Two hepatitis B medications available free through partnership of nonprofit organizations

ST. LOUIS - Dec. 6, 2021 - PRLog -- Two national nonprofit organizations have announced a new venture to provide two of the most commonly prescribed medications for chronic hepatitis B at no cost to people in need. Hundreds of people across the country are expected to benefit from the program.

The Hepatitis B Foundation and Rx Outreach (http://www.rxoutreach.org), the nation's largest, nonprofit, online pharmacy, began working together in 2019, when staff from Hepatitis B Foundation asked Rx Outreach to add hepatitis B medications to the formulary.

"At the time, nearly 20 percent of our phone calls were directly related to the rising cost of medicines. People were really struggling," explained Chari Cohen, DrPH, MPH, senior vice president of the Hepatitis B Foundation.

Rx Outreach added the two front-line medications for chronic hepatitis B infection – generic Viread® (tenofovir) and generic Baraclude® (entecavir) – and offered the medications at a discounted price. These medications will now be available free to a limited number of people referred to Rx Outreach by the Hepatitis B Foundation. The program is supported by donations.

To receive tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or entecavir at no cost, patients must meet the income eligibility requirements for Rx Outreach and enroll through the Hepatitis B Foundation landing page (www.rxoutreach.org/hepb).  A valid prescription is required. Once this is received, the medication will be mailed directly to the patient's home. Rx Outreach serves all people regardless of their health insurance status or immigration status. The medications are available free for a limited time.

Known for their exceptional attention to improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide through education and patient advocacy, as well as their focus on finding a cure through research, the Hepatitis B Foundation (http://www.hepb.org) is a global leader in the field. The organization is recognized for making great strides for this mostly overlooked and underfunded disease.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with the Hepatitis B Foundation," said Julie Erickson, President/CEO at Rx Outreach. "Their work not only improves access to life-saving treatment for people living with hepatitis B, but it also creates informative change within the field"

Last year 988 people living with hepatitis B signed up through the Hepatitis B Foundation's website to receive their medications at a discount from Rx Outreach.

Rx Outreach carries more 1,000 free and low-cost medications for people who are uninsured or underinsured.

"With rising food and energy costs, we know that some people will be forced to skip their medications. Our hope is that through our partnership, the people our organizations serve will have a higher quality of life by easing the burden of crucial medications." said Bill Vatterott, marketing manager.