Prescription Updates
Credit Card Limit Change
Effective April 13, 2009, Express Scripts will only be able to charge your on-file credit card up to $250 per order without additional permission from you. The previous limit was $500. More information is available here.
Digoxin Recall Information
Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Ltd., has announced that all tablets of Caraco brand Digoxin, USP, 0.125 mg, and Digoxin, USP, 0.25 mg, distributed prior to March 31, 2009, which are not expired and are within the expiration date of September 2011, are being voluntarily recalled to the consumer level. More information is available here.
Relenza
The CDC has communicated the presence of a high proportion of flu viruses resistant to the medication Tamiflu, commonly used to treat the flu. Due to the recent CDC communication, Ohio State will temporarily move another antiviral medication, Relenza, from non-formulary to formulary. This will allow members to obtain Relenza at the formulary tier copayment/coinsurance. Your doctor can use test results and information related to which viruses are circulating to advise you of the best treatment.
Boniva
During the first month of 2009 it was brought to our attention that the medication Boniva was being processed incorrectly at retail. Because of a system error some members may have been told that Boniva was no longer a covered medication. Boniva is still a covered medication and is listed as a non-formulary medication.
Metoprolol Recall
Express Scripts is expecting a potential shortage of the drug Toprol XL and the generic equivalent Metoprolol ER. If you are currently taking one of these medications please make sure you keep an adequate supply of the medication on hand and check with your retail or mail order pharmacy in advance of ordering refills so that your doctor can prescribe an appropriate alternative if necessary. More information is available here.
Express Scripts Update
Express Scripts, Ohio State’s pharmacy benefit manager, has reported that it has received an extortion letter threatening to expose patient records. Express Scripts has confirmed that the patient records do not include any OSU member records. Express Scripts is working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to track down the person or persons responsible for this criminal act. For more information about the investigation, visit the Express Scripts web site at www.esisupports.com.
