Dear Healthcare Professional:

In light of the developing situation around coronavirus (COVID-19), we would like to share actions that Bristol Myers Squibb is taking to support the health and well-being of patients receiving Revlimid^® (lenalidomide), Thalomid^® (thalidomide), or Pomalyst^® (pomalidomide) capsules.

In an effort to facilitate patients’ ability to obtain increased supply of these medications, the Revlimid REMS^®, Thalomid REMS^® and Pomalyst REMS^® programs have been temporarily modified to permit prescribing physicians to increase prescription supply to 56 days for the following patient risk categories: Adult Male, Male Child, Adult Female Not of Reproductive Potential.

The actions regarding the extension of prescription supplies are as follows:

• Prescribers of Revlimid, Thalomid, or Pomalyst will be given the option to authorize a maximum of a 56-day supply for appropriate patients during the mandatory prescriber survey process. Prescriber must ensure a 56-day supply is noted on the prescription sent to the pharmacy.
• Patients receiving a 56-day supply will still be prompted to complete the educational patient survey every 28 days as appropriate. If a patient has not completed their survey, REMS Customer Care will contact the patient to do so.
• Pharmacies will be permitted to dispense up to a 56-day supply for patients who have been authorized by their prescriber. The number of capsules to be dispensed (not to exceed a 56-day supply), current authorization number and patient risk category must be noted on the prescription received from the prescriber.

All other patient risk categories (Female Child Not of Reproductive Potential, Female Child of Reproductive Potential & Adult Female of Reproductive Potential) will continue to have a maximum supply of 28 days for each prescription in order to minimize the risk of embryo-fetal exposure and potential for teratogenicity.

Also, prescribers for patients who require routine pregnancy tests may use their discretion on how to verify negative pregnancy results.  This includes the use of home (over the counter) pregnancy tests for patients that are sequestered in their homes; as long as the test has a sensitivity of at least 50 mIU/mL.  Clinical urine or blood pregnancy tests are still recommended for patients who are able to complete tests in this manner.  Current REMS required pregnancy testing frequency is still required and will not be waived. 

These changes are effective until May 15, 2020, subject to evaluation as needed. Please direct any questions to REMS Customer Care at 1-888-423-5436.

Thank you for your partnership in our shared mission of caring for patients. We have confidence that together we will effectively manage through this very challenging situation.

Sincerely,

Paul Sheehan

Vice President, Global Risk Management