I stopped by the pharmacy today to pick up a Muse "patient information" insert. I suggest every serious VVUS investor do this. I have developed a relationship with the pharmacy manager, and he is comfortable sharing Muse information with me: Doc comments, patient comments, refill info, product availibility, competitive info, etc.
He told me a story today I wanted to pass on here.The pharmacy has a client (late 60's, ED is medication related) who was scribed Muse 500 strength and achieved no positive results. The doc involved moved the man up to 750 strength. The client now has a batch of Muse 500 strength he has no use for and he has to pay for a box of the 750 strength as well. The pharmacy manager suggested the man call Vivus to see if they had a partial rebate or discount program for patients in this situation. The pharmacy manager felt they probably would have some type of marketing program in place for clients trying to dial in a correct dosage. They don't have a program of this nature as it turns out but, I was told, they were willing to try and help (no specific offer made) if the client had problems with the higher dose.
Hey, this guy is not unique, Muse is not inexpensive, and unnecessary doc and pharmacy visits can't build good will or product loyalty. IMHO, now is the time to give the docs samples in all strengths and/or package single doses for sale at the pharmacy, also in all strengths.
This particular client went ahead and took the new box of Muse home along with the old box. He could have just as easily thrown up his hands and told all his friends the stuff doesn't work, it's too expensive, and the company that makes the product isn't willing to help.
Maybe the patient didn't talk to the right person,and maybe Vivus is handing out this stuff like candy to the docs. If they are, nobody in this area (KY) knows about it. My point is I would like to see this situation addressed. Unchecked, it could alienate patients, docs and pharmacy professionals at a time when MUSE needs major positive spin.
Finally, when the competiton hits the streets, they will hit as hard and as effectively as their deep pockets, industry contacts, sales skill, and corporate reputation will allow. Vivus has a great product, a head start, and the opportunity not to make any serious mistakes.
Waxing proprietary,
Frostman
Anybody buy UIS lately? |
