After 1/24/08 ZYRTEC® and ZYRTEC-D® Will No Longer Be Covered -
Now a Non-Prescription Product!
 

Effective January 24, 2008, Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D will become available over the counter (OTC). Over the counter Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D are expected to be in stores beginning January 24, 2008. Only Zyrtec syrup* will be available through prescription once current pharmacy supplies are depleted.  Affected members will be notified with a letter and a coupon for Zyrtec Over the Counter (OTC).

Advantage and Traditional Prescription Drug List (PDL) Tier Placement

  • All strengths and forms of Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D will move from Tier 2 to Tier 3 on the Advantage and Traditional Prescription Drug Lists (PDL’s) upon the launch of the OTC products, expected January 24, 2008.
  • Other than the syrup form (prescribed mainly for children under 2 years), Zyrtec will only continue to be available by prescription until current pharmacy supplies are depleted.

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.

ZYRTEC® may or may not cost your employees less out-of-pocket than before. The estimated retail cost for a 30-day supply of ZYRTEC® is now under $25.

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 no later than January 24, 2008. 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.
 
 

 

 
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