MG906199 Assurant.8 10/29/04 6:21 PM Page a
Rx Preferred Drug Guide Please bring this guide with you to your next doctor visit.
2004 Medco Health Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.
Medco manages your prescription drug benefit at the request of your plan sponsor.
MG906199 Assurant.8 10/29/04 6:21 PM Page c
THE BENEFITS OF THE RX PREFERRED DRUG GUIDE The Rx Preferred Drug Guide is a list of medications which may be covered under your prescription drug plan.* This list was reviewed by an independent group of practicing doctors and pharmacists, and it contains medications made by most pharmaceutical manufacturers. It includes medications for many covered conditions. *Please Note: Not all the medications in this guide are covered by all pharmacy benefit programs. Check your benefit materials for the specific covered medications and your co-payment information. For specific questions about your pharmacy benefit program, please call the phone number printed on your prescription ID card. SAVING MONEY ON PRESCRIPTIONS Your plan may prefer some medications over others. These are called plan-preferred drugs, and their co-payment may be lower. The amount of your co-payment depends on which drug your doctor prescribes for you.
Higher co-payment for plan-preferred, brand-name drugs
Highest co-payment for nonpreferred, brand-name drugs
Your doctor may be able to help you save money by prescribing generic and plan-preferred drugs. So be sure to bring this guide with you on every visit to your doctor. This guide lists only the most common drugs. For an updated and complete listing of plan-preferred drugs, you can visit the “My Benefits” section of our website — www.medco.com and click the Learn about formularies link. FINDING LOWER CO-PAYMENT VERSIONS This guide lists medications two ways to help you find some generic and plan-preferred brand-name drugs.
ALPHABETICALLY BY DRUG CATEGORY (SUCH AS RESPIRATORY) Within each category, medications are listed in order of their cost to your plan sponsor, from lowest to highest. The $ and ! symbols next to each medication show the cost of that medication compared with others in the same category:
ALPHABETICALLY BY BRAND NAMEAfter each nonpreferred brand-name drug, you will find possible generic and plan-preferred brand-name versions. GENERIC DRUGS When a generic version of a brand-name drug is available, it may have one of the following symbols:
Means only the generic version is plan-preferred; the brand-name product may have the highest co-payment.
Means both brand-name and generic versions are plan-preferred, but the generic version may havea lower co-payment.
Means generic products in drug category may have lower co-payment. Brand products in drugcategory have highest co-payment. SAFETY CONSIDERATION SYMBOLS Here is a quick guide for you and your doctor, which explains our safety symbols. These symbols appear next to certain medications.
Means that a dose lower than the manufacturer’s guidelines is often recommended for people 65and older.
Means that use by people 65 and older is associated with increased risk; safer alternatives may beavailable. If used, the dosage should generally be lowered.
Means weigh risk of birth defects or other adverse outcomes. Means do not use in pregnancy. This information is in effect at the time of printing and may be subject to change.
MG906199 Assurant.8 10/29/04 6:21 PM Page 1
SECTION I: THERAPEUTIC DRUG CATEGORIES ANTI-INFECTIVES (Antibiotics/Antifungals) Oral Penicillins Oral Quinolones Vaginal Antifungals + amoxicillin trihydrate + ampicillin trihydrate + ciprofloxacin + nystatin tablet + dicloxacillin sodium + penicillin v potassium + amoxicillin trihydrate/ + ofloxacin Oral Sulfas + erythromycin Oral Tetracyclines + sulfamethoxazole/ + doxycycline hyclate + tetracycline HCl + sulfisoxazole + doxycycline monohydrate + sulfadiazine + minocycline HCl Oral Urinary Tract Agents Oral Cephalosporins + trimethoprim + cefaclor + cefadroxil + nitrofurantoin macrocrystal + cephalexin monohydrate + nitrofurantoin/ + cephradine Oral Antifungals + cefuroxime axetil Oral Erythromycins + erythromycin base enteric + fluconazole + griseofulvin ultramicrosize + erythromycin ethylsuccinate + ketoconazole tablet + erythromycin + nystatin + erythromycin stearate Oral Misc. Agents + clindamycin HCl + neomycin sulfate
= Lowest relative cost to plan sponsor.
= Means that a dose lower than the manufacturer’s guidelines is often
! ! ! ! ! = Highest relative cost to plan sponsor.
recommended for people 65 and older.
= Means only the generic version is plan-preferred;
▲ = Means that use by people 65 and older is associated with increased risk; safer
the brand-name product may have the highest co-payment.
alternatives may be available. If used, the dosage should generally be lowered.
= Means both brand-name and generic versions are plan-preferred,
= Means weigh risk of birth defects or other adverse outcomes.
but the generic version may have a lower co-payment.
= Means generic products in drug category may have lower
co-payment. Brand products in drug category have highest co-payment.
MG906199 Assurant.8 10/29/04 6:21 PM Page 2
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM MEDICATIONS Hypnotic Agents Antipsychotics Miscellaneous Neurological + chloral hydrate + chlorpromazine HCl +temazepam + fluphenazine HCl +triazolam + haloperidol Tricyclic Antidepressants + haloperidol lactate
▲ +amitriptyline HCl Miscellaneous Psychotherapeutic + perphenazine
▲ +doxepin HCl + thiothixene
▲ +imipramine HCl + thiothixene HCl + nortriptyline HCl
▲ +clomipramine HCl + trifluoperazine HCl + desipramine HCl + methylphenidate extended + loxapine succinate Miscellaneous Antidepressants + trazodone HCl + bupropion HCl tablet + maprotiline HCl + mirtazapine tablet, rapid Migraine & Cluster Headache Anxiolytics + bupropion HCl tablet, + alprazolam
▲ +chlordiazepoxide HCl
▲ +diazepam + lorazepam + buspirone HCl
▲ +clorazepate + oxazepam + fluoxetine HCl Anticonvulsants + paroxetine HCl + gabapentin
▲ +fluvoxamine maleate
MG906199 Assurant.8 10/29/04 6:21 PM Page 3
CARDIOVASCULAR (Blood Pressure/Heart/Cholesterol) Beta Blockers Nitroglycerin Patches + reserpine + atenolol + nitroglycerin transdermal + terazosin HCl + metoprolol tartrate ACE Inhibitors/Other + nadolol Antihypertensive Combinations Angiotensin II Blockers + pindolol + atenolol/chlorthalidone + propranolol HCl + captopril + propranolol HCl capsule, + captopril/ + timolol maleate + hydralazine HCl/ + acebutolol HCl
▲ +methyldopa/ + labetalol HCl + propranolol HCl Antilipidemics + bisoprolol fumarate + gemfibrozil + reserpine/ +lovastatin Calcium Blockers + cholestyramine/aspartame + diltiazem HCl + benazepril HCl + cholestyramine/sucrose + verapamil HCl + benazepril HCl/ + fenofibrate, micronized + verapamil HCl tablet, + enalapril maleate + diltiazem HCl capsule, + lisinopril +lisinopril/ + diltiazem HCl capsule, +moexipril HCl + verapamil HCl capsule, Dihydropyridines + nifedipine + nifedipine tablet, sustained + fosinopril sodium + nifedipine tablet, sustained Adrenergic Antagonists & Related Drugs + clonidine HCl + doxazosin mesylate + guanfacine HCl
▲ +methyldopa + prazosin HCl DERMATOLOGICALS (Topical Medications) Topical Acne Drugs Topical Corticosteroid Drugs Miscellaneous Dermatological + betamethasone + betamethasone + tretinoin + betamethasone Androgen Drugs + desoximetasone cream Psoriasis and Eczema Drugs + betamethasone Keratolytic Drugs ! ! ! ! !
MG906199 Assurant.8 10/29/04 6:22 PM Page 4
ENDOCRINE (Diabetes/Hormones/Contraceptives) Insulin Therapy +estradiol patch +norethindrone-mestranol +norgestimate-ethinyl +norgestrel-ethinyl Oral Hypoglycemics Oral Contraceptives (OC) + glipizide + glipizide tablet, sustained Note: For patients with OC coverage,the following medications are preferred by+ glyburide + glyburide, micronized Blood Glucose Test Strips + metformin HCl + metformin HCl tablet, +desogestrel-ethinyl + glyburide/metformin HCl +desog-et estra/ethin estra +ethynodiol d-ethinyl +levonorgestrel-ethinyl Estrogens/Combinations +estradiol tablet +estropipate +norethindrone +norethindrone a-e +norethindrone-ethinyl G. I. (Ulcer) Generic products in drug category may have lower co-payment. Brand products in drug category have highest co-payment. Ulcer Drugs Other G. I. Drugs + cimetidine HCl liquid +sucralfate + cimetidine tablet + famotidine + ranitidine HCl +misoprostol NSAIDS (Pain Relievers) +naproxen sodium +ketoprofen capsule, +diclofenac sodium +piroxicam +etodolac +sulindac NSAID COX-2 Inhibitors +ibuprofen +oxaprozin
▲ +indomethacin +etodolac tablet, sustained
▲ +indomethacin capsule, +nabumetone +ketoprofen +naproxen sodium tablet, +naproxen +tolmetin sodium
MG906199 Assurant.8 10/29/04 6:22 PM Page 5
OPHTHALMIC MEDICATIONS Glaucoma Medication Corticosteroid Medications Miscellaneous + dipivefrin HCl + prednisolone acetate + brimonidine tartrate Antibacterial + ofloxacin drops + ciprofloxacin HCl drops RESPIRATORY (Allergy/Asthma) Antihistamines/Combinations All antihistamine and + isoetharine HCl solution, antihistamine/decongestant combinations are considered + acetylcysteine vial, non-preferred. Generics and over-the-counter (OTC) options Inhaled Steroids + ipratropium bromide are available. Beta Agonists Oral + albuterol sulfate + metaproterenol sulfate Nasal Corticosteroids +Vospire ER + flunisolide + terbutaline sulfate Beta Agonists Inhalers + albuterol aerosol (gm) + albuterol sulfate solution, Miscellaneous Pulmonary Agents + metaproterenol sulfate + cromolyn sodium ampul Generic products in drug category may have lower co-payment. Brand products in drug category ROLOGICAL MEDICATIONS have highest co-payment. Anticholinergic Antispasmodics + oxybutynin VITAMINS Prenatal Vitamins MISCELLANEOUS + calcitonin, salmon, synthetic
MG906199 Assurant.8 10/29/04 6:22 PM Page 6
SECTION II: NONPREFERRED DRUGS AND THEIR POSSIBLE PLAN-PREFERRED ALTERNATIVES Nonpreferred Product Possible Plan-preferred Products Nonpreferred Product Possible Plan-preferred Products
estradiol (generic), estropipate (generic),
albuterol sulfate solution, non-oral (generic)
nifedipine ER (generic), Norvasc® (Pfizer)
lovastatin (generic), Lipitor® (Pfizer),
flurazepam (generic), triazolam (generic),
lovastatin (generic), Lipitor® (Pfizer),
bupropion HCl (generic),fluoxetine HCl (generic)
(Pfizer), Biaxin® (Abbott Laboratories),
nifedipine ER (generic), Norvasc® (Pfizer)
Benicar HCT® (Sankyo), Diovan HCT®(Novartis), Hyzaar® (Merck)
nifedipine ER (generic), Norvasc® (Pfizer)
estradiol (generic), estropipate (generic),
cimetidine (generic), famotidine (generic),
estradiol (generic), estropipate (generic),
nifedipine ER (generic), Norvasc® (Pfizer)
diltiazem HCl capsule, sustained release
Abilify® (Bristol-Myers Squibb), Risperdal®
atenolol tablet (generic), propranolol HClcapsule, sustained action (generic)
cefaclor capsule (hard, soft, etc.) (generic),
Lamisil® (Novartis), Sporanox® (Janssen)
Lamisil® (Novartis), Sporanox® (Janssen)
fluoxetine (generic), paroxetine (generic)
If “generic” appears after the brand-name drug, please consider the generic. The brand name is listed for reference only. (Brand nonpreferred.)
MG906199 Assurant.8 10/29/04 6:22 PM Page 7
Nonpreferred Product Possible Plan-preferred Products Nonpreferred Product Possible Plan-preferred Products
lovastatin (generic), Lipitor® (Pfizer),
lovastatin (generic), Lipitor® (Pfizer),
lovastatin (generic), Lipitor® (Pfizer),
metoprolol tartrate (generic), atenolol(generic), acebutolol HCl (generic)
fluoxetine (generic), paroxetine (generic)
(generic), Omnicef® (Abbott Laboratories)
(generic), Omnicef® (Abbott Laboratories)
(generic), paroxetine HCl (generic),Zoloft® (Pfizer)
albuterol aerosol (gm) (generic),Proventil HFA® (Schering), Xopenex®
benazepril HCl (generic), enalapril maleate
(generic), lisinopril (generic), Accupril®(Pfizer), Altace® (Monarch Pharmaceutical)
(generic), lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide
estradiol (generic), estropipate (generic)
lovastatin (generic), Lipitor® (Pfizer),
Premarin® (Wyeth), Estring® (Pharmacia)
(generic), Omnicef® (Abbott Laboratories)
(generic), bisoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide
If “generic” appears after the brand-name drug, please consider the generic. The brand name is listed for reference only. (Brand nonpreferred.)
Ronald: A Domain-Specific Language to study theinteractions between malaria infections and drugAbstract Malaria kills more than 1 million peo-domain, they are more expressive and easier tople a year, mostly children in sub-Saharan Africa. use than general purpose programming languagesAntimalarial drug resistance is one of the great-when applied to problems to which they wereest challenges
FACT SHEET 2 THE HOUSING ACT AND EXAMPLES OF LETTERS TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES FOR MEDICALLY VULNERABLE PATIENTS This Fact Sheet is number 2 of 6, all of which link to and provide background information for the guidance on producing a protocol for the Admission and Discharge of People from Hospital.1 The other Fact Sheets in the series are: • Fact Sheet 1 Web based resources on homel
MG906199 Assurant.8 10/29/04 6:21 PM Page a
Rx Preferred 
MG906199 Assurant.8 10/29/04 6:21 PM Page c
THE BENEFITS OF THE RX PREFERRED DRUG GUIDE
MG906199 Assurant.8 10/29/04 6:21 PM Page 1
SECTION I: THERAPEUTIC DRUG CATEGORIES
MG906199 Assurant.8 10/29/04 6:22 PM Page 4
ENDOCRINE (Diabetes/Hormones/Contraceptives)
MG906199 Assurant.8 10/29/04 6:22 PM Page 5
OPHTHALMIC MEDICATIONS