reimbursement for Zocor and the new generic simvastatins

August 2006

There's lots of confusion about reimbursement for Zocor and the new generic simvastatins.

Merck has contracted with some third party payers to slash the price of Zocor to LESS than the cost of the generics.

This means that some patients will get Zocor at a generic copay...and would actually have to pay more for the generic.

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Table of Contents

the risk of jaw bone damage while taking Fosamax or other bisphosphonates
Cardiology reimbursement for Zocor and the new generic simvastatins
Cardiology More patients will be started on a beta-blocker before surgery
Vaccines CDC will soon recommend a booster of the chickenpox vaccine
Vaccines shortage of Menactra (meningococcal vaccine)
Neurology & Pain two new ORAL forms of oxymorphone called Opana and Opana ER
Diabetes New "guidelines" for treating pain due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Infectious Diseases several changes in HIV drug therapy
Women's Health new oral contraceptive called Seasonique
treatment options for eating disorders
Hematology & Oncology Sprycel (dasatinib), a new oral drug for certain forms of leukemia
Hematology & Oncology Cesamet (nabilone) is a new option for nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
Smoking Cessation Chantix (varenicline) is the latest option for smoking cessation