We want to ensure that our members receive
the prescription medications they need without interruption or delay. This
includes albuterol inhalers, which are used to treat asthma and chronic
obstructive pulmonary disorder.
We’re contacting members who have filled a
prescription for an albuterol inhaler that contains chlorofluocarbons (CFCs)
within the past four months. We’re sending letters encouraging them to
contact their doctor to discuss medication alternatives and obtain a new
prescription for an inhaler that doesn’t use CFCs.
Why should members
change their inhaler?
Albuterol inhalers are available with two
forms of propellant: CFCs and hydrofluoroalkane (HFA). Although CFCs are
safe to inhale, they can deplete the ozone layer, which protects the earth
from the sun’s harmful rays.
In March 2005, the Food and Drug
Administration issued a rule that CFC inhalers may not be produced or sold
after December 31, 2008. It’s anticipated that supplies of CFC inhalers will
become critically low during 2007. This is why we’re contacting members and
their doctors about changing to an inhaler with HFA.
Because this is a
regulatory requirement and albuterol CFC products are being discontinued by
the manufacturers, this change applies to all fully insured and ASO plan
members.
What alternative
inhalers are available?
The following brand-name albuterol inhalers
are available:
·
ProAir HFA
·
Proventil HFA
·
Ventolin HFA
Since albuterol HFA inhalers may be more
expensive than albuterol CFC inhalers,
changing from
an albuterol inhaler to one of the inhalers listed above
may result in a
higher
copayment
being charged
at the pharmacy. The three HFA inhalers will be on our formulary and
available on tier 2, or the brand-name formulary tier. The CFC inhalers were
classified as a generic so members who paid a tier 1 (generic) copayment
will now pay the brand-name copayment for HFA inhalers.
We’re also sending
letters to members’ doctors and recommending that they write new
prescriptions for “albuterol HFA,” which will allow the pharmacist to choose
from the products they have available. By contacting their doctor now,
members may prevent delays in refills and gaps in their drug therapy.
