Preferred Drug List Changes – 4th Quarter 2017
Date: 08/24/17
The list below details the Preferred Drug List (PDL) changes for the 4th quarter of 2017. The California Health & Wellness Pharmacy Therapeutics (P&T) Committee reviews the PDL quarterly to determine placement of medications on the drug list any limitations to coverage. The P&T Committee consists of practicing physicians, pharmacists other health care professionals.
Drug Name | PDL Status | Comments |
Empagliflozin (Jardiance) 10mg, 25mg tab | Add to PDL 9/1/2017 | Add to PDL with PA requirement & Quantity Limit 1 tab/day |
Mebendazole (Emverm) 100mg chew tab | Add to PDL 9/1/2017 | Add to PDL with PA requirement & Quantity Limit 1 tab/treatment |
Pneumococcal, Conjugated, 13-Valent (Prevnar 13) vaccine | Change Age Limit 9/1/2017 | Change AL to limit to > 19 yrs |
Pneumococcal, Non-Conjugated, 23-Valent (Pneumovax 23) vaccine | Change Age Limit 9/1/2017 | Change AL to limit to > 19 yrs |
Desmopressin Acetate 0.1mg, 0.2mg tab | Change Quantity Limit 9/1/2017 | Change Quantity Limit to 6 tab/day |
Meningococcal Polysaccharide Diphtheria Conjugate (Menactra) vaccine | Remove Quantity Limit 9/1/2017 | Remove Quantity Limit |
Meningococcal Polysaccharide (Menomune) vaccine | Remove Quantity Limit 9/1/2017 | Remove Quantity Limit |
Alogliptin 6.25mg, 12.5mg, 25mg tab | Add PA Requirement 10/1/2017 | Add PA Requirement |
Alogliptin/Metformin 2.5mg/500mg, 2.5mg/1000mg tab | Add PA Requirement 10/1/2017 | Add PA Requirement |
Alogliptin/Pioglitazone 12.5/15, 12.5/30, 25/15, 25/30, 25mg/45mg tab | Add PA Requirement 10/1/2017 | Add PA Requirement |
Linagliptin (Tradjenta) 5mg tab | Add PA Requirement 10/1/2017 | Add PA Requirement |
Linagliptin/Metformin (Jentadueto) 2.5mg/500mg, 2.5mg/850mg, 2.5mg/1000mg tab | Add PA Requirement 10/1/2017 | Add PA Requirement |
Sitagliptin (Januvia) 25mg, 50mg, 100mg tab | Remove from PDL 10/1/2017 | Remove from PDL. Alternatives on PDL with PA requirement |
Transition from Lantus to Basaglar
On July 1st 2017, Lantus (Insulin Glargine), was removed from the California Health and Wellness Preferred Drug List (PDL).
- Basaglar, a “similar” Insulin Glargine product, is now the preferred long acting insulin.
- Although Basaglar is not a generic for Lantus and cannot be substituted without provider approval, it is considered “similar to Lantus to scientifically justify reliance”. Two (2) clinical trials were conducted by Eli Lilly (the maker of Basaglar) that established the drug’s safety and efficacy.
- The following link is to the FDA news release
Opana ER Removal from Market
On July 6th 2017 Endo Pharmaceuticals agreed to remove Opana ER (oxymorphone extended release tablets) from the market after a June 8th 2017 request by the FDA
- The FDA decision was based on post marketing data that indicated increased abuse potential and “concern that the benefits of the drug may no longer outweigh its risks.” Opioid misuse and abuse as a public health crisis was cited as one of the reasons leading up to the FDA request for removal.
- Physicians who have prescribed Opana ER should contact their patients as soon as possible to discuss alternative treatment options. Pharmacies should contact their drug wholesalers in regards to return of unused product.
- Please read the FDA's Press Release and Endo's Press Release for more information.
Reminder: Zolpidem Dosing Recommendations
The FDA’s 2013 Safety Communication recommends lower initial doses for zolpidem products due to the risk of next-morning driving impairment.
- Women: 5mg for zolpidem immediate-release (Ambien®); 6.25mg for zolpidem extended-release (Ambien CR®)
- Men: 5mg or 10mg zolpidem immediate-release (Ambien®); 6.25mg or 12.5mg for zolpidem extended-release (Ambien CR®)
Please use the lowest dose effective for the patient, learn more here.