As the pharmaceutical landscape evolves, staying informed about pricing changes is crucial for both pharmacies and patients. Two significant announcements recently highlighted upcoming adjustments that will impact inventory management and patient costs. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of these updates and their implications.
Merck’s WAC Reductions for Januvia, Janumet, and Janumet XR
Merck has announced plans to reduce the Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) of Januvia, Janumet, and Janumet XR by up to 40% starting January 1, 2025. While this is a positive development for patients, it presents challenges for pharmacies managing their inventory.
Key Considerations for Pharmacies:
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Inventory Value Decline: Any inventory of these products on your shelves as of December 31, 2024, will lose up to 40% of its value overnight. This represents a significant financial risk.
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Action: Return any excess inventory immediately to avoid financial losses.
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Adopt “On-Demand Inventory” Practices:
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Only order these products when you have an adjudicated claim to fulfill.
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Encourage patients to call at least two days in advance for refills to facilitate efficient ordering.
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Wholesaler Return Policies:
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Cardinal Health will not accept returns for these products after December 1, 2024.
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McKesson typically allows returns up to 30 days before WAC reductions, aligning with the December 1 cutoff.
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Stay updated on communications from your wholesaler to ensure compliance and minimize losses.
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Additional Insights:
Earlier this year, the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) hosted a webinar discussing the implications of WAC decreases and strategies for managing patient needs during such transitions. The recording remains a valuable resource for pharmacies navigating these changes.
GSK’s Out-of-Pocket Cost Cap for Asthma and COPD Inhalers
Key Features of GSK’s Program:
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Wide-Reaching Impact: The $35 cap applies to all eligible patients using the following inhalers:
• Advair Diskus, Advair HFA, Anoro Ellipta, Arnuity Ellipta, Breo Ellipta, Incruse Ellipta, Serevent Diskus, Trelegy Ellipta, and Ventolin HFA.
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Commitment to Accessibility: This announcement builds on GSK’s existing efforts to provide rebates, discounts, and patient assistance programs.
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Proactive Steps: GSK recently reduced the WAC of Advair Diskus by an average of 50% and Advair HFA by an average of 20%, underscoring its dedication to responsible pricing and affordability.
Pharmacy Action Plan:
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Inform eligible patients about the upcoming cost cap and ensure they understand how to access these benefits.
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Stay updated on specific implementation details as GSK releases further information.
Looking Ahead
These announcements highlight a broader trend toward enhancing affordability and accessibility in the pharmaceutical industry. While these changes benefit patients, they also require careful planning and proactive measures by pharmacies to mitigate financial risks and ensure seamless transitions.
Stay informed, adapt your inventory practices, and leverage available resources to navigate these changes effectively. Your proactive approach will ensure that both your business and your patients thrive amidst these industry shifts.
Read the NCPA announcement on WAC reductions here.
Read the original GSK announcement here.
Interested in savings on prescription medications? RxPost can help you buy or sell excess drug inventory to improve your profits and offer better patient service. Learn more about RxPost here.