CFC albuterol inhalers no longer available through Medco

An international agreement signed by the United States mandates that albuterol metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), such as Proventil® or Ventolin® inhalers, using chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) as propellants must no longer be produced, marketed or sold in the U.S. after December 31, 2008.

 In response to that agreement, manufacturers have already discontinued production of generic CFC inhalers. As a result, Medco will deplete its supply of albuterol CFC inhalers in mid-December, 2007. Once that supply is exhausted, members will have to start using hydrofluoroalkane134 (HFA), inhalers, such as Proventil HFA, and start paying a brand copay or coinsurance, since all HFA inhalers are available only as branded products.

 If you have any questions about HFA inhalers, please talk to your doctor. You can also call Medco Member Services at the toll-free number on your prescription label or on your prescription drug ID card. Registered pharmacists are available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Medco by Mail to Distribute Zyrtec OTC

 Zyrtec and Zyrtec D recently received FDA approval to be sold without a prescription. That approval comes in advance of the Zyrtec patent expiration date of December 26, 2007.  Those medications are expected to be available without a prescription on January 25, 2008.

 While all Zyrtec strengths will be available OTC, the indications for young children (0-6 years) will still be considered prescription indications. Therefore, syrups and 5 mg chewable tablets will also be available as legend (prescription) products. The prescription products will be generics, since all branded Zyrtec medications will be only sold OTC.  Zyrtec D will be sold “behind the counter” due to the methamphetamine regulations for its pseudoephedrine component.

 Zyrtec is expected to have short exclusivity periods, allowing for generic OTC alternatives in 2008. Zyrtec D is still patent protected, so there will be no generic versions available.

 Consistent with Medco’s strategy to manage unnecessary prescription use by encouraging members to purchase OTC products, Medco By Mail will become a distributor of OTC Zyrtec 10 mg. This action can also assist members by providing continuous access to the medication they have been taking, since Zyrtec may no longer be part of their covered prescription benefit.

 Medco launched a communications campaign in mid-January to coincide with the OTC product launch.

 Pricing for Zyrtec will be similar to retail outlets, with a $5.00 coupon for the first purchase of a 45-count supply or a $15.00 coupon for a 90-count supply redeemable at mail or retail.  At mail, this one-time coupon will be redeemable automatically upon placing the first order.  Medco is providing free communications to notify members that:

• Zyrtec is now available as an OTC
• Zyrtec may no longer be a covered benefit
• Zyrtec 10 mg is available through Medco By Mail at www.medcohealth.com.

 To find out more about CFC inhalers, Zyrtec OTC, or keep updated on your pharmacy benefits, go to www.medcohealth.com, and look for the heading, Latest News.