DEERFIELD, Ill., December 5, 2023 – AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy, one of the largest specialty and home delivery pharmacies in the U.S. and a subsidiary of Walgreens, is one of four specialty pharmacies selected to distribute XDEMVY® (lotilaner ophthalmic solution) 0.25%. Manufactured by Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, XDEMVY is the first and only FDA approved treatment for Demodex blepharitis (DB), a highly prevalent eyelid disease impacting 25 million eye care patients in the U.S. The addition of XDEMVY brings the specialty pharmacy’s number of LDDs to over 240, among the highest of specialty pharmacies in the U.S.
Demodex blepharitis is caused by an infestation of Demodex mites, the most common ectoparasites found on human skin. Patients can easily overlook symptoms of Demodex blepharitis due to similarities with other eye conditions like dry eye or allergies. When left untreated, Demodex blepharitis can have clinical manifestations like inflammation of the lid and conjunctiva, and corneal manifestations.
“We are excited Tarsus selected us as part of this network to offer this sought after medication for our patients. Winning access to a limited distribution drug is all about the way we take care of patients, how we support providers, and what services we wrap around our patients and therapies,” says Tracey James, RPh, chief operating officer of Walgreens enterprise specialty. “Our patients not only deserve access to these medications, but also the personalized support of our Specialty360 Therapy Teams to help them throughout their treatment.”
Janice Havlik, RPh, Specialty360 therapy director for endocrine, organ and infectious diseases, says specialty pharmacists play an integral role in helping patients initiate their therapy. “As with any of our medications, our pharmacists are available to educate our patients on their particular treatment, help them understand what to expect, and are available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns they may have,” she says.
In addition to XDEMVY, the following limited distribution drugs are also available:
- BrixadiTM (buprenorphine), extended-release injection for subcutaneous use (CIII), distributed by Braeburn, is indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe opioid use disorder.
- ColumviTM (glofitamab), manufactured by Genentech, treats adults with certain types of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or large B-cell lymphoma that has come back (relapsed), or that did not respond to previous treatment (refractory), and who have received two or more prior treatments for their cancer.
- Vyvgart® Hytrulo (efgartigimod alfa-fcab), manufactured by argenx, is a subcutaneous injection (delivered beneath the skin) for adults with anti-AChR antibody positive generalized myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune, neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles.
For full prescribing information on these drugs, visit their manufacturer’s websites or dailymed.nlm.nih.gov.
About AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy
A subsidiary of Walgreen Co., AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy (AllianceRxWP.com) provides hope and care for better tomorrows to patients with rare diseases and chronic conditions by delivering medications from its specialty and home delivery pharmacies. Our advanced analytical capabilities, pharmacy expertise and technology solutions enable providers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and health plans to deliver optimal health outcomes. Through personalized care and clinical programs, along with access to the leading number of limited distribution drugs, patients can get back to what matters most. The company holds several national pharmacy accreditations and has team members across the United States.
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