Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois

 

September 13, 2013

Pharmacy Program Changes Effective Oct. 1, 2013

Standard Formulary Changes
Based on Prime’s National Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee’s review of changes in the pharmaceuticals market, some revisions will be made to the standard Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) formulary effective Oct. 1, 2013.

Standard Formulary Additions

Brand Medications Being Added to the Formulary Effective Oct. 1, 2013
Formulary Brand*

Drug Class/Condition
Used For

Isentress 25 mg, 100 mg chew tabs

Antiviral

Prezista 100 mg/mL susp

Antiviral

Sprycel

Cancer

Standard Formulary Deletions

Brand Medication Moving to a Higher Out-of-Pocket Payment Level Effective
Oct. 1, 2013
Non-Formulary Brand*

Condition
Used For

Generic Formulary Alternative(s)1

Formulary Brand Alternative(s)

Pindolol

High Blood Pressure

acebutolol, atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol

N/A

*Third-party brand names are the property of their respective owners.
1This list is not all inclusive. Other medications may be available in this drug class.
N/A = Not available

Targeted mailings have been sent to members affected by this change per our usual process of notifying members at least 60 days prior to implementation. 

Standard Formulary Dispensing Limit Changes
BCBSIL’s standard prescription drug benefit program includes coverage limits on certain medications and drug categories. Dispensing limits are based on FDA-approved dosage regimens and product labeling.

Effective Oct. 1, 2013, dispensing limits will be added for the following drugs:

Drug Class and Medication*

Dispensing Limit

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Strattera (atomoxetine) 60 mg

30 caps/30 days

Diabetes

Kazano (alogliptin/metformin)

60 tabs/30 days

Nesina (alogliptin)

30 tabs/30 days

Oseni (alogliptin/pioglitazone)

30 tabs/30 days

 

* Third-party brand names are the property of their respective owners.

For the most up-to-date list of drug dispensing limits, visit bcbsil.com.

Targeted mailings were sent to members affected by changes in dispensing limits per our usual process of notifying members at least 60 days prior to implementation. 

Standard Utilization Management Program Package Changes
No changes were made to the Standard Utilization Management Program Package. 

If you have any questions regarding these changes, please contact your BCBSIL representative.

 

 
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A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company,
an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.