Benefits Plans - Prescription Drug Plan: Drug Plan Updates and New Drug Releases -
Allergic Conjunctivitis Eye Drops Coverage Changes
Page last updated: Wednesday, 26-May-2010 20:51:20 EDT
Effective June 1 , 2007
ZaditorOTC – In March, 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the sale of ZaditorOTC. ZaditorOTC is the exact equivalent to the prescription product Zaditor and does not require a prescription. Zaditor is one of several ophthalmic medications used for allergic conjunctivitis.
The University of Michigan Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) reviewed the allergic conjunctivitis drug class and made the following recommendations:
- Zaditor will not be covered for new or refill prescriptions for members of the University of Michigan Prescription Drug Plan;
- Other ophthalmic allergic conjunctivitis medications (Patanol, Acular, Acular PF, Opitvar), which are on the University of Michigan Preferred Drug List (PDL), will be moved to Tier 3 non-preferred status effective June 1, 2007.
- Physicians should encourage their patients to try the ketotifen 0.25% OTC (ZaditorOTC or Alaway) before prescribing other brand allergic conjunctivitis medications. Both ZaditorOTC (5ml) and Alaway (10ml) are available at most retail pharmacy outlets for less than $13 per bottle.
Limitations
The University of Michigan in its sole discretion may modify, amend, or terminate the benefits provided with respect to any individual receiving benefits, including active employees, retirees, and their dependents. Although the university has elected to provide these benefits this year, no individual has a vested right to any of the benefits provided. Nothing in these materials gives any individual the right to continued benefits beyond the time the university modifies, amends, or terminates the benefit. Anyone seeking or accepting any of the benefits provided will be deemed to have accepted the terms of the benefits programs and the university's right to modify, amend or terminate them.
The University of Michigan in its sole discretion may modify, amend, or terminate the benefits provided with respect to any individual receiving benefits, including active employees, retirees, and their dependents. Although the university has elected to provide these benefits this year, no individual has a vested right to any of the benefits provided. Nothing in these materials gives any individual the right to continued benefits beyond the time the university modifies, amends, or terminates the benefit. Anyone seeking or accepting any of the benefits provided will be deemed to have accepted the terms of the benefits programs and the university's right to modify, amend or terminate them.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the benefits information in this site. However, if any provision on the benefits plans is unclear or ambiguous, the Benefits Office reserves the right to interpret the plan and resolve the problem. If any inconsistency exists between this site and the written plans or contracts, the actual provisions of each benefit plan will govern. The University of Michigan in its sole discretion may modify, amend, or terminate the benefits provided with respect to any individual receiving benefits, including active employees, retirees, and their dependents.