Alert Provider! Change in PDL Status for the Smoking Cessation Drug Class Effective May 16, 2023

Date: May 18, 2023

Attention: All Providers

Effective Date: May 16, 2023

Call to action: Texas Children’s Health Plan (TCHP) would like to let providers know that effective May 16, 2023, Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) removed non-preferred status from the generic product, varenicline, to the preferred drug list (PDL). The preferred status of the brand product Chatnix® (NDC 00069-0468-56, 00069-0471-03, 00069-0469-56) will not change. This is in response to drug shortage for the brand Chantix® due to a manufacturing delay of this product by Pfizer.

Please see below the NDCs for varenicline that will be recognized as PDL

How this impacts providers: The change will allow prescribers to prescribe the generic vareniciline 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 alternative preferred varenicline to avoid disruption in patient’s therapy. Prescribers should share this communication with their staff.

NOTE: This change is temporary. HHSC will further assess the availability of any alternative brand name products for smoking cessation. HHSC will also provide further announcements regarding future PDL status changes when information comes available.

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.