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tramadol hydrochloride extended-release capsulesMedica

Pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment

Initial criteria

  • Approve for 1 year if ONE of the following (A–D) is met:
  • A) Patient has a cancer diagnosis; OR
  • B) Patient is in hospice program, end-of-life care, or palliative care; OR
  • C) Patient meets BOTH of the following (i and ii):
  • i. Patient has diagnosis of sickle cell disease; AND
  • ii. The medication is prescribed by or in consultation with a hematologist; OR
  • D) Patient meets ALL of the following (i–vii):
  • i. Patient is not opioid-naïve; AND
  • ii. According to the prescriber, non-opioid therapies have been optimized and are being used in conjunction with opioid therapy; AND
  • iii. According to the prescriber, patient’s history of controlled substance prescriptions has been checked using the state prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP); AND
  • iv. According to the prescriber, risks (e.g., addiction, overdose) and realistic benefits of opioid therapy have been discussed with the patient; AND
  • v. According to the prescriber, a treatment plan (including goals for pain and function) is in place and reassessments (including pain levels and function) are scheduled at regular intervals; AND
  • vi. According to the prescriber, need for a naloxone prescription has been assessed and naloxone has been ordered, if necessary; AND
  • vii. According to the prescriber, need for periodic toxicology testing has been assessed and ordered, if necessary.

Approval duration

1 year