As a result of FDA’s announcement last year regarding the removal of dangerous unapproved colchicine from being manufactured or distributed in the marketplace, there are some unintended consequences. the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated its formulary to remove unapproved colchicine, but some private plans that cover prescription drugs under Medicare Part D are keeping beneficiaries from having access to drugs they need and that they used prior to the FDA action against unapproved colchicine.
February 15, 2011
Dear Sir or Madam:
As you may know, gout is a painful form of arthritis that primarily affects seniors. Patients afflicted with this disease depend on colchicine products to treat acute gout flare-ups that often occur at varying frequencies and intensities depending on individual patients.
by James L. Martin
More than 17,000 women with late-stage breast cancer rely on a drug called Avastin to extend and save their lives. But the drug may be taken away as a treatment option for most doctors and patients if the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has its way. Such a decision would bankrupt families, create a two-tier health care system in the United States, and literally kill women and seniors who are denied access to the drug. The stakes could not be higher.
Dear Mr. Martin:
Thank you for your letter of November 15, 2010. I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your question concerning the duration of our Colcrys Patient Assistances Program (PAP) and to offer additional information about this initiative.
November 15, 2010
Richard H. Roberts, M.D., Ph.D.
URL Pharma
1100 Orthodox Street
Philadelphia, PA 19124
Dear Mr. Roberts,
I am writing to you to discuss Colcrys, URL Pharma’s FDA-approved colchicine product.
60 Plus applauds FDA’s removal of untested colchicine from market, but reminds that more work is needed to protect patient safety
ALEXANDRIA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–James L. Martin, chairman of the 60 Plus Association, a seniors advocacy group, applauded the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to remove unapproved colchicine products from the market, and called on drug manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies to help the FDA protect patients from unapproved drugs.
60 Plus salutes, Florida Senate candidate, Marco Rubio. Earlier this summer, 60 Plus Association’s Chairman, Jim Martin and 60 Plus’ spokesperson, Pat Boone announced that Rubio won the organization’s Honorary Guardian of Seniors’ Rights award.
For any American senior, health and safety is their top priority. That's why 60 Plus is firmly behind stopping the prevalence of manufactures, doctors, and pharmacies distributing unapproved drugs when an approved drug or its equivalent is available on the market. We are especially concerned because our members -- senior citizens -- make up a large percentage of those for whom drug prescriptions are written... Read more >>>
