May 13, 2021 / by HPSJ / Alerts, Pharmacy Announcements
Date: May 13, 2021 To: Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) Physicians, Providers, and Pharmacies From: Health Plan of San Joaquin Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee Subject: Formulary Update - Effective 07/19/2021 Business: Medi-Cal Effective 07/19/2021, the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee has approved the following changes. Additions to the Formulary Teprotumumab (Tepezza) 500mg vial: Reserved for [...]
Read more
Updated: Voluntary Recall of Varenicline (Chantix) Lots Containing Nitrosamine
September 20, 2021 / by HPSJ / Pharmacy Announcements
UPDATED: Drug Safety Communication: Voluntary Recall of Varenicline (Chantix) Due to Nitrosamine Varenicline is a prescription medicine that is used to help adults quit smoking. On September 17, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary manufacturer recall of all lots of varenicline (Chantix) 0.5 mg and 1 mg tablets due to […]
Read more
FDA Requests Removal of Pregnancy Contraindication for Statins
September 17, 2021 / by HPSJ / Pharmacy Announcements
Statins are a class of prescription medications that act by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, an enzyme in the liver that is responsible for making cholesterol. Statins are commonly used for preventing and treating the build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls (atherosclerosis) and have been shown to […]
Read more
Chantix Products Recall – IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED
July 28, 2021 / by HPSJ / Alerts, Pharmacy Announcements
Date: July 28, 2021 To: Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) Pharmacies and Providers From: HPSJ Pharmacy Department Subject: Chantix Products Recall – IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED Business: Medi-Cal Managed Care We are sending this alert because one or more of your patient(s) may have filled a prescription for Chantix Tablets within the last six months [...]Read more
For Outpatient Patient Care – Current Medications for Outpatient Treatment of COVID-19
July 12, 2021 / by HPSJ / Alerts, Pharmacy Announcements
Date: July 12, 2021 To: Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) All Contracted and Non-Contracted Providers From: Health Plan of San Joaquin Subject: For Outpatient Patient Care – Current Medications for Outpatient Treatment of COVID-19 Business: Medi-Cal Managed Care Management of COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. There are only a few medications that have obtained Emergency [...]Read more
Drug Safety Communication: Potential Increased Arrhythmia Risk from Lamotrigine
May 13, 2021 / by HPSJ / Alerts, Pharmacy Announcements
Lamotrigine is a sodium channel blocker that is used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat seizures. Lamotrigine may also be used as a maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder to help delay the occurrence of mood episodes such as depression, mania, or hypomania. On March 31, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [...]Read more
Formulary Update – Effective 07/19/2021
May 13, 2021 / by HPSJ / Alerts, Pharmacy Announcements
Date: May 13, 2021 To: Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) Physicians, Providers, and Pharmacies From: Health Plan of San Joaquin Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee Subject: Formulary Update - Effective 07/19/2021 Business: Medi-Cal Effective 07/19/2021, the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee has approved the following changes. Additions to the Formulary Teprotumumab (Tepezza) 500mg vial: Reserved for [...]Read more
Formulary Update – FORA V30 Meters are replaced with FORA Premium V10 Meters
April 20, 2021 / by HPSJ / Alerts, Pharmacy Announcements
Date: April 19, 2021 To: Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) Physicians, Providers, and Pharmacies From: Health Plan of San Joaquin Subject: Formulary Update – FORA V30 Meters are replaced with FORA Premium V10 Meters Business: Medi-Cal The FORA V30a Blood Glucose Monitors are being discontinued by the manufacturer. Therefore, they will be replaced with [...]Read more
Clinical Review: Recommendations for the Tapering of Benzodiazepines
April 2, 2021 / by HPSJ / Alerts, Pharmacy Announcements
Learning Objectives: Explain why long-term use of benzodiazepines should be limited Describe clinical circumstances when tapering of benzodiazepines should be considered Identify clinical and patient-specific factors to consider when designing a benzodiazepine taper Recognize signs of withdrawal and when to slow down a benzodiazepine taper Key Points: Overprescribing benzodiazepines and co-prescribing benzodiazepines with opioids may […]
Read more
Formulary updates effective for April 19, 2021
February 22, 2021 / by HPSJ / Alerts, Pharmacy Announcements
Date: February 22, 2021 To: Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) Physicians, Providers, and Pharmacies From: Health Plan of San Joaquin Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee Subject: Formulary Update Business: Medi-Cal Effective 04/19/2021, the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee has approved the following changes: Additions to the Formulary: Sodium Ferric Gluconate/Sucrose (Ferrlecit) 62.5mg/5ml vial: No restrictions. Ferumoxytol [...]Read more
Clinical Review: Recommendations for the Management of Acute Dental Pain
February 10, 2021 / by HPSJ / Alerts, Pharmacy Announcements
Learning Objectives: Review recommendations of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) regarding routine management for acute dental pain, including the recommendations for non-opioid analgesics as first line agents Describe factors to consider when prescribing medications for the relief of acute dental pain Understand the risks associated with using […]
Read more