New medication program to help HIV patients

GabeCare DirectRx introduced a free Adherence Program designed to help HIV-positive patients increase their medication adherence and quality of life.
"We decided to launch this program after working with HIV patients and their medications," said Jennifer VanNuil, the HIV Program Director for DirectRx. "One problem that was noted was that patients were confused with their medication directions."
DirectRx offers free home delivery of all prescription medications via UPS. The medication is pre-packaged using compliance packaging, which divides the pills into morning, noon and evening doses for each day of the month. Each individual packet includes the patient's name, name of the medications included and administration time printed directly on the package for that particular dosage time. The staff at GabeCare will also explain the medication directions to each patient so as to decrease confusion.
"We try to make the medication process as simple as possible for our patients by eliminating many barriers to that process," VanNuil said.
The pharmacy staff at GabeCare DirectRx remains in contact with the doctor for refills and medication updates. They also keep in touch with each patient to help them overcome individual barriers to adherence and other medication issues they may be experiencing.
"We contact the doctors for refills, we contact either the patient and/or doctor if medications are not covered by their insurance, and we keep in touch with the doctors to keep records up to date," VanNuil said. "We also deliver the medication, which is always free. We are also in the area so if a problem arises, there are other options to get the medicine to the patients."
DirectRx has a specialty HIV pharmacist on-staff for medication questions. The pharmacists are also available to present information to support groups and other organizations on various HIV topics.
"The program is beneficial for patients in many ways," VanNuil said.
To sign up for the Adherence Program please call a Patient Care Representative at (800) 422-3227, ext 8. For more information, visit http://www.directrx.com.