ExactCare

Lupus Foundation, Greater Ohio Chapter, Announces New Partnership with ExactCare Pharmacy

Limited supply of hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) available to lupus patients at no cost

It is our pleasure to announce an exciting opportunity for lupus patients in Ohio. We have partnered with ExactCare Pharmacy to offer a limited supply of hydroxychloroquine (which you may know by its brand name of Plaquenil) free of charge. Delivery is included! Why is this program being offered? You may remember that state and local governments began acquiring hydroxychloroquine in late March of last year. This was due to speculation that the drug could be effective in treating COVID-19. After numerous clinical trials, however, the Food and Drug Administration determined in June 2020 that hydroxychloroquine does not help with coronavirus prevention or recovery. This left many states, including Ohio, with a surplus supply. How do I receive the free hydroxychloroquine? As our partner pharmacy, ExactCare will be dispensing the hydroxychloroquine. They have set up a special phone line to assist lupus patients. Simply call 732-994-7851 and a pharmacy representative will walk you through the process. In most instances it will be easier to have a new prescription sent to ExactCare, and this medication will be provided to you at no cost and will be delivered to you. If you are taking multiple medications, you may also choose to get all of your medications through ExactCare. How long is this free medication available? This program is providing a limited supply of hydroxychloroquine on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are interested in receiving the medication through this partnership, we suggest calling ExactCare sooner rather than later.

Who is ExactCare? ExactCare is our partner pharmacy for this program. ExactCare is headquartered in the Cleveland area and specializes in helping people who take multiple medications manage chronic conditions. Their services make it easier for people to manage their medication routines and stay on track with their health. If you take multiple medications as part of your lupus treatment, you may be a good fit for their enhanced pharmacy services.

The Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter, Inc. strives to provide accurate information in a timely and efficient manner. Reference in this publication to any specific product or service is for information and convenience to the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter, Inc.

May is Lupus Awareness Month! This year, the Ohio lupus community comes together once again to create awareness and raise funds to fuel the mission and put an end to the cruel mystery that is lupus.

POP Day All month long, we will be sharing facts and statistics to educate people about lupus. Fact #1: On average, it takes nearly six years for people with lupus to be diagnosed. In support of lowering that 6-year wait, will you make a small donation of $6? With your donation, you will receive a balloon. The Challenge: Put on purple for POP Day, record a video of you sharing a fact about lupus, and pop your balloon!

Take the POP Day Challenge!

Important Dates:

• World Lupus Day is May 10 • The Cleveland Terminal Tower will be lit up purple on Friday, May 14. • The Virtual Lupus Summit: Path to Empowerment will take place on Saturday, May 22.