ZYRTEC® and ZYRTEC-D® Going Over the Counter!
 

Effective late January, 2008, Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D will become available over the counter (OTC). Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D will no longer require a doctor’s prescription. Health plan members will be able to find Zyrtec on a pharmacy shelf in their local drug store, grocery store or other retail outlet. Health plan members currently taking Zyrtec, Zyrtec-D and similar antihistamine medications will receive a letter from Health Net explaining that Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D are now available over the counter, as well as a coupon for $5 off their next purchase of either of these medications.

As Health Net’s pharmacy benefit does not offer coverage for non-prescription products, Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D will no longer be covered under prescription drug benefit. However, depending on the quantity purchased, the cost of Zyrtec may be lower than the prescription co-payment that was required previously.

Health Plan members will also save time and money from not having to see a doctor for prescription or pay an office visit co-payment.

All forms of ZYRTEC are available over-the-counter for use by adults and children:

  • ZYRTEC® Tablets
  • Children’s ZYRTEC® Syrup and Chewable Tablets
  • ZYRTEC-D 12 HOUR® Extended Release Tablets are available without a prescription in most states. They can ask for ZYRTEC-D® at the retail or pharmacy counter

Q&A’s
Is the non-prescription Zyrtec the same as the prescription version?
Yes. The company will market two distinct Zyrtec products for each dosage form. One will provide directions for treating the symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies. The other will contain directions for use to relieve the itching due to hives.

How much will it cost?
The manufacturer has said that a 30 day supply of Zyrtec will cost consumers less than $25.

Will this affect coverage of other prescription antihistamines?
No changes will be made on the coverage for other prescription antihistamines, such as Allegra, Clarinex, or Xyzal.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?
Please forward this information to your employees as soon as possible. To learn more about the use of prescription versus non-prescription drugs and how you can lower your healthcare costs, please contact Corporate Synergies at 1.866.CSG.1719, or click here to contact us today.
 
 

 

 
INFORMATIVE TOPICS
YOU NEED TO READ
 
1.866.CSG.1719 | 200 East Park Drive | Suite 600 | Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 | www.corpsyn.com
© 2008 Corporate Synergies Group, Inc. Corporate Synergies S.M. Corporate Synergies Group, Inc.