Paying for AZT *****

James Palazzolo, who is writing an article on AZT, brought the following to our attention.
(1) Family Pharmaceuticals in South Carolina, a company which specializes in low prices for expensive prescription
drugs for chronic diseases, sells AZT at what is reported to be one of the lowest prices in the U.S. On early December 1987 (before the 20 percent price reduction announced in mid December by Burroughs-Wellcome) it quoted $204.85 per 100, about $6000. per year for a full dose, two capsules every four hours. For the current price or for more information, call Family Pharmaceuticals at (800) 922-3444.
(2) The Federal AIDS Drug Reimbursement Program appropriated $30,000,000. to pay for AZT for persons who cannot afford it. Unfortunately, however, some states are not yet ready to disburse the money.
This program, traded off in Senate deal-making for AIDS testing of immigrants, pays only for FDA-approved anti-HIV
agents, meaning only AZT.
Income eligibility is about $11,000 per year for family of one.
This program only applies to those who meet the official FDA guidelines for use of AZT. Basically, persons must either have had pneumocystis, or have under 200 T-helper cells and be symptomatic.
The money is given to each state, based on its number of AIDS patients. The Burroughs-Wellcome AZT Information Hotline, (800) 843-9388, may know whom to contact in your state.
In San Francisco, the Health Department will issue a press release when California sets up an office to administer the
program. At that time the San Francisco AIDS Foundation hotline, 863-2437, will have information on how to apply.