Aetna post-Claritin
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Aetna's aggressive formulary management steps following OTC switch of Schering-Plough's Claritin have led to 80% decrease in members' use of Rx low- and non-sedating antihistamines, insurer says. After Claritin switched OTC, Aetna moved Schering's Clarinex, Aventis' Allegra, Pfizer's Zyrtec to "non-formulary" status, meaning members of open formulary plan can receive an Rx at the highest tier copay of $30-$35, resulting in no economic incentive for patients to choose Rx products. Aetna also partnered with Wyeth to include Alavert samples in mailings to physicians and members who received an Rx NSA in 2002 (1"The Tan Sheet" Feb. 10, 2002, In Brief). Managed care firm says it is developing a formulary strategy for PPIs following switch of Prilosec (2"The Tan Sheet" June 23, 2003, p. 3)...
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