Central Nervous System / Behavioral Health

Prior Authorization for stimulants is required for all tiers for members greater than 20 years of age and for members 0-4 years of age. All prior authorization requests for members under the age of 5 years must be reviewed by an OHCA contracted psychiatrist.

Tier 2 Prior Authorization Approval Criteria:

• A covered diagnosis; AND 
• A previously failed trial with at least one long-acting Tier-1 stimulant that resulted in an inadequate response:
  • Trials should have been within the last 180 days; AND 
  • Trials should have been dosed up to maximum recommended dose or documented adverse effects at higher doses should be included; AND  
  • If trials are not in member’s claim history, the pharmacy profile should be submitted or detailed information regarding dates and doses should be included along with the signature from the physician.
• Kapvay^® [Clonidine Extended-Release (ER) Tablet] Approval Criteria: 
  • An FDA approved diagnosis; and
  • Previously failed trials (within the last 180 days) with a long-acting Tier-1 stimulant, Intuniv^®, and Strattera^®, unless contraindicated, that did not yield adequate results; and
  • A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use clonidine immediate-release tablets must be provided.

Tier 3 Prior Authorization Approval Criteria:

• A covered diagnosis; AND 
• A previously failed trial with at least one long-acting Tier-1 stimulant that resulted in an inadequate response; AND 
• A previously failed trial with at least one Tier-2 stimulant that resulted in an inadequate response:
  • Trials should have been within the last 365 days; AND 
  • Trials should have been dosed up to maximum recommended dose or documented adverse effects at higher doses should be included; AND  
  • If trials are not in member’s claim history, the pharmacy profile should be submitted or detailed information regarding dates and doses should be included along with the signature from the physician.  
• A clinical exception may apply for special formulation products when there is a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why member cannot use the available long acting capsule formulation.
• Qelbree™ [Viloxazine Extended-Release (ER) Capsule] Approval Criteria: 
  • An FDA approved diagnosis; and
  • Member must be 6 to 17 years of age; and
  • Previously failed trials (within the last 365 days) with a long-acting Tier-1 stimulant, a long-acting Tier-2 stimulant, Intuniv^®, Strattera^®, and Kapvay^®, unless contraindicated, that did not yield adequate results; and
  • Member must not be taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have taken an MAOI within the last 14 days; and
  • Member must not be taking sensitive CYP1A2 substrates or CYP1A2 substrates with a narrow therapeutic range (e.g., alosetron, duloxetine, ramelteon, tasimelteon, tizanidine, theophylline) concomitantly with Qelbree™; and
  • A quantity limit of 30 capsules per 30 days will apply for the 100mg and 150mg strengths and 60 capsules per 30 days will apply for the 200mg strength.
• For Quillivant XR^®, an age restriction of 10 years and younger will apply. Members older than 10 years of age will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why a special formulation product is needed.

Special Prior Authorization Approval Criteria:

Desoxyn®, Dexedrine®, Dexedrine Spansules®, Evekeo®, ProCentra^®and Zenzedi® Criteria:

• Covered diagnosis; AND 
• A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why member cannot use all other available stimulant medications.

Adzenys XR-ODT™, Adzenys ER™ Suspension, Cotempla XR-ODT™, Dyanavel™ XR, and Evekeo ODT™  Approval Criteria:  

• FDA approved diagnosis; AND
• A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why member cannot use all other available formulations of stimulant medications that can be used for members who cannot swallow capsules/tablets; AND
• An age restriction of ten years and younger will apply.  Members older than ten years of age will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why a special formulation product is needed. 

Methylin® Chewable Tablets Criteria:

• A covered diagnosis; AND
• A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use methylphenidate immediate-release tablets must be provided; AND
• An age restriction of 10 years and younger will apply. Members older than 10 years of age will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why a special formulation product is needed.

Mydayis™ Criteria:

• An FDA approved diagnosis; AND
• Member must be 13 years of age or older; AND
• A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use all other available stimulant medications. 

Narcolepsy Medications Approval Criteria:

• An FDA approved diagnosis; AND  
• Use of Nuvigil® requires a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use stimulant medications to improve wakefulness during the daytime; AND
  • Nuvigil® is brand name preferred due to net cost after rebates; however, brand name preferred status may be removed if the net cost changes and brand name is more costly than generic;AND 
• Use of Provigil® (modafinil) requires a previously failed trial (within the last 180 days) with Nuvigil® and a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use stimulant medications to improve wakefulness during the daytime; AND
• Use of Sunosi^® (solriamfetol), Wakix^® (pitolisant), Xyrem^® (sodium oxybate), or Xywav^® (calcium/magnesium/potassium/sodium oxybates) requires previously failed trials (within the last 180 days) with Tier-1 and Tier-2 stimulants from different chemical categories, Provigil^®, and Nuvigil^®, unless contraindicated, that did not yield adequate results; and
• Additionally, use of Xywav^® (calcium/magnesium/potassium/sodium oxybates) requires a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use Xyrem^®; and
  • For members requesting Xywav^® due to lower sodium content in comparison to Xyrem^®, a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member requires a low-sodium product must be provided; and
• The diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) requires concurrent treatment for the obstructive sleep apnea.
• The diagnosis of shift work sleep disorder requires the member’s work schedule to be included with the prior authorization request. 

ADHD & Narcolepsy Medications Additional Criteria:

• Doses exceeding 1.5 times the FDA maximum are not covered.
• Prior Authorization is required for all tiers for members greater than 20 years of age and for members 0-4 years of age.  All prior authorization requests for members under the age of 5 years must be reviewed by an OHCA contracted psychiatrist.
• For Daytrana® and Methylin® oral solution, an age restriction of 10 years and younger will apply. Members older than 10 years of age will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why a special formulation product is needed.
• Vyvanse® (Lisdexamfetamine) Approval Criteria: Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
  • An FDA approved diagnosis of moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder; AND
  • Member must be 18 years or older; AND
  • Vyvanse®  for the diagnosis of BED must be prescribed by a psychiatrist; AND    
  • Authorizations will not be granted for the purpose of weight loss without the diagnosis of BED or for the diagnosis of obesity alone.  The safety and effectiveness of Vyvanse® for the treatment of obesity have not been established; AND
  • A quantity limit of 30 capsules per 30 days will apply; AND
• Initial approvals will be for the duration of three months.  Continued authorization will require prescriber documentation of improved response/effectiveness of Vyvanse®.
    

Second Opinion Process for Children 0-4 Years of Age and Unusual Dosing Requests

Children less than 5 years of age will require a "second opinion" prior authorization to be reviewed by an OHCA-contracted child psychiatrist. Current users will be allowed to remain on current medication until the petition is submitted and reviewed. The second opinion process is as follows: Clinical pharmacist reviews petition for necessary information including diagnosis and behavioral information to submit to on-call OHCA psychiatrist. On-call psychiatrist at OHCA reviews submitted prior authorization request. OHCA faxes response back within 24 hours. Clinical pharmacist issues appropriate response for petition based on the results.

  

adhd tier chart
Tier-1*	Tier-2*	Tier-3*	Special PA
Amphetamine Short-Acting			Adzenys ER™ (amphetamine extended-release oral suspension)
Adderall® (amphetamine/ dextroamphetamine)			Adzenys XR-ODT™  (amphetamine ER-ODT)
Amphetamine Long-Acting			amphetamine ER susp (Dyanavel® XR)
amphetamine/ dextroamphetamine ER (Adderall XR®) lisdexamfetamine cap and chew tab (Vyvanse®)+			amphetamine (Evekeo®)
Methylphenidate Short-Acting			amphetamine ODT (Evekeo ODT™)
Focalin® (dexmethylphenidate)			amphetamine/ dextroamphetamine ER (Mydayis®)
Methylin® (methylphenidate)			dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®)
methylphenidate solution			dextroamphetamine ER (Dexedrine Spansules®)
Ritalin® (methylphenidate)±			dextroamphetamine soln (ProCentra®)
Methylphenidate Long-Acting			dextroamphetamine (Zenzedi®)
Focalin XR® (dexmethylphenidate ER) BRAND PREFERRED	dexmethylphenidate ER (generic Focalin XR®)	Adhansia XR™ (methylphenidate ER)	methamphetamine (Desoxyn®)
Metadate CD® (methylphenidate ER)	methylphenidate ER (generic Concerta®)	Aptensio XR™ (methylphenidate ER)	methylphenidate ER ODT (Cotempla XR-ODT®)
QuilliChew ER™ (methylphenidate ER chew tabs)		Jornay™ PM (methylphenidate ER)	methylphenidate chew tab (Methylin®)
Ritalin LA® (methylphenidate ER)		methylphenidate ER 72mg - generic
methylphenidate ER (Ritalin SR®)		methylphenidate ER susp (Quillivant XR®)
methylphenidate ER (Metadate ER®)		serdexmethylphen-idate/dexmethylphe-nidate (Azstarys™)
methylphenidate ER (Methylin ER®)
Non-Stimulants
Intuniv® (guanfacine ER)	clonidine ER (Kapvay®)∆	viloxazine (Qelbree™)∆
Strattera® (atomoxetine)

⁺Unique criteria applies for the diagnosis of binge eating disorder (BED).

^∆Unique criteria applies in addition to tier trial requirements.

ADHD = attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; cap = capsule; chew tab = chewable tablet;

ER = extended-release; ODT = orally disintegrating tablet; PA = prior authorization; soln = solution; susp = suspension; tab = tablet

SECOBARBITAL (SECONAL SODIUM™)

Seconal Sodium™ (Secobarbital Sodium Capsule) Approval Criteria:    An FDA approved indication for 1 of the following: The short-term treatment of insomnia; OR A preanesthetic; AND   A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use other cost-effective therapeutic alternatives must be provided; AND or the short-term treatment of insomnia, a quantity limit of 1 capsule per day not to exceed 14 capsules per 30 days will apply.

 

ROPINIROLE (REQUIP XL®) AND PRAMIPEXOLE (MIRAPEX ER®)
PA criteria: Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, and Clinically significant reason why the immediate release products cannot be used.

   

DROXIDOPA (NORTHERA™)

PA criteria: An FDA approved diagnosis of symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension caused by primary autonomic failure (Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and pure autonomic failure), dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency, or non-diabetic autonomic neuropathy; AND Member must be 18 years of age or older; AND Member must have tried and failed two of the following medications at recommended dosing within the last 90 days: Midodrine; OR Fludrocortisone; OR Pyridostigmine; OR Have a contraindication to all preferred medications. Initial approval will be for the duration of two weeks of treatment only.  Continued approval will require the prescriber to provide information regarding improved member response/effectiveness of this medication to determine whether Northera™ is continuing to provide a benefit. Continued approval will be for the duration of three months.  Each approval will require prescriber documentation of member response/effectiveness to Northera™.

Tier 1 products available with no authorization necessary

Tier 2 Authorization Criteria:

• A documented, recent (within six months) trial of two Tier-1 medications at least four weeks in duration and titrated to recommended dosing, that did not provide an adequate response. Tier-1 selection must include at least one medication from the SSRI category and one trial with duloxetine; OR
• Prior stabilization on the Tier-2 medication documented within the last 100 days. A past history of success on the Tier-2 medication will also be considered with adequate documentation; OR
• A unique FDA-approved indication not covered by Tier-1 products or other products from a different therapeutic class; OR
• A petition may be submitted for consideration whenever a unique patient-specific situation exists.
  

Tier 3 Authorization Criteria

• A documented, recent (within six months) trial with two Tier-1 medications (one medication from the SSRI category and one trial with duloxetine) and a Tier-2 medication at least four weeks in duration and titrated to recommended dose, that did not provide an adequate response; OR
• Prior stabilization on the Tier-3 medication documented within the last 100 days.  A past history of success on the Tier-3 medication will also be considered with adequate documentation; OR
• A unique FDA-approved indication not covered by a lowered tiered product or other products from a different therapeutic class; OR
• A petition may be submitted for consideration whenever a unique patient-specific situation exists.
  

Special Criteria:

• Use of any Special PA product will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use other available generic Tier-1 products; OR
• A petition may be submitted for consideration whenever a unique patient-specific situation exists.
• Tier structure rules still apply.
• When Irenka™ (duloxetine 40mg) is being requested for non-depression related diagnoses, the criteria below will apply:  
  • An FDA approved diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy or chronic musculoskeletal pain; AND
  • A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use two duloxetine 20mg capsules in place of Irenka™ 40mg capsules; AND    
  • A quantity limit of 30 capsules per 30 days will apply. 
• Marplan® (Isocarboxazid) Approval Criteria: 
  • A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use any of the Tier-3 monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or other cost-effective, lower tiered alternatives in place of Marplan®. Tier structure rules still apply. 
• Desyrel® (Trazodone 300mg Tablets) Approval Criteria:  
  • A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use other available generic Tier-1 products including two trazodone 150mg tablets or three trazodone 100mg tablets to achieve a 300mg dose. 
• Fluoxetine capsules will be preferred over fluoxetine tablets.
  • Fluoxetine capsules will be available without a prior authorization. The tablet formulation will require prior authorization and reasoning why the tablet formulation is required in place of the capsule formulation.  
• citalopram 20mg/10mL, Escitalopram 10mg/10mL, and Fluoxetine 20mg/5mL Unit Dose Cups Approval Criteria:
  • An FDA approved indication; AND
  • A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use the bulk medication must be provided.
• Citalopram 20mg and 40mg Age Restriction:
  • Doses of citalopram above 20mg are not covered for members older than 60 years of age due to an FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication (DSC) stating that citalopram should no longer be used at doses greater than 20mg/day for those older than 60 years of age because it could cause potentially dangerous abnormalities in the electrical activity of the heart. Prolongation of the QT interval of the electrocardiogram (ECG) can lead to a risk of an abnormal heart rhythm called Torsade de Pointes, which can be fatal

duloxetine Delayed-Release Capsule (Drizalma Sprinkle™) Approval Criteria [Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy/Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Diagnosis]:

• An FDA approved diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy or chronic musculoskeletal pain; AND
• A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use generic duloxetine 20mg, 30mg, or 60mg capsules, which are available without prior authorization, in place of Drizalma Sprinkle™ must be provided; AND
• A quantity limit of 30 capsules per 30 days will apply.

Spravato^® (Esketamine Nasal Spray) Approval Criteria [Depressive Symptoms in Adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with Acute Suicidal Ideation or Behavior Diagnosis]:

• An FDA approved indication of depressive symptoms in adults with MDD with acute suicidal ideation or behavior; and 
• Member must be 18 years of age or older; AND
• Spravato® must be used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant; AND  
• Prescriber must agree that member will be monitored by a health care provider for at least 2 hours after each administration; AND
• Prescriber must agree that member’s blood pressure will be monitored prior to and after administration of Spravato® in accordance with the Spravato® prescribing information; AND
• Member must not have any contraindications to therapy [i.e., aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial, and peripheral arterial vessels) or arteriovenous malformation; intracerebral hemorrhage; hypersensitivity to esketamine, ketamine, or any of the excipients]; AND
• Member must not have severe hepatic impairment (Child Pugh C); AND
• Prescriber must verify that female members are not currently pregnant and will use effective contraception while receiving treatment with Spravato®; AND
• Prescriber must verify member is not breastfeeding; AND
• Pharmacy and health care setting must be certified in the Spravato® Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program; AND
• Member must be enrolled in the Spravato® REMS program; AND
• Spravato® must be administered under the direct observation of a health care provider in a REMS certified health care setting; AND
• For initial approval, the number of doses the member received while hospitalized, if applicable, and the dates of these doses must be provided to allow authorization of the appropriate quantity for the initial 4 weeks of treatment; and
• For continued authorization, prescriber must verify member demonstrated an adequate response during the initial 4 weeks of treatment, verify member is using Spravato^® in combination with an oral antidepressant, and provide patient-specific, clinically significant information to support continued use of Spravato®; and
• A quantity limit of 8 kits per 28 days will apply.

Approval Criteria for Atypical Antipsychotics as Adjunctive Treatment for Major Depression Disorder:

• An FDA approved indication of treatment-resistant depression in adult; and
• Member must be 18 year of age or older; and
• Spravato^® must be used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant; and 
• Member must have had an inadequate response to at least 2 different antidepressants from different classes at least 4 weeks in duration each and titrated to recommended dosing during the current depressive episode, unless contraindicated or clinically significant adverse effects; and
• Prescriber must agree that member will be monitored by a health care provider for at least 2 hours after each administration; and 
• Prescriber must agree that member’s blood pressure will be monitored prior to and after administration of Spravato^® in accordance with the Spravato^® Prescribing Information; and
• Member must not have any contraindications to therapy [e.g., aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial, and peripheral arterial vessels) or arteriovenous malformation; intracerebral hemorrhage; hypersensitivity to esketamine, ketamine, or any of the excipients]; and
• Member must not have severe hepatic impairment (Child Pugh C); and
• Prescriber must verify that female members are not currently pregnant and will use effective contraception while receiving treatment with Spravato^®; and
• Prescriber must verify female member is not breastfeeding; and 
• Pharmacy and health care setting must be certified in the Spravato^® Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program; and 
• Member must be enrolled in the Spravato^® REMS program; and 
• Spravato^® must be administered under the direct observation of a health care provider in a REMS certified health care setting; and 
• Initial approvals will be for the duration of the induction phase. For continued authorization, prescriber must verify member demonstrated an adequate response during the induction phase and verify member is using Spravato^® in combination with an oral antidepressant; and
• A quantity limit of 4 kits per 28 days will apply for maintenance dosing. 

Authorization of Rexulti® (brexipiprazole) or Symbyax® (olanzapine/fluoxetine) for a diagnosis of major depression disorder requires current use of an antidepressant, and previous trials with at least two other antidepressants from both categories (an SSRI and duloxetine) and a trial of aripiprazole tablets that did not yield adequate response. Tier structure rules still apply (the member would have needed to try the Tier-2 atypical antipsychotics indicated for adjunctive treatment of MDD before trying a Tier-3).                

 **Irenka™ for musculoskeletal conditions will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use two duloxetine 20mg capsules in place of the 40mg capsules.

Tier 1	Tier 2	Tier 3	Special PA
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
citalopram (Celexa®) escitalopram (Lexapro®) fluoxetine (Prozac®) fluvoxamine (Luvox®) paroxetine (Paxil®) sertraline (Zoloft®)			citalopram 20mg/10mL soln (UDC) escitalopram 10mg/10mL soln (UDC) fluoxetine 20mg/5mL soln (UDC) fluvoxamine (Luvox CR®) fluoxetine 10mg, 20mg, & 60mg tablets fluoxetine DR (Prozac weekly®) paroxetine CR (Paxil CR®) paroxetine (Pexeva®)
Dual Acting Antidepressants
bupropion (Wellbutrin®, Wellbutrin SR®,  Wellbutrin XL®) duloxetine HCI (Cymbalta ®) mirtazapine (Remeron®, Remeron SolTab®) trazodone (Desyrel®) venlafaxine (Effexor®, Effexor XR® capsules)	desvenlafaxine (Pristiq®)	desvenlafaxine (Khedezla®) levomilnacipran (Fetzima®)  nefazodone (Serzone®) vilazodone (Viibryd®)	bupropion ER (Aplenzin®, Forfivo®) duloxetine (Irenka™) duloxetine (Drizalma Sprinkle™) trazodone 300mg tablet (Desyrel®) venlafaxine extended release tablets
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
		phenelzine (Nardil®) selegiline transderm (Emsam®) tranylcypromine(Parnate®)	isocarboxazid (Marplan®)
Unique Mechanisms of Action
		vortioxetine (Trintellix®)	esketamine nasal spray (Spravato™)

 

PAROXETINE MESYLATE (BRISDELLE®)

PA Criteria: An FDA approved diagnosis of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause; AND Approvals for Brisdelle® will not be granted for psychiatric indications; AND Member must not have any of the contraindications for use of Brisdelle®; AND Two previous trials with either a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or a selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) or both, or a patient-specific, clinically significant reasoning why a SSRI or SNRI is not appropriate for the member; AND Authorization requires a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why paroxetine 10mg is not appropriate for the member; AND   A quantity limit of 30 capsules per 30 days will apply.

 

 1.) Anticonvulsants will be included in the current mandatory generic plan.

• All brand-name anticonvulsants (with a generic equivalent) will require prior authorization.

2.) Prior authorization will be required for certain non-standard dosage forms of medications when the drug is available in standard dosage forms.

• Members 12 and older must have a documented medical reason demonstrating need for non-standard dosage forms.
• Criteria for approval of extended-release formulation.
  • Previously stabilized on the short-acting formulation.
  • Dosing is not more than once daily.
  • Member must provide a reason why the short-acting formulation is not adequate.
   
• Dose packs will not be approved if standard dosage forms are available.

3.) Quantity limit restrictions will be placed on lower strength tablets and capsules. The highest strengths will continue to have no quantity restrictions unless a maximum dose is specified for a particular medication.

brivaracetam (Briviact®)
PA Criteria: An FDA approved indication for the treatment of partial-onset seizures; AND Initial prescription must be written by a neurologist; AND Member must have failed therapy with at least one other medications commonly used for seizures.  Members currently stable on Briviact® and who have a seizure diagnosis will be grandfathered; AND For Briviact® oral solution, an age restriction of 12 years and younger will apply. Members older than 12 years of age will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot take the oral tablet formulation; AND Approval length for Briviact® injection will be for a maximum of seven days of therapy.  Further approval may be granted if prescriber documents an ongoing need for Briviact® intravenous (IV) therapy over oral Briviact® formulations.
cannabidiol Oral Solution (epidiolex®)
PA Criteria: An FDA approved diagnosis of 1 of the following: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS); OR   Dravet syndrome; OR Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated seizures; AND Member must be 1 year of age or older; AND Initial prescription must be written by, or in consultation with, a neurologist; AND   For a diagnosis of Dravet syndrome, the member must have failed or be inadequately controlled with at least 1 anticonvulsant; OR   For a diagnosis of LGS or TSC-associated seizures, the member must have failed therapy with at least 2* other anticonvulsants (*The manufacturer of Epidiolex® has currently provided a supplemental rebate to require a trial with 2 other anticonvulsant therapies; however, Epidiolex® will follow the original criteria and require trials with 3 other anticonvulsant therapies if the manufacturer chooses not to participate in supplemental rebates.); AND Members currently stable on Epidiolex® and who have a seizure diagnosis will be grandfathered; AND The member’s recent weight must be provided on the prior authorization request in order to authorize the appropriate amount of drug required according to package labeling; AND Initial approvals will be for the duration of 3 months.  For continuation, the prescriber must include information regarding improved response/effectiveness of the medication.
cenobamate (Xcopri®)
PA Criteria: An FDA approved diagnosis of partial-onset seizures; AND Initial prescription must be written by a neurologist; AND Member must have failed therapy with at least 3 other anticonvulsants.
clobazam Oral Film (Sympazan™)
PA Criteria: An FDA approved indication of adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in members 2 years of age and older; AND Previous failure of at least 2 non-benzodiazepine anticonvulsants; AND Previous failure of clonazepam; AND A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use clobazam oral tablets or clobazam oral suspension must be provided; AND Initial approvals will be for the duration of 3 months.  For continuation, the prescriber must include information regarding improved response/effectiveness of the medication.
eslicarbazeine acetate (Aptiom®)
PA criteria: An FDA approved diagnosis of partial-onset seizures; AND Member must not currently be taking oxcarbazepine (concurrent use is contraindicated); AND A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why member cannot use oxcarbazepine. A quantity limit of 30 per 30 days will apply on the lower strength tablets (200mg and 400mg) and 60 per 30 days on the higher strength tablets (600mg and 800mg).
erolimus (Afinitor®)
Approval Criteria [Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)-Associated Partial-Onset Seizures Diagnosis]: An FDA approved diagnosis of TSC-associated partial-onset seizures; AND Initial prescription must be written by a neurologist; AND Member must have failed therapy with at least three other medications commonly used for seizures; AND Afinitor® must be used as adjunctive treatment; AND The member must not be taking any P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin) concurrently with Afinitor®; AND The member must not be taking St. John’s wort concurrently with Afinitor®; AND The prescriber must verify that Afinitor® trough levels and adverse reactions (e.g., non-infectious pneumonitis, stomatitis, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, febrile neutropenia) will be monitored, and dosing changes or discontinuations will correspond with recommendations in the drug labeling; AND Verification from the prescriber that female members will use contraception while receiving Afinitor® therapy and for eight weeks after the last dose of Afinitor® and that male members with female partners of reproductive potential will use contraception receiving Afinitor® therapy and for four weeks after the last dose of Afinitor®; AND The member’s recent body surface area (BSA) must be provided on the prior authorization request in order to authorize the appropriate amount of drug required according to package labeling.  Initial approvals will be for the duration of three months. For continuation, the prescriber must include information regarding improved response/effectiveness of the medication.
levetiracetam (Spritam®)
PA Criteria: An FDA approved diagnosis of partial-onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, or primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures; AND A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use generic formulations of levetiracetam.  A quantity limit of 60 tablets per 30 days will apply.
rufinamide (Banzel®)
PA Criteria: An FDA approved indication of adjunctive therapy in the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome; AND Initial prescription must be written by a neurologist; AND Member must have failed therapy with at least three other medications commonly used for seizures.  Members currently stable on Banzel® and who have a seizure diagnosis will be grandfathered.
stiripentol (Diacomit®)
PA Criteria: An FDA approved indication of adjunctive therapy in the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome in members 2 years of age and older; AND Initial prescription must be written by, or in consultation with, a neurologist; AND Member must have failed or be inadequately controlled with clobazam and valproate; AND Member must take clobazam and valproate concomitantly with Diacomit® or a reason why concomitant clobazam and valproate are not appropriate for the member must be provided; AND Members currently stable on Diacomit® and who have a seizure diagnosis will be grandfathered; AND The member’s recent weight must be provided on the prior authorization request in order to authorize the appropriate amount of drug required according to package labeling; AND For Diacomit® powder for oral suspension, an age restriction of 12 years and younger will apply.  Members older than 12 years of age will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot take the oral capsule formulation; AND Initial approvals will be for the duration of 3 months.  For continuation, the prescriber must include information regarding improved response/effectiveness of the medication.
topiramate extended-release (Qudexy™XR)
PA criteria:  An FDA approved diagnosis of one of the following: partial onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures; OR   As adjunctive therapy in seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome; OR Prophylaxis of migraine headache; AND   A member-specific, clinically significant reason why member cannot use the short-acting formulation, Topamax® (topiramate). A quantity limit of 30 per 30 days will apply on the lower strength capsules (25mg, 50mg, and 100mg) and 60 per 30 days on the higher strength capsules (150mg and 200mg).
topiramate extended-release (Trokendi™XR)
PA criteria: An FDA approved diagnosis of one of the following: partial onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures; OR   As adjunctive therapy in seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome; OR Prophylaxis of migraine headache; AND A member-specific, clinically significant reason why member cannot use the short-acting formulation, Topamax® (topiramate); AND A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use Qudexy® XR (topiramate ER) must be provided; AND Members currently stable on Trokendi XR® (topiramate ER) and who have a seizure diagnosis will be grandfathered; AND A quantity limit of 30 per 30 days will apply on the lower strength capsules (25mg, 50mg, and 100mg) and 60 per 30 days on the higher strength capsules (200mg).

 

 

VIGABATRIN (SABRIL®)

PA Criteria: Consideration will be based on all of the following criteria (Brand Name Preferred):  FDA approved diagnosis of refractory complex seizures in adults and pediatric patients 2 years or older, OR infantile spasms in children ages 1 month to 2 years of age; AND Authorization of generic vigabatrin (in place of brand Sabril®) will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use the brand formulation (brand formulation is preferred); AND   Members with refractory complex seizures must have previous trials of at least three other antiepileptic medications; OR Prescription must be written by a neurologist; AND Member, prescriber, and pharmacy must all register in the SABRIL REMS program and maintain enrollment throughout therapy

 

Fintepla^® (Fenfluramine) Approval Criteria:

• An FDA approved indication for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome; and
• Member must be 2 years of age or older; and
• Initial prescription must be written by, or in consultation with, a neurologist; and
• Member must not be taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within 14 days of administration of Fintepla^®; and
• Prescriber must verify the member’s blood pressure will be monitored; and
• Member must not be actively suicidal or have uncontrolled depression and prescriber must verify member will be monitored for depression prior to starting Fintepla^® therapy and throughout treatment; and
• Member must have failed or be inadequately controlled with at least 2 other anticonvulsants; and
• Pharmacy and prescriber must be certified in the Fintepla^® Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program; and
• Member must be enrolled in the Fintepla^® REMS program; and
• Member’s recent weight must be provided on the prior authorization request in order to authorize the appropriate amount of drug required according to package labeling; and
• Prescriber must verify that dose titration and maximum maintenance dose will be followed according to package labeling based on member weight and concomitant medications; and
• Initial approvals will be for the duration of 3 months. For continuation, the prescriber must include information regarding improved response/effectiveness of the medication; and
• A quantity limit of 360mL per 30 days will apply.

Tier 1 products are covered with no authorization necessary.

Tier 2 authorization requires:

• Trial of all available Tier 1 products with inadequate response or a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why a Tier-1 product is not appropriate for the member, OR
• Documented adverse effect to all the Tier 1 products, OR
• Previous success with a Tier 2 product within the last 60 days.

Tier 3 authorization requires:

• Trial of all available Tier 1 and Tier 2 products with inadequate response or a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why a lower tiered product is not appropriate for the member, OR
• Documented adverse effect to all the Tier 1 and Tier 2 products, OR
• Previous success with a Tier 3 medication within the last 60 days
• Use of any non-oral formulation will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why member cannot use the oral tablet formulation.

Anti-Migraine Medications Special Prior Authorization Approval Criteria:

• Use of any non-oral sumatriptan formulation will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use the oral tablet formulation or lower-tiered triptan products. 
• Use of Zembrace™,SymTouch™, or Tosymra™ will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use all available generic formulations of sumatriptan (tablets, nasal spray, and injection) or lower-tiered triptan products. 
• Use of dihydroergotamine injection (D.H.E. 45®) will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use lower-tiered triptan products. 
• Use of dihydroergotamine nasal spray (Migranal®) will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use lower-tiered triptan products and dihydroergotamine injection (D.H.E. 45®). 
• Use of ergotamine sublingual tablets (Ergomar®) will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use lower-tiered triptan medications; AND
  • Member must not have any of the contraindications for use of Ergomar® (e.g., coadministration with a potent CYP 3A4 inhibitor, women who are or may become pregnant, peripheral vascular disease, coronary heart disease, hypertension, impaired hepatic or renal function, sepsis, hypersensitivity to any of the components); AND
  • A quantity limit of 20 tablets per 28 days will apply.
• Use of generic eletriptan will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use the brand formulation of Relpax® (brand formulation is preferred).
• For use of Nurtec™ ODT (rimegepant), member must have failed therapy with at least 2* triptan medications or a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why a triptan is not appropriate for the member must be provided; and
  • Nurtec™ ODT will not be approved for concurrent use with a prophylactic calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitor

(*The manufacturer of Nurtec™ ODT has currently provided a supplemental rebate to require a trial with 2 triptan medications and to be the preferred CGRP product for acute treatment over Reyvow^® and Ubrelvy^®; however, Nurtec™ ODT will follow the same criteria as Reyvow^® and Ubrelvy^® if the manufacturer chooses not to participate in supplemental rebates.)

• Use of Reyvow™ (lasmiditan) or Ubrelvy™ (ubrogepant) will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use triptan medications and Nurtec™ ODT (rimegepant); and
  
  • Reyvow^® and Ubrelvy^® will not be approved for concurrent use with a prophylactic calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitor.

ANTI-MIGRAINE
TIER 1	TIER 2	TIER 3	SPECIAL PA
ELETRIPTAN (RELPAX®) BRAND PREFERRED RIZATRIPTAN (MAXALT®, MAXALT MLT®) SUMATRIPTAN (IMITREX®) SUMATRIPTAN/NAPROXEN (TREXIMET®)	NARATRIPTAN (AMERG) ZOLMITRIPTAN TABLETS & ODTS (ZOMIG®, ZOMIG ZMT®,ZOMIG® NASAL SPRAY)	ALMOTRIPTAN (AXERT®)  FROVATRIPTAN (FROVA®)	DIHYDROERGOTAMINE INJECTION (D.H.E. 45®) DIHYDROERGOTAMINE NASAL SPRAY (MIGRANAL®) ELETRIPTAN (RELPAX®)  ERGOTAMINE SUBLINGUAL TABLETS (ERGOMAR®) LASMIDITAN (REYVOW™) RIMEGEPANT ODT (NURTEC™) ODT SUMATRIPTAN INJECTION (IMITREX®) SUMATRIPTAN INJECTION (ZEMBRACE™ SYMTOUCH™)*  SUMATRIPTAN NASAL POWDER (ONZETRA® XSAIL®) SUMATRIPTAN NASAL SPRAY (IMITREX®)  SUMATRIPTAN NASAL SPRAY (TOSYMRA™)  UBROGEPANT (UBRELVY™)

Tier structure based on supplemental rebate participation and/or National Average Drug Acquisition Costs (NADAC), Wholesale Acquisition Costs (WAC), or State Maximum Allowable Costs (SMAC).

PA = prior authorization

Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide (CGRP)

Aimovig™ (Erenumab-aooe) and Vyepti™ (Eptinezumab-jjmr) Approval Criteria:   An FDA approved indication for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults; AND Member must be 18 years of age or older; AND Member has documented chronic migraine or episodic migraine headaches:  Chronic migraine: 15 or more headache days per month with 8 or more migraine days per month; OR Episodic migraine: 4 to 14 migraine days per month on average for the past 3 months; AND For episodic migraine, member must have had a history of migraines for a duration of 12 months or longer; AND   Non-migraine medical conditions known to cause headache have been ruled out and/or have been treated. This includes, but is not limited to:  Increased intracranial pressure (e.g., tumor, pseudotumor cerebri, central venous thrombosis); OR Decreased intracranial pressure (e.g., post-lumbar puncture headache, dural tear after trauma); AND Migraine headache exacerbation secondary to other medication therapies or conditions have been ruled out and/or treated. This includes, but is not limited to:  Hormone replacement therapy or hormone-based contraceptives; AND Chronic insomnia; AND Obstructive sleep apnea; AND   The member has failed medical migraine preventive therapy with at least 3 agents with different mechanisms of action. Trials must be at least 8 weeks in duration (or documented adverse effects) within the last 365 days. This includes, but is not limited to:  Select antihypertensive therapy (e.g., beta-blocker therapy); OR Select anticonvulsant therapy; OR Select antidepressant therapy [e.g., tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI)]; AND  Member is not frequently taking medications that are known to cause medication overuse headaches (MOH or rebound headaches) in the absence of intractable conditions known to cause chronic pain. MOH are a frequent cause of chronic headaches. A list of prescription or non-prescription medications known to cause MOH includes, but is not limited to:  Decongestants (alone or in combination products) (≥10 days/month for >3 months); AND Combination analgesics containing caffeine and/or butalbital (≥10 days/month for >3 months); AND Opioids (≥10 days/month for >3 months); AND Analgesic medications including acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (≥15 days/month for >3 months); AND Ergotamine-containing medications (≥10 days/month for >3 months); AND Triptans (≥10 days/month for >3 months); AND   Member is not taking any medications that are likely to be the cause of the headaches; AND Member must have been evaluated within the last 6 months by a neurologist for migraine headaches and the requested medication (e.g., Aimovig™, Vyepti™) recommended as treatment (not necessarily prescribed by a neurologist); AND Member will not use requested medication concurrently with botulinum toxin for the prevention of migraine or with an alternative calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitor; AND Other aggravating factors that are contributing to the development of episodic/chronic migraine headaches are being treated when applicable (e.g., smoking); AND For Aimovig®, prescriber must verify that member has been counseled on appropriate use, storage of the medication, and administration technique; AND For Vyepti®, prescriber must verify the medication will be prepared and administered according to the Vyepti® Prescribing Information; AND A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why member cannot use Ajovy™ or Emgality® (galcanezumab-gnlm) must be provided; AND  For consideration of Vyepti® at the maximum recommended dosing (300mg every 3 months), a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why other available CGRP inhibitors for migraine prophylaxis are not appropriate for the member must be provided; and Initial approvals will be for the duration of 3 months. Compliance and information regarding efficacy, such as a reduction in monthly migraine days, will be required for continued approval. Continuation approvals will be granted for the duration of 1 year; AND Quantity limits will apply based on FDA-approved dosing: For Aimovig™, a quantity limit of 1 syringe or autoinjector per 30 days will apply. For Vyepti®, a quantity limit of 3 vials per 90 days will apply. Ajovy® (Fremanezumab-vfrm) and Emgality® (Galcanezumab-gnlm) Approval Criteria [Migraine Diagnosis]:* An FDA approved indication for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults; AND Member must be 18 years of age or older; AND Member has documented chronic migraine or episodic migraine headaches: Chronic migraine: 15 or more headache days per month with 8 or more migraine days per month; OR Episodic migraine: 4 to 14 migraine days per month on average for the past 3 months; AND For episodic migraine, member must have had a history of migraines for a duration of 12 months or longer; AND Non-migraine medical conditions known to cause headache have been ruled out and/or have been treated. This includes, but is not limited to: Increased intracranial pressure (e.g., tumor, pseudotumor cerebri, central venous thrombosis); OR Decreased intracranial pressure (e.g., post-lumbar puncture headache, dural tear after trauma); AND Migraine headache exacerbation secondary to other medication therapies or conditions have been ruled out and/or treated. This includes, but is not limited to:  Hormone replacement therapy or hormone-based contraceptives; AND Chronic insomnia; AND Obstructive sleep apnea; AND   The member has failed medical migraine preventive therapy with at least 2* agents with different mechanisms of action. Trials must be at least 8 weeks in duration (or documented adverse effects) within the last 365 days. (*The manufacturer of Ajovy® and Emgality® has currently provided a supplemental rebate to require a trial with 2 other migraine preventative therapies; however, Ajovy® and Emgality® will follow the original criteria and require trials with 3 other migraine preventative therapies if the manufacturer chooses not to participate in supplemental rebates.) This includes, but is not limited to:  Select antihypertensive therapy (e.g., beta-blocker therapy); OR Select anticonvulsant therapy; OR Select antidepressant therapy [e.g., tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI)]; AND   Member is not frequently taking medications that are known to cause medication overuse headaches (MOH or rebound headaches) in the absence of intractable conditions known to cause chronic pain. MOH are a frequent cause of chronic headaches. A list of prescription or non-prescription medications known to cause MOH includes, but is not limited to:  Decongestants (alone or in combination products) (≥10 days/month for >3 months); AND Combination analgesics containing caffeine and/or butalbital (≥10 days/month for >3 months); AND Opioids (≥10 days/month for >3 months); AND Analgesic medications including acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (≥15 days/month for >3 months); AND Ergotamine-containing medications (≥10 days/month for >3 months); AND Triptans (≥10 days/month for >3 months); AND Member is not taking any medications that are likely to be the cause of the headaches; AND Medication must be prescribed by or in consultation with a neurologist; AND Member will not use requested medication concurrently with botulinum toxin for the prevention of migraine or with an alternative calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitor; AND Other aggravating factors that are contributing to the development of episodic/chronic migraine headaches are being treated when applicable (e.g., smoking); AND Prescriber must verify that member has been counseled on appropriate use, storage of the medication, and administration technique; AND Initial approvals will be for the duration of 3 months. Compliance and information regarding efficacy, such as a reduction in monthly migraine days, will be required for continued approval. Continuation approvals will be granted for the duration of 1 year; AND Quantity limits will apply based on FDA-approved dosing:  For Ajovy® prefilled syringe and autoinjector, a quantity limit of 1 syringe or 1 autoinjector per 30 days will apply. Requests for quarterly dosing (675mg every 3 months) will be approved for a quantity limit override upon meeting Ajovy® approval criteria; and For Emgality®, a quantity limit of 1 syringe or pen per 30 days will apply. Requests for an initial loading dose (240mg administered as 2 consecutive 120mg injections) will be approved for a quantity limit override upon meeting Emgality® approval criteria.  *The manufacturers of Ajovy® and Emgality® have provided a supplemental rebate to be the preferred calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitor(s); however, Ajovy® and Emgality® will follow the original criteria similar to the other CGRP inhibitors if the manufacturers chooses not to participate in supplemental rebates. Emgality® (Galcanezumab-gnlm) Approval Criteria [Episodic Cluster Headache Diagnosis]: An FDA approved indication for the treatment of episodic cluster headache in adults; AND Member must be 18 years of age or older; AND Member has a diagnosis of episodic cluster headache as defined by the International Headache Society (IHS) International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) guideline and meets the following criteria: Member has a history of episodic cluster headache with at least 2 cluster periods lasting from 7 days to 1 year (when untreated) and separated by pain-free remission periods of ≥1 month; AND Member is not frequently taking medications that are known to cause medication overuse headaches (MOH or rebound headaches) in the absence of intractable conditions known to cause chronic pain. MOH are a frequent cause of chronic headaches. A list of prescription or non-prescription medications known to cause MOH includes, but is not limited to: Decongestants (alone or in combination products) (≥10 days/month for >3 months); AND Combination analgesics containing caffeine and/or butalbital (≥10 days/month for >3 months); AND   Opioids (≥10 days/month for >3 months); AND Analgesic medications including acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (≥15 days/month for >3 months); AND Ergotamine-containing medications (≥10 days/month for >3 months); AND Triptans (≥10 days/month for >3 months); AND The member has failed prophylactic therapy with at least 1 other medication (e.g., verapamil, select anticonvulsants, glucocorticoids); AND Member must have been evaluated within the last 6 months by a neurologist for cluster headaches and the requested medication (e.g., Emgality®) recommended as treatment (not necessarily prescribed by a neurologist); AND Member will not use Emgality® concurrently with an alternative calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitor; AND Prescriber must verify that member has been counseled on appropriate use, storage of the medication, and administration technique; AND Initial approvals will be for the duration of 3 months. Continuation approvals will be granted until the end of the cluster period if the prescriber documents that the member is responding well to treatment as indicated by a reduction in cluster headache attack frequency; AND A quantity limit of (3) 100mg/mL syringes per 30 days will apply. Prior Authorization Forms

     

No Prior Authorization required:

• lorazepam (Ativan®)
• chlordiazepoxide (Librium®)
• oxazepam (Serax®)
• clorazepate dipotassium (Tranxene®)
• diazepam (Valium®)
• alprazolam (Xanax®)
• alprazolam XR (Xanax XR®)

Prior Authorization required:

• alprazolam rapdis (Niravam®)

Members 19 Years and Older will not require a petition

1). Quantity limits apply on all benzodiazepine anxiolytic products.
2). No request for dosing greater than 3 times daily will be approved unless a specific diagnosis exists; for these diagnoses the maximum allowed dosing is 4 times daily.
3). The maximum covered dosing of benzodiazepine therapy is three times a day if a hypnotic medication is also prescribed.

Members 0-18 Years of Age will require a petition:

1). No concurrent stimulant ADHD medications, and
2). No Contraindicated Conditions, and
3). Maximum dosing of 3 times daily.

• For Members 12 or younger the same criteria applies and prescriptions for psychiatric conditions must originally be written by a psychiatrist.

INSOMNIA MEDICATIONS
Tier 1 products are available without prior authorization for members age 19 or older. Prior authorization is required for all products for members under age 19. Tier 2 approval Criteria: Minimum of 30 day trial with at least two Tier 1 products and clinical documentation of attempts to correct any primary cause for insomnia. FDA approved diagnosis. Approvals granted for 6 months. No current anxiolytic benzodiazepine therapy greater than TID Tier 3 approval Criteria: An FDA approved diagnosis; AND A minimum of a 30-day trial with at least two Tier-1 medications and clinical documentation of attempts to correct any primary cause for insomnia; AND A minimum of a 30-day trial with at least two Tier-2 medications; AND If only one Tier-2 medication is available, a minimum of a 30-day trial with one Tier-2 medication will be required; AND   No concurrent anxiolytic benzodiazepine therapy greater than three times daily dosing; AND Approvals will be granted for the duration of six months. ramelteon (Generic Rozerem®) Approval Criteria:   A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use the brand formulation (Rozerem®) of ramelteon.  tasimelteon (Hetlioz®) Approval Criteria:  An FDA approved diagnosis of Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24) confirmed by a sleep specialist; AND   Member must be 18 years of age or older; AND A failed trial of appropriately timed doses of melatonin; AND Initial approvals will be for the duration of 12 weeks. For continuation, the prescriber must include information regarding improved response/effectiveness of this medication. A quantity limit of 30 capsules for 30 days will apply.
TIER 1	TIER 2	TIER 3	SPECIAL PA*
zolpidem tartrate (Ambien®) flurazepam (Dalmane®) triazolam (Halcion®) eszopiclone (Lunesta®) estazolam (ProSom®) temazepam (Restoril®) 15mg & 30mg ramelteon (Rozerem®) BRAND Preferred zaleplon (Sonata®)	zolpidem tartrate (Ambien CR®)	lemborexant (Dayvigo™)  suvorexant (Belsomra®)	zolpidem SL tabs (Edluar®) tasimelteon (Hetlioz®)+ zolpidem SL tabs (Intermezzo®) temazepam (Restoril®) 7.5mg & 22.5mg doxepin (Silenor®) Zolpidem Oral Spray (Zolpimist®)

*Unique dosage formulations require a special reason for use in place of Tier-1 formulations.

+ Individual criteria specific to tasimelteon.

Tier-1 products are available without prior authorization for members age five years and older.  Prior authorization requests for members younger than five years of age are reviewed by an OHCA-contracted child psychiatrist.

Approval Criteria for Tier 2 Medication:

• A trial of a Tier 1 medication at least 14 days in duration, titrated to recommended dose, that did not yield adequate response or resulted in intolerable adverse effects.
  • Clozapine does not count towards a Tier 1 trial. 

Approval Criteria for Tier-3 Medication:  

• A trial of a Tier 1 medication at least 14 days in duration, titrated to recommended dose, that did not yield adequate response or resulted in intolerable adverse effects. 
  • Clozapine does not count towards a Tier 1 trial.; AND  
• Trials of all oral Tier-2 medications, at least 14 days in duration each, titrated to recommended dose, that did not yield adequate response or resulted in intolerable adverse effects.; OR
• A manual prior authorization may be submitted for consideration of a Tier-3 medication when the member has had at least four trials of Tier-1 and Tier-2 medications that did not yield an adequate response or resulted in intolerable adverse effects.  
• Use of Versacloz™ (clozapine oral suspension) and Fazaclo® (clozapine orally disintegrating tablet) requires a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use the oral tablet formulation.
• Use of Secuado® (asenapine transdermal system) requires a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use the oral sublingual tablet formulation. Tier structure rules continue to apply.

Approval Criteria for Atypical Antipsychotics as Adjunctive Treatment for Major Depression Disorder:

• Authorization of Symbyax® (olanzapine/fluoxetine) or Rexulti® (brexpiprazole) for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder requires current use of an antidepressant, and previous trials with at least two other antidepressants from both categories (an SSRI and duloxetine) and a trial of aripiprazole tablets that did not yield adequate response. Tier structure applies. 

Clinical Exceptions:

• Members currently stabilized on a higher tiered medication defined by paid claim(s) for the higher tiered medication in the past 90 days will be approved. 
• Members being released from a hospital and stabilized on a higher tiered medication will be approved.
• Approvals will be granted for members with clinical conditions for which lower tiered drugs are contraindicated.
• Approvals will be granted for members whose current regimen includes drugs known to adversely interact with all lowered tiered drugs.
• Lurasidone (Latuda®) may be approved for pregnant women with appropriate diagnosis.

aripiprazole oral solution (Abilify® Oral Solution) Approval Criteria:

• Members older than 7 years of age require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the oral tablet formulation cannot be used. 

Abilify MyCite® (Aripiprazole Tablet with Sensor) Approval Criteria:

• An FDA approved diagnosis; AND
• Member must not have dementia-related psychosis; AND
• A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use all oral or injectable Tier-1 or Tier-2 medications. Tier structure rules continue to apply. Please note, the ability of Abilify MyCite® to improve patient compliance or modify aripiprazole dosage has not been established; AND
• Previous use of aripiprazole tablets and a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the Tier-1 aripiprazole tablets are no longer appropriate for the member must be provided; AND
• The prescriber agrees to closely monitor patient adherence; AND
• Patients should be capable and willing to use the MyCite® App and follow the Instructions for Use and ensure the MyCite® App is compatible with their specific smartphone; AND
• Approvals will be for the duration of 3 months. For continuation consideration, documentation demonstrating positive clinical response and patient compliance greater than 80% with prescribed therapy must be provided. In addition, a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot transition to oral aripiprazole tablets or to any of the oral or injectable Tier-1 or Tier-2 medications must be provided. Tier structure rules continue to apply. 

TIER 1	TIER 2	TIER 3
aripiprazole (Abilify®)¥ aripiprazole solution (Abilify®)# aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena®) aripiprazole lauroxil (Aristada™) aripiprazole lauroxil (Aristada® INITIO™) clozapine (Clozaril®)* olanzapine (Zyprexa®) paliperidone (Invega Sustena®, Invega Trinza™)∞ quetiapine (Seroquel®) quetiapine ER (Seroquel XR®) risperidone (Risperdal®, Risperdal Consta®) risperidone extended-release injectable (Perseris™) ziprasidone (Geodon®)	asenapine (Saphris®) lurasidone (Latuda®)	aripiprazole tablet with sensor (Abilify MyCite®)~ asenapine transdermal system (Secuado®) brexpiprazole (Rexulti®) cariprazine (Vraylar™) clozapine (Fazaclo®) clozapine oral suspension (Versacloz®) iloperidone (FanaptTM) lumateperone (Caplyta™) olanzapine/fluoxetine (Symbyax®)£ olanzapine/samidorphan (Lybalvi™) paliperidone (Invega®)

* Does not count toward a Tier-1 trial.
∞ In addition to tier trials, use of Invega Trinza™ requires members to have been adequately treated with the 1-month paliperidone extended-release injection (Invega® Sustenna®) for at least four months.
¥ Aripiprazole (Abilify®) orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) are considered a special formulation and will require prior authorization.  Approval of a special formulation will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why a special formulation product is needed in place of the regular tablet formulation.
# Aripiprazole Solution (Abilify) for members older than 7 years of age will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the oral tablet formulation cannot be used.
£ In addition to the Tier-3 criteria requirements, approval for Symbyax® requires a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use olanzapine and fluoxetine as individual components.
~Unique criteria applies for Abilify MyCite® (aripiprazole tablet with sensor).
  

SECOND OPINION PROCESS FOR CHILDREN 0-4 YEARS OF AGE AND UNUSUAL DOSING REQUESTS

Children less than 5 years of age will require a "second opinion" prior authorization to be reviewed by an OHCA-contracted child psychiatrist. Current users will be allowed to remain on current medication until the petition is submitted and reviewed. The second opinion process is as follows: Clinical pharmacist reviews petition for necessary information including diagnosis and behavioral information to submit to on-call OHCA psychiatrist. On-call psychiatrist at OHCA reviews submitted prior authorization request. OHCA faxes response back within 24 hours. Clinical pharmacist issues appropriate response for petition based on the results

Tier 1 products are covered with no authorization necessary.

Tier-2 Approval Criteria:

• A documented, recent (within the last six months) trial of two Tier-1 medications (must include one trial with duloxetine) at least three weeks in duration that did not provide an adequate response or resulted in intolerable adverse effects; OR
• Contraindication(s) to all available lower tiered medications; OR
• Current stabilization on a Tier-2 medication.

Tier-3 Approval Criteria:

• A documented, recent (within the last six months) trial of two Tier-1 medications (must include one trial with duloxetine) and all available Tier-2 medications at least three weeks in duration that did not provide an adequate response OR resulted in intolerable adverse effects; OR
• Contraindication(s) to all available lower tiered medications; OR
• Current stabilization on a Tier-3 medication.   

pregabalin extended-release (ER) (Lyrica® CR ) Approval Criteria:

• An FDA approved diagnosis of one of the following:
  • Neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN); OR
  • Neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). 
• A patient-specific, clinically significant reason (beyond convenience) the member cannot use the immediate-release formulation must be provided; AND
• For a diagnosis of DPN, current Lyrica® immediate-release criteria will also apply; AND
• Requests exceeding once daily dosing will not be approved.

TIER 1	TIER 2
amitriptyline cyclobenzaprine duloxetine HCI (Cymbalta ®) fluoxetine pregabalin (Lyrica®) tramadol	milnacipran (Savella ®)

 

 

Amypyra® (Dalfampridine) Approval Criteria:

• Member must have a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis
• Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 3 and 7.5
• A 90 day trial will be approved. If member has responded well to treatment and physician states that the member has shown improvement or the drug was effective, member may receive authorization for one year.
• Quantity Limit of 60 for 30 days

Aubagio® (Teriflunomide) Approval Criteria:

• An FDA approved diagnosis of relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis, to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, or active secondary progressive disease; AND
• All of the following will be required for initiation of treatment:
  • No concurrent use with other disease modifying therapies; AND
  • Verification that female members are not pregnant and currently on a reliable contraceptive; AND
  • Verification that member has no active infection(s); AND
  • CBC counts and verification that levels are acceptable to the prescriber; AND
  • Liver function tests and verification that levels are acceptable to the prescriber; AND
  • Blood pressure measurement and verification that blood pressure is being monitored; AND
  • Verification that members do not have tuberculosis, or completion of standard medical treatment for patients with tuberculosis; AND 
• Approval of Aubagio will be initially for 6 months, after which time, all of the following will be required for further approval:
  • Medication compliance; AND
  • Repeat CBC counts and verification that counts are acceptable to the prescriber; AND 
  • Repeat liver function tests and verification that levels are acceptable to the prescriber; AND
  • Verification that female members are not pregnant and still on reliable contraceptive; AND
  • Verification that blood pressure and symptoms of renal failure are being monitored; AND 
• Compliance will be checked every 6 months there-after for continuation of therapy; AND
• Quantity limit of #30 tablets per 30 days applies. 

Bafiertam™ (Monomethyl Fumarate) Approval Criteria: 

• An FDA approved diagnosis of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing remitting disease, or active secondary progressive disease, in adults; and
• Approvals will not be granted for concurrent use with other disease-modifying therapies; and
• Verification from the prescriber that member has no serious active infection(s); and
• Complete blood counts (CBC), including lymphocyte count, and verification that levels are acceptable to the prescriber; and
• Serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels and verification that levels are acceptable to the prescriber; and
• Intolerable adverse effects associated with a trial of Tecfidera® (dimethyl fumarate) and Vumerity® (diroximel fumarate) that are not expected to occur with Bafiertam™ or a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why trials of Tecfidera® and Vumerity® are not appropriate for the member must be provided; and
• Verification that CBC, including lymphocyte count, levels are acceptable to the prescriber in addition to compliance will be required for continued approval every 6 months; and
• A quantity limit of 120 capsules per 30 days will apply. 

Copaxone® (Glatiramer Acetate) Approval Criteria:

• An FDA approved diagnosis of relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis, to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, or active secondary progressive disease, in adults; AND
• Approvals will not be granted for concurrent use with other disease modifying therapies; AND
• Approvals for the 40mg strength of Copaxone® will require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use the 20mg strength; AND
• Compliance will be checked for continued approval every six months.
• Copaxone 20mg and 40 mg will be Brand preferred. Approvals for the generic formulation of either strength of Copaxone®, including Glatopa®, require a patient-specific, clinically signification reason why the member cannot use the brand formulation.

Gilenya® (Fingolimod) Approval Criteria:

• An FDA approved diagnosis of relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis, to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, or active secondary progressive disease, in adults; AND
• Approvals will not be granted for concurrent use with other disease-modifying therapies; AND
• The first dose should be observed in the doctor’s office for signs and symptoms of bradycardia for six hours after first dose; AND  

Verification from the prescriber that member has no active infection(s); AND

• Complete blood counts (CBC) and verification that levels are acceptable to the prescriber; AND
• Liver function tests and verification that levels are acceptable to the prescriber; AND
• Compliance will be checked for continued approval every six months. 

Interferon Approval Criteria:

• An FDA approved diagnosis of clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing froms of MS, or secondary progressive forms of MS; And
• Tier 2 medications require failure of the preferred tier 1 product defined as:
  • Occurrence of an exacerbation after 6 months; or
  • Significant increase in MRI lesions after 6 months; or
  • Adverse reactions or intolerable side effects; and
• No concurrent use with other therapies; and
• compliance will be checked for continued approval every 6 months.

tIER 1	tIER 2
interferon β 1a (Avonex®)	interferon β 1a (Rebif®)
interferon β 1b (Betaseron®)	interferon β 1b (Extavia®)
	peginterferon β – 1a (Plegridy™)

 

Lemtrada™ (Alemtuzumab) Approval Criteria:

• FDA approved diagnosis of relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis, to include relapsing remitting disease or active secondary progressive disease in adults; AND
• Member must have had an inadequate response to two or more drugs indicated for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis; AND
• Lemtrada™ must be administered in a setting with appropriate equipment and personnel to manage anaphylaxis or serious infusion reactions. The prescriber must agree that the member will be monitored for two hours after each infusion; AND
• The prescriber must agree to monitor complete blood counts with differential, serum creatinine levels, and urinalysis with urine counts at periodic intervals for 48 months after the last dose of Lemtrada™; AND
• The prescriber must agree that baseline and yearly skin examinations will be performed while the member is utilizing Lemtrada™ therapy; AND
• Member, prescriber, pharmacy, and healthcare facility must all enroll in the Lemtrada™ REMS Program and maintain enrollment throughout therapy.

Kesimpta® (Ofatumumab) Approval Criteria: 

• An FDA approved diagnosis of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, or active secondary progressive disease, in adults; and
• Member must have had at least 1 relapse in the previous 12 months; and
• The prescriber must verify hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening is performed before the first dose of Kesimpta® and the member does not have an active HBV infection; and
• Prescriber must agree to monitor quantitative serum immunoglobulin level before, during, and after discontinuation of treatment with Kesimpta® until B-cell repletion; and
• Prescriber must verify the member has no active infection(s); and
• Prescriber must verify the first injection of Kesimpta® will be administered by a health care professional prepared to manage injection-related adverse reactions; and
• Kesimpta® must be shipped via cold chain supply and the member or member’s caregiver must be trained on the proper storage and subcutaneous (sub-Q) administration of Kesimpta®; and
• Female members must not be pregnant and must have a negative pregnancy test prior to initiation of treatment with Kesimpta®; and
• Female members of reproductive potential must use an effective method of contraception during treatment and for 6 months after discontinuing Kesimpta®; and
• A quantity limit of 1 syringe or prefilled Sensoready® Pen per month will apply. Initial dosing titration will be approved for a quantity limit override upon meeting Kesimpta® approval criteria; and
• Compliance will be checked for continued approval every 6 months.

Mavencald® (Cladribine ) Approval Criteria:

• An FDA approved diagnosis of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include relapsing remitting disease or active secondary progressive disease in adults; AND
• Requests for use in patients with clinically isolated syndrome will not generally be approved; AND
• Member must have had at least 1 relapse in the previous 12 months; AND
• Member must have had an inadequate response to 2 or more medications indicated for the treatment of MS; AND
• Prescriber must confirm that the member does not have any contraindications for use of cladribine; AND
• Prescriber must confirm that the member does not have an active malignancy; AND
• Prescriber must confirm that females members of reproductive potential must not be pregnant and must have a negative pregnancy test prior to initiation of therapy; AND
• Prescriber must attest that female and male members of reproductive potential plan to use effective contraception during cladribine dosing and for 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course; AND
• Complete blood counts (CBC) and verification that levels are acceptable to the prescriber; AND
• Verification from the prescriber that member has no active infection(s); AND  
• Liver function tests (LFTs) and verification that levels are acceptable to the prescriber; AND
• The member’s recent weight must be provided on the prior authorization request in order to authorize the appropriate amount of drug required according to package labeling; AND
• Quantity limits according to package labeling will apply. 

Mayzent® (Siponimod) Approval Criteria:

• An FDA approved diagnosis of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, or active secondary progressive disease; AND
• Member must have been assessed for CYP2C9 genotype: 
  • Members with a CYP2C9*3/*3 genotype will not generally be approved; OR
  • Members with a CYP2C9*1/*3 or *2/*3 genotype will not be approved for doses exceeding 1mg per day; OR
  • All other genotypes (CYP2C9*1/*1, *1/*2, or *2/*2) will be approved for 2mg per day; AND  
• Member must not have any contraindication for use of siponimod including: 
  • CYP2C9*3/*3 genotype; OR
  • Experienced myocardial infarction (MI), unstable angina, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), decompensated heart failure (HF) requiring hospitalization, or class III/IV HF in the last 6 months; OR
  • Presence of Mobitz type II second-degree, third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, or sick sinus syndrome, unless member has a functioning pacemaker; AND  
• Member must not have received prior treatment with alemtuzumab; AND
• Verification from the prescriber that member has no active infection(s); AND  
• Complete blood counts (CBC) and verification that levels are acceptable to the prescriber; AND
• Liver function tests (LFTs) and verification that levels are acceptable to the prescriber; AND
• Ophthalmic evaluation and verification that member will be monitored for changes in vision throughout therapy; AND
• Verification from the prescriber that the member has been assessed for medications and conditions that cause reduction in heart rate (HR) or AV conduction delays and that the member will be followed with appropriate monitoring per package labeling; AND
• Verification from the prescriber that the member has been assessed for previous confirmed history of chickenpox or vaccination against varicella. Members without history of chickenpox or varicella vaccination should receive a full course of the varicella vaccine prior to commencing treatment with Mayzent®; AND
• Verification from the prescriber that members with sinus bradycardia (HR <55 beats per minute), first- or second-degree AV block (Mobitz type I), or a history of HF or MI will be monitored following the first dose for a minimum of 6 hours; AND
• Female members of reproductive potential must not be pregnant and must have a negative pregnancy test prior to initiation of therapy; AND
• Female members of reproductive potential must be willing to use effective contraception during treatment with Mayzent® and for at least 10 days after discontinuing treatment; AND
• Member must have had an inadequate response to Gilenya® (fingolimod) or a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why fingolimod is not appropriate for the member must be provided; AND
• Compliance will be checked for continued approval every 6 months; AND
• Quantity limits according to package labeling will apply.

Ocrevus™ (Ocrelizumab) Approval Criteria:

• An FDA approved diagnosis of primary progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) or relapsing forms of MS, to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, or active secondary progressive disease, in adults; AND
• Approvals will not be granted for concurrent use with other disease modifying therapies; AND  
• Ocrevus™ must be administered in a setting with appropriate equipment and personnel to manage anaphylaxis or serious infusion reactions. The prescriber must agree that the member will be monitored for one hour after each infusion; AND  
• Prescriber must verify hepatitis B virus (HBV) testing has been performed prior to initiating Ocrevus™ therapy and member does not have active HBV; AND  
• Verification from the prescriber that member has no active infection(s); AND
• Verification from the prescriber that female members are not currently pregnant and will use contraception while receiving Ocrevus™ therapy and for six months after the last infusion of Ocrevus™; AND
• Compliance will be checked for continued approval.  

Tecfidera™ (Dimethyl Fumarate) Approval Criteria:

• An FDA approved diagnosis of clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing forms of MS, or secondary progressive forms of MS; AND
• No concurrent use with other disease-modifying therapies; AND
• Verification from the prescriber that member has no active infection(s); AND
• Recent CBC counts and verification that levels are acceptable to the prescriber; AND
• Serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels and verification that levels are acceptable to the prescriber; AND
• Compliance will be checked for continued approval every six months; AND
• A quantity limit of 60 tablets per 30 days will apply. 

Tysabri® (Natalizumab) Approval Criteria:

• An FDA approved diagnosis of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, or active secondary progressive disease, in adults or Crohn’s disease; AND
• For a diagnosis of MS, the following criteria will apply:
  • Prescriber must be a neurologist or be an advanced care practitioner with a supervising prescriber that is a neurologist; AND
  • Approvals will not be granted for concurrent use with other disease-modifying therapies; OR  
• For a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, the following criteria will apply:
  • Treatment with at least 2 different first-line therapeutic categories for Crohn’s disease that have failed to yield an adequate clinical response, or a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use all available first- and second-line alternatives must be provided; AND  
• Prescriber, infusion center, and member must enroll in the TOUCH Prescribing Program; AND
• Compliance will be checked for continued approval every 6 months.

Vumerity® (Dirozimel Fumarate) Approval Criteria:

• An FDA approved diagnosis of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, or active secondary progressive disease; AND
• Approvals will not be granted for concurrent use with other disease-modifying therapies; AND
• Verification from the prescriber that member has no serious active infection(s); AND
• Complete blood counts (CBC) and verification that levels are acceptable to the prescriber; AND
• Serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels and verification that levels are acceptable to the prescriber; AND
• Verification from the prescriber that member does not have moderate or severe renal impairment; AND
• Verification from the prescriber that the member has been counseled on proper administration of Vumerity® including caloric and fat intake limits at the time of dosing; AND
• Compliance will be checked for continued approval every 6 months; AND
• A quantity limit of 120 capsules per 30 days will apply.

• An FDA approved diagnosis of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, or active secondary progressive disease, in adults; and
• Member must not have any contraindications for use of Zeposia^® including:
  • Experienced myocardial infarction (MI), unstable angina, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), decompensated heart failure (HF) requiring hospitalization, or NYHA Class III/IV HF in the last 6 months; or
  • Presence of Mobitz type II second-degree, third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, or sick sinus syndrome, unless member has a functioning pacemaker; or
  • Severe untreated sleep apnea; or
  • Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs); and
• Member must not have received prior treatment with alemtuzumab; and
• Member must not be concurrently using strong CYP2C8 inhibitors/inducers or breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) inhibitors; and
• Verification from the prescriber that member has no active infection(s); and
• Complete blood counts (CBC) and verification that levels are acceptable to the prescriber; and
• Prescriber must conduct an electrocardiogram (ECG) to determine whether preexisting conduction abnormalities are present before initiating Zeposia^®; and
• Liver function tests (LFTs) and verification that levels are acceptable to the prescriber; and
• Ophthalmic evaluation and verification that member will be monitored for changes in vision throughout therapy; and
• Verification from the prescriber that the member has been assessed for medications and conditions that cause reduction in heart rate or AV conduction delays and that the member will be followed with appropriate monitoring per package labeling; and
• Verification from the prescriber that the member has been assessed for previous confirmed history of chickenpox or vaccination against varicella. Members without a history of chickenpox or varicella vaccination should receive a full course of the varicella vaccine prior to commencing treatment with Zeposia^®; and
• Female members of reproductive potential must not be pregnant and must have a negative pregnancy test prior to initiation of therapy; and
• Female members of reproductive potential must be willing to use effective contraception during treatment with Zeposia^® and for at least 3 months after discontinuing treatment; and
• Member must have had an inadequate response to Gilenya^® (fingolimod) or a patient-specific, clinically significant reason why fingolimod is not appropriate for the member must be provided; and
• Compliance will be checked for continued approval every 6 months; and
• A quantity limit of 30 capsules per 30 days will apply. 

Only one long-acting and one short-acting agent can be used concurrently.

An age restriction for all tramadol and codeine liquid and solid dosage form products for members younger than 12 years of age will apply.  Authorization would require a patient-specific, clinically significant reason for use of these products despite the medication being contraindicated for the member’s age.

Tier 1 medications are available without prior authorization.

Tier 2 authorization requires:

• Documented 30-day trial/titration period with at least one Tier-1 medication(s) within the last 90 days is required for a Tier-2 long-acting medication; and
• Clinically appropriate pain therapy requiring time-released medication. 
• A documented 30-day trial with at least two Tier-1 short-acting medications within the last 90 days is required for a Tier-2 short-acting medication; or
•  A documented allergy or contraindication(s) to all available Tier-1 medications.

 Tier 3 authorization requires:

• documented 30 day trial with at least two Tier-2 long acting medications within the last 90 days is required for a Tier-3 long acting medication and documented 30 day trial with at least two Tier-2 short acting medications within the last 90 days is required for a Tier-3 short acting medication, OR
• documented allergy or contraindication to all Tier 2 medications

Special PA Criteria:

• Abstral^®, Actiq^®, Fentora^®, Lazanda^®, Onsolis^®, and Subsys^® are approved for oncology-related diagnoses only.
• Unique Strengths of Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (APAP) Approval Criteria:
  • A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use generic Norco^® (hydrocodone/APAP 5/325mg, 7.5/325mg, or 10/325mg) must be provided.
• ConZip^® [Tramadol Extended-Release (ER) Capsule] Approval Criteria:
  • A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use the ER tablet formulation must be provided. Tier structure rules apply.
• Xartemis^® XR (Oxycodone/APAP ER Tablet) Approval Criteria:
  • An acute pain condition requiring around-the-clock opioid treatment; and
  • A patient-specific, clinically significant reason must be provided for all of the following:
    • Why the member cannot use any other opioid medication for treatment of acute pain; and
    • Why the member requires a long-acting medication for an acute pain condition; and
    • Why the member cannot use OxyContin^® (oxycodone ER) and over-the-counter (OTC) APAP individual products in place of this combination product; and
  • A quantity limit of 4 tablets per day will apply with a maximum approval duration of 10 days; and
  • The member must not exceed 3,250mg of APAP per day from all sources; and
  • Tier structure rules still apply.
• Levorphanol Tablet Approval Criteria:
  • A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use alternative treatment options for pain (e.g., non-opioid analgesics, lower-tiered opioid analgesics) must be provided.
• Tramadol 100mg Tablet Approval Criteria:
  • A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use 2 tramadol 50mg tablets to achieve a 100mg dose must be provided; and
  • An age restriction will apply for members younger than 12 years of age. For members younger than 12 years of age, the provider must submit patient-specific, clinically significant information supporting the use of tramadol despite the medication being contraindicated for the member’s age. 
• Qdolo™ (Tramadol 5mg/mL Oral Solution) Approval Criteria:
  • A patient-specific, clinically significant reason why the member cannot use tramadol 50mg tablets, even when tablets are crushed, must be provided; and
  • An age restriction will apply for members younger than 12 years of age. For members younger than 12 years of age, the prescriber must provide patient-specific, clinically significant information supporting the use of tramadol despite the medication being contraindicated for the member’s age; and
  • A quantity limit of 2,400mL per 30 days will apply.

Oncology Only Products:

• Members with an oncology-related diagnosis are exempt from the prior authorization process, and do not require pain contracts, although quantity and dosage limits still apply. Actiq®, Fentora®, Onsolis®, Abstral®, Lanzanda® and Subsys™ are approved only for oncology-related diagnoses.

TIER 1	TIER 2	TIER 3	SPECIAL PA	ONCOLOGY ONLY
LONG ACTING
buprenorphine patch (Butrans®)*BRAND Preferred   oxycodone ER 10mg, 15mg, 20mg only (Oxycontin®) *BRAND Preferred	fentanyl patch (Duragesic®) morphine ER tab (MS Contin®) oxycodone ER 30mg, 40mg, 60mg, 80mg (Oxycontin®) *BRAND Preferred   tramadol ER (Ultram® ER, Ryzolt®)	buprenorphine buccal film (Belbuca®)  hydrocodone ER cap (Zohydro® ER) hydrocodone ER (Hysingla® ER) hydromorphone ER tab (Exalgo®) methadone tab and oral soln (Dolophine®) morphine ER cap (Avinza®, Kadian®) morphine ER tab (Arymo™ ER) morphine ER (MorphaBond™)  oxycodone ER (Xtampza® ER) tapentadol ER(Nucynta ER®) morphine/naltrexone ER cap (Troxyca® ER)	oxycodone/APAP ER tab    (Xartemis®XR)     oxymorphone ER tab (Opana®ER) tramadol ER caps (ConZip®)
Short-Acting
APAP/butalbital/ caff/codeine cap (Fioricet® with Codeine) ASA/butalbital/caffeine/ codeine cap (Fiorinal with Codeine®) codeine tab codeine/APAP tab (Tylenol® with Codeine) dihydrocodeine/ ASA/caff cap (Synalgos-DC®) hydrocodone/ APAP tab (Norco®) hydrocodone/IBU tab (Vicoprofen®, Ibudone®, Reprexain™) hydromorphone tab (Dilaudid®) morphine IR tab (MSIR®) oxycodone/APAP tab (Percocet®) oxycodone/ASA tab (Percodan®) oxycodone IR cap (OxylR®) oxycodone IR tab (Roxicodone®) tramadol 50mg tab (Ultram®) tramadol/APAP tab (Ultracet®)	oxymorphone IR tab (Opana®) tapentadol IR tab (Nucynta®)	benzhydrocodone/APAP tab (Apadaz®) dihydrocodeine/APAP/caff cap (Trezix®) hydrocodone/APAP oral soln(Zamicet®, Liquicet®) hydrocodone/APAP tab (Xodol®) oxycodone tab (Oxaydo®) oxycodone tab (RoxyBond™)	levorphanol tartrate tab tramadol 100mg tabs tramadol oral soln (Qdolo™)	fentanyl buccal film (Onsolis®) fentanyl buccal tab (Fentora®) fentanyl nasal spray (Lazanda®) fentanyl sublingual spray (Subsys®) fentanyl SL tab (Abstral®) fentanyl transmucosal lozenge (Actiq®)

*Special restrictions apply including age restriction

APAP = acetaminophen; ASA = aspirin; caff = caffeine; cap = capsule; ER = extended-release;  IBU = ibuprofen; IR = immediate-release; PA = prior authorization; SL = sublingual; soln = solution;   tab = tablet