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Amitiza (lubiprostone) – brandBlue Cross Blue Shield of Montana

Constipation – brand vs generic preference

Preferred products

  • lubiprostone (generic Amitiza)

Initial criteria

  • Brand/generic table: Amitiza = lubiprostone
  • If request is for brand agent with available generic, ONE of the following:
  • A. BOTH of the following:
  • 1. Stage four metastatic cancer diagnosis and appropriate use documented [chart notes required] AND
  • 2. Use consistent with best practices, supported by evidence-based literature, FDA-approved OR
  • B. Patient currently treated and stable on requested agent [chart notes required] OR
  • C. Tried and inadequate response to generic equivalent [chart notes required] OR
  • D. Generic discontinued for lack of efficacy, effect, or adverse event [chart notes required] OR
  • E. Intolerance/hypersensitivity to generic not expected with brand [chart notes required] OR
  • F. FDA labeled contraindication to generic not expected with brand [chart notes required] OR
  • G. Generic expected ineffective or harmful based on patient/drug characteristics [chart notes required] OR
  • H. Generic not in best interest of patient based on medical necessity [chart notes required] OR
  • I. Tried another drug in same pharmacologic class discontinued due to lack of efficacy or adverse event [chart notes required] OR
  • J. Support exists for use of requested brand agent over generic equivalent