Change in Preferred Drug List Status for the Bronchodilators, Beta Agonist

Date: November 3, 2023

Attention: All Providers

Effective Date: October 31, 2023

Call to action: Texas Children’s Health Plan (TCHP) would like to let providers know that effective October 31, 2023, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) removed non-preferred status from generic levalbuterol inhalation solution on the preferred drug list. This is in response to the manufacturer shut down, therefore the discontinuation of the product.

The preferred status of the brand name Xopenex inhalation solution (NDCs: 17478-0172-24, 17478-0173-24, 17478-0174-24) will not change to allow for any existing stock available to be utilized.

How this impacts providers: The change will allow prescribers to prescribe the generic levalbuterol inhalation solution without requiring PDL prior authorization at this time. Providers will be able to continue providing necessary medication to their members.

Next steps for providers: Prescribers are encouraged to proactively obtain a prescription for the preferred alternatives to avoid disruption in patient’s therapy. Prescribers should share this communication with their staff.

If you have any questions, please email TCHP Pharmacy at: tchppharmacy@texaschildrens.org.

For access to all provider alerts,log into:
www.thecheckup.org or www.texaschildrenshealthplan.org/for-providers.