Pennsaid (diclofenac sodium topical solution 2%) — CareFirst (Caremark)

Preferred products

• diclofenac sodium topical solution 1.5% (all other brands)

Initial criteria

• Patient has osteoarthritis pain of the knee(s)
• Treatment with the requested drug is necessary due to a concern about intolerance to oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) OR due to a contraindication to oral NSAIDs

Reauthorization criteria

• Patient has osteoarthritis pain of the knee(s)
• Patient has achieved or maintained a positive clinical response to the requested drug
• Patient has been re-evaluated periodically to determine if treatment is still necessary

Approval duration

Initial therapy 4 months; continuation of therapy 12 months