PFSP Has Access to Limited Distribution Drugs to Treat Various Forms of Cancer

What are Limited Distribution Drugs?

Medications that are exclusively distributed to a limited network of pharmacies are considered Limited Distribution Drugs. A limited network can benefit the manufacturer, physician, patient, and pharmacy by coordinating efforts from the start of therapy and throughout treatment. Some specialty drugs, including those that are the most difficult to attain, are only distributed to Specialty Pharmacies identified by pharmaceutical manufacturers as having the highest standards for clinical expertise, medication adherence, patient education, monitoring, and support. In order for a Specialty Pharmacy to gain access to an LDD (Limited Distribution Drug), the pharmacy has to have demonstrated a high level of standards for clinical excellence. 

Clinical Excellence standards include:

• Patient education and monitoring, which allow for manufacturing protocols to be better met. High-risk medications require extra safety measures and pharmacies who agree to LDD procedures make promises to the manufacturer to aid in patient safety and adherence.
• National accreditations, which are needed for certain medications needing specific handling methods, sterility measures, and quality control standards. National accreditations require a thorough review and are only given to pharmacies with years of experience, highly-trained clinical staff, and relationships with manufacturers. 
• Medication adherence tools and support services to keep patients on track to meeting protocol requirements.
• Disease-state-focused coordinators to help patients by extending care specific to the condition treated. Closer relationships between patient and pharmacists allow for updates and guidance to patients as their disease-state changes, keeps patients informed and better educated, which leads to better adherence and treatment outcomes.

PFSP’s Limited Oncology Distribution Drugs

Avastin, Herceptin, Rituxan, Lynparza, and Jadenu are a few of the LDD’s PFSP Specialty Pharmacy has access to and are treatments used for a variety of cancer types.

Avastin is used to treat colon cancer, rectal cancer, and metastatic breast cancer- usually in combination with a chemotherapy regimen. It also treats non-small cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, and metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Avastin is administered through an infusion intravenously.

Herceptin is given to patients who are HER2+ with early-stage breast cancer. Herceptin can be used alongside chemotherapy drugs or administered alone after chemotherapy treatment courses are concluded.

Rituxan is a medication given to adults with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and is usually paired with chemotherapy treatment. However, Rituxan is a type of antibody therapy that can also be given to patients alone and not with chemotherapy. Rituxan works to attack the cancer cells and help the immune system to destroy cancer cells.

Lynparza is used to treat advanced-stage cancer conditions like advanced ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer, HER2- metastatic breast cancer, metastatic pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer. Lynparza is typically given after chemotherapy treatments have concluded or cancer has come back.

Jadenu is an oral treatment given to patients with chronic increased amount of iron in their blood and patients with thalassemia. Thalassemia presents a substantial risk for haematological malignancy and abdominal cancer, making Jadenu an important preventative treatment.

PFSP Specialty Pharmacy provides patients and their physicians an exceptionally high standard of care with our growing team of specialized pharmacists and staff. Our dedicated team of pharmacists focuses on improving adherence for patients and works to find an approach that works best for them. Bringing a fresh take on what a Specialty Pharmacy can and should be, we are committed to the care of our patients. We take pride in being an ethical resource within our community and strive each day to help our patients live enriching and full lives.