Pay Card, to the mail-order pharmacy that your specific insurance covers.
- The card discount will be applied and you will be billed for the remaining amount, if any.
If your mail-order pharmacy does not participate, you will be reimbursed with a Patient Mail-In Reimbursement Form, which we can send to you in the mail when you call 1-866-972-8313.
- When you receive your Gleevec or Tasigna medication from your mail-order pharmacy, a receipt will be included.
- You will need to fill out the Patient Mail-in Reimbursement Form, the mail-order pharmacy receipt, and a photocopy of your card to OPUS Health in order to receive the reimbursement.
- Please note that each online/mail-order pharmacy will have its individual policies and procedures for the patient to follow.
I activated the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card, but it doesn't work at the pharmacy. Can someone help me?
If your card does not work at your pharmacy, you can be reimbursed with a Patient Mail-In Reimbursement Form, which we can send to you in the mail when you call 1-866-972-8313.
When you receive your Gleevec or Tasigna medication from your pharmacy, a receipt will be included. You will need to fill out the Patient Mail-in Reimbursement Form and send the form, the pharmacy receipt, and a photocopy of your Co-Pay Card to OPUS Health in order to receive the reimbursement.
How do I get a My CML Circle Co-Pay Card?
Talk to your doctor about Gleevec and Tasigna. If you are prescribed Gleevec or Tasigna, your doctor should be able to give you a My CML Circle kit that includes the card. To activate, follow the instructions in the kit and take full advantage of the benefits of the program. Some limitations may apply. If your doctor does not have a kit with a card, you can request a card here on this website or call 1-866-972-8313 after you have your prescription, and we can send you one.
Anyone participating in a federal or state government-related healthcare program which pays in whole or in part for prescription drugs is not eligible to receive the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card. Examples of these programs are: Medicare, Transitional Assistance Program, Tricare, Medicaid, CHAMPUS, VA, and State Maternal Programs. Please note there are several more potential programs that qualify as government programs.
Only residents of the U.S. and Puerto Rico are eligible. However, residents in the state of Massachusetts are not.
How can I find out about the Novartis Privacy Policy?
You can view our privacy policy here. Novartis may update this policy from time to time as the privacy laws and regulations continue to evolve. We encourage you to review our privacy policy online periodically.
How do I get the Prescribing Information for Gleevec or Tasigna?
Click here to get the Gleevec Prescribing Information, and here for the Tasigna Prescribing Information.
How can I stop receiving regular mail or e-mails from Novartis?
When you receive an e-mail, just click on the unsubscribe link and you'll be linked to a page where you can unsubscribe. You are free to not receive mail or e-mail from Novartis at any time. However, you should not stop taking your Gleevec and Tasigna medication without talking to your doctor.
Who is Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation?
Novartis is a pharmaceutical company with a history dating back over 250 years. We have always taken pride in developing new medications that treat a wide variety of conditions. We are also proud to be a member of the TogetherRx Access Program. If you would like more information on Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, you may contact us at:
One Health Plaza
East Hanover, NJ 07936-1080
What are the call center hours of operation?
Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 10 PM EST
Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM EST
Sunday, Closed
Is there a program for patients who cannot afford Gleevec or Tasigna?
Yes. Novartis is committed to providing access to Ph+ CML medications available from Novartis Oncology to those patients meeting financial eligibility requirements. In addition, we provide reimbursement support resources for physicians and their patients. By calling the Novartis Reimbursement Hotline at 1-800-282-7630, providers and patients can receive assistance in resolving reimbursement issues and concerns.
I filled my medications but forgot to present my My CML Circle Co-Pay Card. How can I get reimbursed?
We are not able to reimburse you for a prescription that has already been filled. The next time you go to the pharmacy, bring your card with you. Present it to the pharmacist at your next refill of Gleevec or Tasigna to receive the savings.
SAFETY: Important Product Information
Important information
GLEEVEC is available only by prescription.
Indication
GLEEVEC® (imatinib mesylate) tablets are indicated for:
- Newly diagnosed adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome– positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in the chronic phase (CP)
- Patients with Ph+ CML in blast crisis (BC), accelerated phase (AP), or in CP after failure of interferon-alpha therapy
Who should NOT take GLEEVEC
- Women who are or could be pregnant should not take GLEEVEC. Fetal harm can occur when administered to pregnant women; therefore, women should not become pregnant, as well as be advised of the potential risk to the unborn child if GLEEVEC is used during pregnancy.
- Women who are breast-feeding should not take GLEEVEC because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants.
- Sexually active females should use adequate birth control while taking GLEEVEC.
Be sure to talk to your doctor and/or nurse about these issues before taking GLEEVEC.
Warnings and precautions
- Edema (swelling) and severe fluid retention have occurred. Your doctor will weigh you regularly and manage unexpected weight gain by drug interruption and diuretics.
- Cytopenias (reduction or lack of certain cell elements in blood circulation), such as anemia, have occurred. Your doctor will perform complete blood counts weekly for the first month, every other week for the second month, and periodically thereafter. In most cases, your doctor will reduce or interrupt your therapy with GLEEVEC; in rare cases, your doctor may discontinue treatment.
- Severe congestive heart failure and left ventricle dysfunction have been reported, particularly in patients with other health issues and risk factors. Patients with heart disease or risk factors will be monitored and treated for the condition.
- Hepatotoxicity (severe liver problems) may occur. Your doctor will check your liver function before beginning treatment and continue to monitor liver function as needed.
- Bleeding may occur. Severe gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding has been reported in patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML.
- GI perforation (small holes or tears in the walls of the stomach or intestine), in some cases fatal, has been reported.
- In patients with certain conditions associated with high eosinophil levels (eg, HES, MDS/MPD and ASM), beginning GLEEVEC has been associated with cardiogenic shock/ left ventricle dysfunction.
- Skin reactions, such as fluid-filled blisters, have been reported with the use of GLEEVEC.
- Clinical cases of hypothyroidism have been reported in patients taking levothyroxine replacement during treatment with GLEEVEC. Your doctor should closely monitor your TSH levels.
- Long-term use may result in potential liver, kidney, and/or heart toxicities; immune system suppression may also result from long- term use.
- GLEEVEC can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Women should be aware of the potential harm to the fetus.
Important safety information
The following serious side effects have been reported in patients taking GLEEVEC:
- Severe fluid retention, which can cause swelling around the eyes or swelling of the lower legs, lungs, and heart; fatal in rare cases
- Low levels of certain blood cells Heart failure/cardiogenic shock Liver problems Skin blistering
- Hemorrhage (abnormal bleeding)
- Low levels of thyroid hormone
Your doctor will check you closely for any side effects to stop more serious complications from occurring. Patients with heart disease or risk factors for heart failure should also be monitored carefully.
GLEEVEC is sometimes associated with stomach or intestinal irritation. GLEEVEC should be taken with food and a large glass of water to minimize this problem. There have been rare reports, including deaths, of stomach or intestinal perforation.
Common side effects of GLEEVEC
A majority of patients treated with GLEEVEC experience side effects at some time. Most side effects are mild to moderate in severity. Some common side effects you may experience include:
Fluid retention 
Nausea
Fatigue
Rash
Abdominal pain Vomiting Diarrhea Muscle cramps or pain
Hemorrhage (abnormal bleeding)
Some mild-to-moderate side effects can be managed with the help of other medicines and advice from your doctor. However, in some cases, your dose of GLEEVEC may be stopped for awhile or may be changed.
Take GLEEVEC exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or stop taking GLEEVEC unless you are told to do so by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take your dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In this case, your missed dose should not be taken.
A double dose should not be taken to make up for any missed dose. You should take GLEEVEC with a meal and a large glass of water.
Be sure to inform your doctor if you are or think you may be pregnant. You should not breast-feed while taking GLEEVEC.
Do not take any other medications without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first, including over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol® (acetaminophen), herbal products (St. John's Wort/hypericum perforatum), Coumadin® (warfarin sodium), rifampin, erythromycin, and Dilantin® (phenytoin). Taking these with GLEEVEC may affect how they work, or affect how GLEEVEC works.
You should also tell your doctor if you are taking or plan to take iron supplements. Patients should also avoid grapefruit juice and other foods that may affect how GLEEVEC works.
Tell your doctor if you experience side effects during therapy with GLEEVEC, including fever, shortness of breath, blood in your stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or eyes), sudden weight gain, symptoms of heart failure, or if you have a history of heart disease or risk factors for heart disease.
After GLEEVEC's approval, the following side effects have been reported in patients treated with GLEEVEC: compression of the heart due to increased fluid, swelling of the brain, GI perforation, and sudden lung failure. These events, including some fatalities, may or may not have been drug related.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a registered trademark of McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals a division of McNeil PPC, Inc. Coumadin (warfarin sodium) is a registered trademark of Bristol Myers Squibb Company. Dilantin (phenytoin) is a registered trademark of Parke-Davis, a division of Pfizer Inc.
Important Information about TASIGNA
TASIGNA (nilotinib) 200-mg capsules are indicated for the treatment of chronic phase and accelerated phase Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+) chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in adult patients resistant or intolerant to prior therapy that included imatinib. The effectiveness of TASIGNA is based on hematologic and cytogenetic response rates. There are no controlled trials demonstrating a clinical benefit, such as improvement in disease-related symptoms or increased survival.
WARNING:
QT PROLONGATION AND SUDDEN DEATHS
TASIGNA prolongs the QT interval. Sudden deaths have been reported in patients receiving nilotinib. TASIGNA should not be used in patients with hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, or long QT syndrome. Hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia must be corrected prior to TASIGNA administration and should be periodically monitored. Drugs known to prolong the QT interval and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should be avoided. Patients should avoid food 2 hours before and 1 hour after taking dose. Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. ECGs should be obtained to monitor the QTc at baseline, seven days after initiation, and periodically thereafter, as well as following any dose adjustments.
Contraindications
You should not use TASIGNA if you have one of the following:
- Hypokalemia
- Hypomagnesemia
- Long QT syndrome
What is the most important information to know about TASIGNA?
TASIGNA can cause a possible life-threatening heart problem called QT prolongation. QT prolongation causes an irregular heartbeat, which may lead to sudden death.
Your doctor should check your heart with a test called an "ECG:"
- Before taking TASIGNA
- Regularly during treatment
- 7 days after starting TASIGNA
- After any dose changes
You may lower your chances for having QT prolongation with TASIGNA if you:
- Take TASIGNA on an empty stomach. DO NOT TAKE TASIGNA WITH FOOD
Take TASIGNA:
- At least 2 hours after eating any food, and
- After taking TASIGNA, wait at least 1 hour before eating any food
- Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and any supplement containing grapefruit extract while taking TASIGNA. Food and grapefruit products increase blood levels of TASIGNA in your body
- Avoid taking other medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements with TASIGNA that can also cause QT prolongation
TASIGNA is a prescription medication.
TASIGNA comes in 200 mg capsules. Your doctor will prescribe 400 mg of TASIGNA to be taken twice a day for a total daily dose of 800 mg. Each dose should be taken approximately 12 hours apart.
Swallow TASIGNA capsules whole with water.
- Do not open TASIGNA capsules.
- Do not drink grapefruit juice, eat grapefruit, or take supplements containing grapefruit extract. It may affect the levels of TASIGNA in the blood.
- If you miss a dose, take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Before taking TASIGNA
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about all other medication(s) you may be taking, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, since they may affect how TASIGNA works and increase your chance of serious and life-threatening side effects.
Before taking TASIGNA, tell your doctor if:
- You have a heart disorder or are taking medication for the heart
- You have an irregular heartbeat
- You have QT prolongation or a family history of it
- You know that you suffer from low blood levels of electrolytes, such as potassium or magnesium; or you have a liver or pancreas disorder
- Also tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or lactose-intolerant
Call your doctor right away if you faint or have an irregular heartbeat while taking TASIGNA.
These can be symptoms of QT prolongation.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Serious side effects
TASIGNA is sometimes associated with serious side effects, with symptoms that include:
- Irregularity in heartbeat or fainting
- Yellow skin and eyes
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
- Shortness of breath
- Blood in urine or stool
- Swelling of hands, ankles, feet, or face
- Unexplained weakness
- Sudden stomach area pain with nausea and vomiting
Common side effects
Most patients experience side effects at some time. Some common side effects you may experience include:
Low blood count Rash Nausea and vomiting Headache Itching Tiredness
Diarrhea
Constipation
Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any side effects during treatment with TASIGNA.
Women taking TASIGNA should avoid becoming pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. TASIGNA can harm a fetus (unborn baby).
- Women who can get pregnant must use effective birth control during treatment with TASIGNA.
Women should not breast-feed while taking TASIGNA.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
If you take too much TASIGNA, call your doctor or poison control center right away.
Your doctor will check your heart, do regular blood tests and take bone marrow samples during treatment with TASIGNA. These are done to check for side effects with TASIGNA and to see how well TASIGNA is working for you. Your doctor should check your blood to monitor the amount of blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets) during treatment. These should be checked every two weeks for the first two months and then monthly thereafter, or as considered necessary by your doctor. Your doctor may have you stop TASIGNA for some time or reduce your dose if you have side effects with it.
Use of website is governed by the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement. Copyright ©2010 Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This site is intended for U.S. Residents only. Non U.S. Residents click here.
Gleevec Indication
GLEEVEC® (imatinib mesylate) tablets are indicated for:
- Newly diagnosed adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in the chronic phase (CP)
- Patients with Ph+ CML in blast crisis (BC), accelerated phase (AP), or in CP after failure of interferon-alpha therapy
Important Safety Information
What is the most important information I should know about Tasigna?
Tasigna can cause a possible life-threatening heart problem called QT prolongation. QT prolongation causes an irregular heart beat, which may lead to sudden death.
Your doctor should check your heart with a test called an "ECG":
- Before taking Tasigna
- 7 days after starting Tasigna
- Regularly during treatment
- After any dose changes
Tasigna Indication
Tasigna (nilotinib) 200-mg capsules is indicated for the treatment of chronic phase and accelerated phase Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in adult patients resistant or intolerant to prior therapy that included imatinib. The effectiveness of Tasigna is based on hematologic and cytogenetic response rates. There are no controlled trials demonstrating a clinical benefit, such as improvement in disease-related symptoms or increased survival.