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11/01/2004
To: RxLink
From:
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals and Abbott Laboratories
Micardis
and Micardis HCT
Providing
powerful antihypertensive efficacy that lasts even into the risky
early morning hours has just gotten easier.
Boehringer
Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BIPI) and Abbott
Laboratories-Pharmaceuticals Products Division (PPD) are pleased to
announce effective the week of October 25, 2004, we began shipping
MICARDIS (telmisartan) tablets and MICARDIS HCT (telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide)
tablets in more convenient, patient-friendly 30 tablet boxes. In
addition, the new packaging with 3x10 tablet blister cards will be
perforated and contain a lot number and expiration date behind each
tablet, making it easier for pharmacies and institutions to provide
unit dosing when necessary. Please note MICARDIS 2o mg will remain in
28-tablet packages.
Due to the
additional tablets contained in each package, the NDC codes and cost
per package have changed on all affected SKUs. This is NOT a price
increase; the price per tablet is the same. The cost is different to
reflect the new 30-tablet package. New NDC numbers and packaging
information can be found on the attached product fact sheet.
Wholesalers
began receiving the new 30-tablet packages the week of October 25.
After they have depleted their 28-tablet packages, they will begin
shipping the 30-tablet packages. It is anticipated that you will
begin seeing the new 30-count in your pharmacy by mid-November.
BIPI and
Abbott Laboratories-PPD have asked the wholesalers to link the order
entry numbers for the MICARDIS and MICARDIS HCT 28-tablet packages
with the new 30-tablet packages to ensure a continuous and
uninterrupted supply in your pharmacy.
Pricing
services and other agencies have been notified of this change well in
advance to ensure ample time for loading into the databases.
Please
continue to use any 28-tablet packages you have or receive prior to
beginning to dispense new 30-tablet packages. Both 28-tablet-package
and 30-tablet-package NDC's will remain active for reimbursement
purposes. Please be sure to exhaust your supply of 28-tablet packages
prior to dispensing the new 30-tablet packages. Do NOT return any
saleable 28-tablet packages.
The BIPI
return program for expired product will apply to all expired MICARDIS
and MICARDIS HCT. Information regarding this program is available by
contacting Capital Returns, Inc. 1-800-950-5479.
We are excited
to bring you this new packaging because we believe that it will not
only make therapy more convenient for patients, it should also make
your job just a little easier too.
Boehringer
Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Abbott Laboratories-PPD thank you
for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Robert Belknap
Executive
Director, Trade Relations
Boehringer
Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Tip Parker, RPh
Director Trade
Relations & Pharmacy Development
Abbott Laboratories-PPD |
