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Prior Authorization Protocol
ADIPEX-PR, SUPRENZAR (phentermine), BELVIQR (lorcaserin hydrochloride), CONTRAVER (bupropion SR/naltrexone SR), DESOXYNR(methamphetamine), QSYMIATM (phentermine and topiramate extended release), XENICALR, ALLIR (orlistat), REGIMEXR, DIDREXR (benzphetamine hydrochloride), TENUATER, TENUATER DOSPANR (diethylpropion hydrochloride), SAXENDAR (liraglutide)


HNMC

NOTE: Alli, Tenuate, and Didrex are benefit exclusions for HN-California
Coverage of drugs is first determined by the member’s pharmacy or medical benefit. Please consult with or refer to the Evidence of Coverage document.
  1. FDA Approved Indications:
    • Xenical is indicated for obesity management including weight loss and weight maintenance when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet. Xenical is also indicated to reduce the risk for weight regain after prior weight loss. Xenical is indicated for obese patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) 3 30 kg/m2 or 3 27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia).
    • Phentermine (Adipex-P, Suprenza) is indicated as a short term (a few weeks) adjunct in a regimen of weight reduction based on exercise, behavioral modification and caloric restriction in the management of exogenous obesity for patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) 3 30 kg/m2 or 3 27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., controlled hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia).
    • Desoxyn is indicated as an integral part of a total treatment program which typically includes other remedial measures (psychological, educational, social) for a stabilizing effect in children over 6 years of age with a behavioral syndrome characterized by the following group of developmentally inappropriate symptoms: moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional lability, and impulsivity.
    • Desoxyn is indicated as a short-term (i.e., a few weeks) adjunct in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction, for patients in whom obesity is refractory to alternative therapy, e.g., repeated diets, group programs, and other drugs.
    • Qsymia is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of: 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia.
    • Belviq is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adult patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:
      • ≥30 kg/m2

    OR

      • ≥27 kg/m2 in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g. hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes)
    • Contrave is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of: 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia).
    • Alli is an over-the-counter product indicated for weight loss in overweight adults, when used along with a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet.
    • Tenuate and Tenuate Dospan are indicated as a short term (a few weeks) adjunct in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction for the management of exogenous obesity patients with an initial BMI of > 30 kg/m2 and who have not responded to appropriate weight reducing regimen (diet and/or exercise) alone.
    • Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex) is indicated as a short term (a few weeks) adjunct in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction for the management of exogenous obesity patients with an initial BMI of > 30 kg/m2 and who have not responded to appropriate weight reducing regimen (diet and/or exercise) alone.
    • Saxenda is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adult patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia).
  2. Health Net Approved Indications and Usage Guidelines:
    Exogenous Obesity:
    • Body Mass Index (BMI) is > 30 kg/m2
    OR
    • Body Mass Index (BMI) is > 27 kg/m2 with one or more of the following severe co-morbid conditions such as:
      • Coronary artery/heart disease
      • Diabetes
      • Dyslipidemia
      • Hypertension
      • Obstructive sleep apnea
    AND
    • Documentation of the patient's baseline weight is required to determine response to therapy
    AND
    • For phentermine and Desoxyn requests only: Failure or clinically significant adverse events to Xenical
    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - for Desoxyn only:
    • Diagnosis of ADHD
  3. Coverage is Not Authorized For:
    • Non-FDA approved indications, which are not listed in the Health Net Approved Indications and Usage Guidelines section, unless there is sufficient documentation of efficacy and safety in the published literature.
  4. General Information:
    • BMI = 703 x [Weight (lbs)/Height (inches)2]
    • Examples of coronary artery/heart disease include: Coronary Artery Bypass Graft, angina, history of myocardial infarction or stroke.
    • Limitations of Use: The safety and efficacy of co-administering Belviq, Contrave or Qsymia with other products intended for weight loss including prescription drugs (e.g. phentermine), over the counter drugs, herbal preparations have not been established. The effects of Belviq, Contrave, Qsymia or Saxenda on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality have not been established.
    • Saxenda is not indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and should not be used in combination with any other glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist or insulin.
    • Pediatric Use
      • Phentermine, Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan - Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients ≤16 years of age have not been established. The use of this product to treat pediatric obesity is not recommended.
      • Belviq, Contrave or Saxenda - Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 18 have not been established and the use of Belviq, Contrave or Saxenda is not recommended in pediatric patients.
      • Xenical - Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 12 have not been established.
      • Desoxyn, benzphetamine - Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 12 have not been established.
    • Qsymia is only available through certified pharmacies that are enrolled in the Qsymia certified pharmacy network. Additional information may be obtained via the website www.QsymiaREMS.com or by telephone at 1-888-998-4887.
  5. Therapeutic Alternatives:
    Drug Dosing Regimen Dose Limit/ Maximum Dose

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    * Requires Prior Authorization
  6. Recommended Dosing Regimen and Authorization Limit:
    Drug Dosing Regimen Authorization Limit

    XenicalR

    120 mg PO TID with each main meal containing fat

    6 month initial trial.
    Reauthorization will require documentation of a 5% weight loss during the previous 6 month period for the first year of treatment.

    Therapy beyond the first year can be authorized every 6 months with documentation of weight maintenance.

    Phentermine (Adipex-PR)
    15-37.5 mg PO QD before
    breakfast or 1 to 2 hours after breakfast
    3 months.
    Phentermine is only indicated for
    short term use (8 to 12 weeks).

    SuprenzaR

    15 to 37.5 mg dissolved PO
    on tongue QD in the morning

    3 months
    Phentermine is only indicated for short term use (8 to 12 weeks)

    BelviqR

    10 mg PO BID

    3 months
    If > 5% weight loss is not achieved at week 12, then drug must be discontinued. If > 5% weight loss is achieved then an additional 12 weeks will be approved.
    Reauthorization:
    Documentation of a 5% weight loss during the previous 6 month period for the first year of treatment.

    Therapy beyond the first year can be authorized every 6 months with documentation of weight maintenance.

    Desoxyn

    For exogenous obesity:
    For patients 3 12 yo: 5 mg PO 30 minutes before each meal.
    For ADHD:
    For patients 6 years or older, an initial dose of 5 mg PO QD or BID.
    Daily dosage may be raised in increments of 5mg at weekly intervals.

    The usual effective dose is 20-25 mg daily.
    The total daily dose may be given in two divided doses.

    For exogenous obesity:
    Initial authorization for 1 month. Reauthorization for 3 months/fill will require documentation of weight reduction.

    For ADHD:
    Length of Benefit
    Where possible, drug administration should be interrupted occasionally to determine if there is a recurrence of behavioral symptoms sufficient to require continued therapy.

    Qsymia

    3.75 mg/23 mg PO QD for 14 days; then increase to 7.5 mg/46 mg PO QD.

    If patient has not lost at least 3% of baseline body weight on 7.5 mg/46 mg,
    discontinue or escalate the dose.

    To escalate the dose, increase to 11.25 mg/69 mg PO QD
    for 14 days, followed by 15 mg/92 mg PO QD

    Note that 3.75 mg/23 mg and 11.25 mg/69 mg are for titration purposes only.


    Discontinue 15 mg/92 mg dose gradually by taking a dose every other day for at least 1 week prior to stopping treatment altogether, due to the possibility of precipitating a seizure.
    Initial: 12 weeks

    If 3% weight loss is not achieved after 12 weeks on 7.5 mg/46 mg, then dose must be escalated or drug discontinued.

    If dose is escalated, an additional 12 weeks will be approved.

    If a 3% weight loss is achieved after 12 weeks of therapy, an additional 12 weeks will be approved.

    Subsequent re-authorization every 6 months for the first year will require documentation of at least 5% weight loss from baseline body weight.
    Re-authorization beyond the first year and every 6 months will require documentation of weight maintenance.

    Contrave

    8/90 mg PO QAM for one week, then 8/90 mg PO BID for one week; increase dose weekly by one tablet per day until the maintenance dose of two 8/90 mg tablets PO BID is reached (week4).

    16 weeks
    Reauthorization:
    If > 5% weight loss is not achieved by week 16, then drug must be discontinued. If > 5% weight loss is achieved then an additional 12 weeks will be approved.
    Subsequent Reauthorizations:
    Documentation of a 5% weight loss during the previous 6 month period for the first year of treatment.

    Therapy beyond the first year can be authorized every 6 months with documentation of weight maintenance.

    Alli

    60 mg PO TID with each main meal containing fat

    6 month initial trial.
    Reauthorization:
    Documentation of a 5-10 pound weight loss during the previous 6 month period for the first year of treatment
    .
    Therapy beyond the first year can be authorized every 6 months with documentation of weight maintenance.

    TenuateR

    25 mg IR tablet PO TID, 1 hour before meals

    3 months

    Tenuate is only indicated for short term use (8 - 12 weeks).

    TenuateR DospanR

    75 mg ER tablet PO QD mid-morning

    3 months
    Tenuate Dospan is only indicated for short term use (8 - 12 weeks).

    DidrexR, Regimex

    25 - 50 mg PO QD-TID

    3 months
    Didrex and Regimex are only indicated for short term use (8 - 12 weeks).

    Saxenda

    3 mg SC daily

    Start with 0.6mg for 1 week and increase by 0.6mg increments per week until 3mg is reached.

    16 weeks
    Reauthorization:
    If patient has not lost at least 4% of baseline body weight by week 16, then drug must be discontinued. If > 4% weight loss is achieved then an additional 36 weeks will be approved.
    Therapy beyond the first year can be authorized every 6 months with documentation of weight maintenance.
  7. Product Availability:
    Adipex-P: 37.5 mg capsule and tablet
    Suprenza: 15 mg, 30 mg, 37.5 mg oral disintegrating tablet
    Desoxyn: 5 mg tablet
    Qsymia: 3.75 mg/23 mg, 7.5 mg/46 mg, 11.25 mg/69 mg, 15 mg/92 mg capsule
    Phentermine: 15 mg, 30 mg, 37.5 mg capsule; 37.5 mg tablet
    Belviq: 10 mg tablet
    Contrave: 8 mg naltrexone/90 mg bupropion extended-release tablet
    Xenical: 120 mg capsule
    Alli: 60 mg capsule
    Tenuate: 25 mg IR tablet
    Tenuate Dospan: 75 mg ER tablet
    Didrex: 50 mg tablet
    Regimex: 25 mg tablet
    Saxenda: 6mg/mL, 3mL pre-filled, multi-dose pens in boxes containing 3 or 5 pens
  8. References:
    1. Xenical [Prescribing Information] South San Francisco, CA: Genentech; December 2013.
    2. Adipex-P [Prescribing Information] Sellersville, PA: TevaPharmaceuticals; January 2013.
    3. Suprenza [Prescribing Information] Cranford, NJ; Akrimax Pharmaceuticals; June 2013.
    4. Belviq [Prescribing Information] Zofingen, Switzerland: Arena Pharmaceuticals GmbH; December 2014.
    5. Qsymia [package insert]. Mountain View, CA: Vivus Inc; October 2014.
    6. Desoxyn [Prescribing Information]. Lebanon, NJ: Recordati Rare Diseases, Inc.; February 2013.
    7. Contrave [Prescribing Information]. Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. September 2014.
    8. Alli [Drug Facts] Moon Township, PA: GlaxoSmithKline. June 2014.
    9. Saxenda [Prescribing Information]. Plainsboro, NJ: Novo Nordisk A/S; January 2015.
    10. Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan [Prescribing Information] Bridgewater, NJ: Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc. November 2003.
    11. Didrex [Prescribing Information]. New York, NY: Pfizer. August 2009.
    12. Regimex [Package Insert]. Atlanta, GA: Mikart, Inc. March 2013.
    13. MicromedexR Healthcare Series [Internet database]. Greenwood Village, Colo: Thomson Healthcare. Updated periodically. Accessed June 2015.
    14. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Clinical guidelines on the identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. The Evidence Report. NIH Publication No. 98-4083. 1998.
    15. Torgerson JS, Hauptman J, Boldrin MN, et al. Xenical in the prevention of diabetes in obese subjects (XENDOS) study: a randomized study of orlistat as an adjunct to lifestyle changes for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in obese patients. Diabetes Care2004;27:155-161.
The material provided to you are guidelines used by this plan to authorize, modify or determine coverage for persons with similar illnesses or conditions. Specific care and treatment may vary depending on individual need and the benefits covered under your contract.