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Immune Globulins Prior Authorization Program Summary
Policy Number: PH-1012
This program applies to Blue Partner, Commercial, GenPlus, NetResults A series, SourceRx and Health Insurance Marketplace formularies.
POLICY REVIEW CYCLE
Effective Date |
Date of Origin |
10-01-2024 |
|
FDA LABELED INDICATIONS AND DOSAGE
Agent(s) |
FDA Indication(s) |
Notes |
Ref# |
Cutaquig® 16.5% Subcutaneous injection |
● Treatment of primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI) in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older |
|
|
Cuvitru™ 20% Subcutaneous injection |
● Replacement therapy for primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI) in adult and pediatric patients two years of age and older |
|
|
Gammagard™ Liquid 10% Subcutaneous injection |
● Replacement therapy for primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI) in adult and pediatric patients two years of age or older ● Maintenance therapy to improve muscle strength and disability in adult patients with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) |
|
|
Gammaked™ 10% Subcutaneous injection |
● Treatment of primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI) in patients 2 years of age and older ● Treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in adults |
|
|
Gamunex-C® 10% Subcutaneous injection |
● Treatment of primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI) in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older ● Treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in adults |
|
|
Hizentra® 20% Subcutaneous injection |
● Treatment of primary immunodeficiency (PI) in adults and pediatric patients two years of age or older ● Maintenance therapy in adults with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) |
|
|
HyQvia™ 10% Subcutaneous injection |
● Treatment of primary immunodeficiency (PI) in adults |
|
|
Xembify® 20% Subcutaneous injection |
● Treatment of Primary Humoral Immunodeficiency (PI) in patients 2 years of age and older |
|
|
See package insert for FDA prescribing information: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/index.cfm
CLINICAL RATIONALE
Immune Globulins |
Immunoglobulin is used to treat a wide variety of diseases, including primary and secondary immunodeficiency states and hematologic and autoimmune disorders. Immunoglobulin is increasingly recognized as a treatment of a variety of medical conditions, not only for its ability to fight infection as a replacement therapy but also for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects. The appropriate use of immunoglobulin can be life-saving. However, its administration can lead to numerous adverse events and potential additional adverse consequences. Due to finite supply, possible adverse events, and the need for further research in some applications of therapeutic immunoglobulin, it is important for clinicians prescribing immunoglobulin to be familiar with current clinical indications and levels of evidence in support of its use in these conditions.(15) |
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Primary Immunodeficiency |
Immunoglobulin replacement therapy via the IV or SQ route is required in patients with certain primary immunodeficiency (PI) diseases characterized by absent or deficient antibody production and, in most cases, recurrent or unusually severe infection. Replacement therapy for agammaglobulinemia and hypogammaglobulinemia in well-described immunodeficiencies such as X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) or common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is necessary and life-saving. Other more genetically complex PIs, however, may also involve defects in antibody function that contribute to an increased susceptibility to infections.(24) Over 300 distinct primary immunodeficiencies have been described to date with new primary immunodeficiencies being discovered at a rapid rate.(23) Immune globulin is the current mainstay of therapy for patients with PI. Immune globulin protects against infection by providing protective antibodies and humoral immunity. A study in 31 children with X-linked agammaglobulinemia showed that immune globulin reduced the incidence of infection from 0.4 per patient year to 0.06 per patient year (p<0.001). In a study of adults with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), immune globulin reduced the incidence of bacterial pneumonia from 84% before treatment to 11% after treatment with immune globulin.(11) The prevalence of primary immunodeficiencies in the United States is as many as 1:2000 live births.(16) A 20-year survival rate is 64%-67% for males and females respectively. Important signs that may indicate a primary immunodeficiency disease include recurrent, unusual or difficult to treat infections, poor growth or loss of weight, recurrent pneumonia, ear infections or sinusitis, multiple courses of antibiotics or IV antibiotics necessary to clear infections, recurrent deep abscesses of the organs or skin, a family history of primary immunodeficiency disease, swollen lymph glands or an enlarged spleen, autoimmune disease. Diagnosis of primary immunodeficiencies involves laboratory evaluations (Serum IgA, IgG, and IgM levels, circulating T and B lymphocytes and T cell function), measurement of specific antibodies to vaccines, imaging (CT scan of chest detecting pulmonary abnormalities), histology of lymph nodes (reactive follicular or atypical hyperplasia, and granulomatous inflammation), bronchoscopy (infectious processes), and lymph node biopsy.(17) Diagnostic criteria discussed by the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology (AAAI) for hypogammaglobulinemia include low IgG level (< 700 mg/dL or more than two standard deviations below the mean) or an inability to mount a significant response to antigenic challenge or both in patients with recurrent bacterial infections coupled with a lack of response to protein or polysaccharide vaccine challenges (i.e., patients who cannot make IgG antibody against diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, or both).(14) The European and Pan-American Guidelines, state that, the first criterion for CVID requires IgG levels to be two standard deviations below the mean [for the patient's age]. For most laboratories, the lower limit of normal for IgG is 7 - 8 g/L (700 – 800 mg/dL). Impaired vaccine response is the second and most contentious criterion. The last criterion requiring exclusion of secondary causes is the least contentious. Secondary hypogammaglobulinemia can be caused by a variety of conditions, including gut or renal loss, adverse reactions to drugs, etc.(13) These patients are recommended for immune globulin replacement. The European Society of Immune Deficiencies (ESID) registry has published a working definition for several primary immunodeficiencies including agammaglobulinemia, severe combined immunodeficiency, and CVID. The working definition also includes both laboratory values and clinical symptoms. The working definition is based on more recent registry information than the diagnostic requirements discussed by AAAI and is being used by the ESID however neither definition has been validated.(13) Treatment guidelines published in 2010 from the National Advisory Committee on Blood and Blood Products and Canadian Blood Services concluded there is sufficient evidence that immunoglobulin therapy reduces the rate of infection and hospitalization in patients with primary immune deficiency, which likely leads to a lower mortality and improved quality of life. These guidelines also recommend when considering primary immune deficiency in patients with autoimmune hematological diseases that quantitative IgA, IgG, and IgM levels be drawn and evaluated prior to beginning therapy with immune globulin. Primary immune deficiency may require indefinite therapy.(19) |
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Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy(18) |
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP, also known as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy) is an acquired disorder of peripheral nerves and nerve roots. The diagnosis of CIDP should be considered in patients with symmetric or asymmetric polyneuropathy who have a progressive or relapsing-remitting clinical course for more than two months, particularly if the clinical features include positive sensory symptoms, proximal weakness, or areflexia. Electrophysiologic testing developed by the European Federation of Neurological Societies and the Peripheral Nerve Society (EFNS/PNS) is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Definitive CIDP diagnosis has at least one of the following criteria based on electrodiagnostic findings: • Motor distal latency prolongation in 2 nerves • Reduction of motor conduction velocity in 2 nerves • Prolongation of F-wave latency in 2 nerves • Absence of F-wave latency in at least 1 nerve • Partial motor conduction block of at least 1 motor nerve • Abnormal temporal dispersion in at least 2 nerves • Distal CMAP duration increase in at least 1 nerve EFNS/PNS diagnostic criteria for CIDP also recommends exclusion of other conditions that include: • Lyme disease, diphtheria, or drug or toxin exposure likely caused the neuropathy • Hereditary demyelinating neuropathy • Prominent sphincter disturbance • Diagnosis of multifocal motor neuropathy • Other causes of demyelinating neuropathy (e.g., POEMS syndrome, osteosclerotic myeloma, diabetic and nondiabetic lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy) Initial treatment for CIDP is immune modulating therapy with IVIG, glucocorticoids, or plasma exchange. Considerations that drive the selection of initial therapy include disease severity, comorbid disorders, venous access, potential adverse effects, availability, and cost. Guidelines recommend the use of a corticosteroid or IVIg for patients with moderate to severe CIDP. IVIg should be considered instead of a corticosteroid for patients with pure motor CIDP based on evidence of deterioration in these patients soon after initiation of a corticosteroid. |
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Acquired Immune Deficiency secondary to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia(29) |
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is associated with immunosuppression and an increased risk of infection. Infectious complications are influenced by the progressive reduction in immunoglobulin levels (hypogammaglobulinemia) and are common in patients with previously treated CLL. Immune globulin can provide additional protection against infection by supplementing humoral immunity and is associated with a significant decrease in the occurrence of infections, but with no improvement in overall survival outcome. In patients with recurrent sinopulmonary infections requiring intravenous antibiotics or hospitalization, SCIG therapy may be used. |
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Safety(1-6, 20, 21) |
All immune globulins contain a boxed warning for thrombosis. Risk factors include advanced age, prolonged immobilization, hypercoagulable conditions, history of venous or arterial thrombosis, use of estrogens, indwelling vascular catheters, hyperviscosity, and cardiovascular risk factors. There is a boxed warning for renal dysfunction and acute renal failure in all intravenous immune globulins (IVIG). Patients predisposed to renal dysfunction include those with any degree of preexisting renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, age greater than 65, volume depletion, sepsis, paraproteinemia, or in patients receiving known nephrotoxic drugs. Renal dysfunction and acute renal failure occur more commonly in patients receiving IVIG products containing sucrose. Bivigam, Flebogamma DIF, Gammagard Liquid, Gammagard S/D, Gammaked, Gammaplex, Gamunex-C, Octagam 5%, Octagam 10%, and Privigen do NOT contain sucrose. Adverse events of immune globulin therapy can be difficult to classify due to the diversity of components in the formulation. Mild adverse events are common and may include low grade fever, headache, nausea, malaise, and myalgia. Infusion related reactions such as urticaria and fever can be prevented by pre-medicating patients with diphenhydramine and acetaminophen. Tension headache is the most common adverse event associated with immune globulin use and ranges in frequency from 26%-61%. Migraine headaches also occur and are more common in patients with a history of migraines. Aseptic meningitis has been reported in patients receiving high dose immune globulin, with the majority of patients recovering within five days of symptom onset. Anaphylaxis has rarely occurred with immune globulin. Because immune globulin products are derived from donor plasma, the transmission of infectious particles is possible.
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REFERENCES
Number |
Reference |
1 |
Cuvitru prescribing information. Baxalta. September 2021. |
2 |
Gammagard Liquid prescribing information. Baxalta US Inc. March 2021. |
3 |
Gammaked prescribing information. Kedrion USA. January 2020. |
4 |
Gamunex-C prescribing information. Grifols Therapeutics Inc. January 2020. |
5 |
Hizentra prescribing information. CSL Behring. April 2022. |
6 |
HyQvia prescribing information. Baxalta US Inc. March 2021. |
7 |
Jolles S, Sewell W, Misbah S. Clinical uses of intravenous immunoglobulin. Clin Exper Immunol. 2005;142:1-11. |
8 |
El-Shanawany T, Sewell W, Misbah S, et al. Current clinical uses of intravenous immunoglobulin. Clin Med. 2006;6(4):356-359. |
9 |
Orange J, Hossny E, Weiler C, et al. Use of intravenous immunoglobulin in human disease: a review of evidence by members of the Primary Immunodeficiency Committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006;117(4):S525-S553. |
10 |
Pierce L, Jain N. Risks associated with the use of intravenous immunoglobulin. Trans Med. Rev. 2003;17(4):241-251. |
11 |
Hamrock D. Adverse events associated with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Int Immunopharmacol. 2006;6:535-542. |
12 |
Gerald K. McEvoy, Pharm.D. ed. 2014. Immunoglobulins. AHFS Drug Information® - 56th Ed. Bethesda, MD. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. |
13 |
ESID registry. Working definitions for clinical diagnosis of PID. Available at: http://esid.org/Working-Parties/Registry/Diagnosis-criteria. |
14 |
Ameratunga R, Woon ST, Gills D, et al. New diagnostic criteria for common variable immune deficiency (CVID), which may assist with decisions to treat with intravenous or subcutaneous immunoglobulin. Clinical and Experimental Immunology. July 2013;174:203-211. |
15 |
Perez EE, Orange JS, Bonilla F, et al. Update on the use of immune globulin in human disease: a review of evidence. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017;139(3):s1-46. |
16 |
Bonilla FA, Khan DA, Ballas ZK, et al. Practice parameter for the diagnosis and management of primary immunodeficiency. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2015;136(5):1186-1205,1205e1-1205e78. |
17 |
Immune Deficiency Foundation Diagnostic & Clinical Care Guidelines for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Third Edition. 2015. |
18 |
Ryan, M, Ryan SJ. Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: Considerations for Diagnosis, Management, and Population Health. AJMC journals supplement 2018. Accessed at https://www.ajmc.com/journals/supplement/2018/examining-therapies-cidp/chronic-infammatory-demyelinating-polyneuropathy-considerations-for-diagnosis-management-and-population-health?p=4 |
19 |
Shehata N, Palda V, Bowen T, et al. The Use of Immunoglobulin Therapy for Patients with Primary Immune Deficiency: An Evidence-Based Practice Guideline. Transfusion Medicine Reviews 2010;24(1) Suppl 1:S28-S50. |
20 |
Cutaquig Prescribing information. Octapharma. November 2021. |
21 |
Xembify Prescribing information. Grifols. August 2020. |
22 |
Jeffrey Modell Foundation Medical Advisory Board, 2013. 10 Warning Signs of Primary Immunodeficiency. Jeffrey Modell Foundation, New York, NY |
23 |
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Primary Immunodeficiency. Accessed at https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/primary-immunodeficiency-disease |
24 |
Orange JS, Ballow M, Stiehm, et al. Use and interpretation of diagnostic vaccination in primary immunodeficiency: A working group report of the Basic and Clinical Immunology Interest Section of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. J Allergy Clin Immunol Vol 130 (3). |
25 |
Emerson GG, Herndon CN, Sreih AG. Thrombotic complications after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in two patients. Pharmacotherapy. 2002;22:1638-1641. |
26 |
Department of Health (London). Clinical Guidelines for Immunoglobulin Use: Update to Second Edition. August, 2011. |
27 |
Provan, Drew, et al. "Clinical guidelines for immunoglobulin use." Department of Health Publication, London (2008). |
28 |
Dantal J. Intravenous Immunoglobulins: In-Depth Review of Excipients and Acute Kidney Injury Risk. Am J Nephrol 2013;38:275-284. |
29 |
NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma, Version 2.2022. National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 2022. Accessed October 2022. |
POLICY AGENT SUMMARY PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
Target Brand Agent(s) |
Target Generic Agent(s) |
Strength |
Targeted MSC |
Available MSC |
Final Age Limit |
Preferred Status |
|
||||||
Hyqvia |
immun glob inj |
10 GM/100ML ; 2.5 GM/25ML ; 20 GM/200ML ; 30 GM/300ML ; 5 GM/50ML |
M ; N ; O ; Y |
N |
|
|
Gammagard liquid ; Gammaked ; Gamunex-c |
immune globulin (human) iv or subcutaneous soln |
1 GM/10ML ; 10 GM/100ML ; 2.5 GM/25ML ; 20 GM/200ML ; 30 GM/300ML ; 40 GM/400ML ; 5 GM/50ML |
M ; N ; O ; Y |
N |
|
|
Cuvitru ; Hizentra |
immune globulin (human) subcutaneous inj |
1 GM/5ML ; 10 GM/50ML ; 2 GM/10ML ; 4 GM/20ML ; 8 GM/40ML |
M ; N ; O ; Y |
N |
|
|
Hizentra |
immune globulin (human) subcutaneous inj ; immune globulin (human) subcutaneous soln pref syr |
1 GM/5ML ; 10 GM/50ML ; 2 GM/10ML ; 4 GM/20ML |
M ; N ; O ; Y |
N |
|
|
Cutaquig |
immune globulin (human)-hipp subcutaneous inj |
1 GM/6ML ; 1.65 GM/10ML ; 2 GM/12ML ; 3.3 GM/20ML ; 4 GM/24ML ; 8 GM/48ML |
M ; N ; O ; Y |
N |
|
|
Xembify |
immune globulin (human)-klhw subcutaneous inj |
1 GM/5ML ; 10 GM/50ML ; 2 GM/10ML ; 4 GM/20ML |
M ; N ; O ; Y |
N |
|
|
CLIENT SUMMARY – PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
Target Brand Agent Name(s) |
Target Generic Agent Name(s) |
Strength |
Client Formulary |
Cutaquig |
immune globulin (human)-hipp subcutaneous inj |
1 GM/6ML ; 1.65 GM/10ML ; 2 GM/12ML ; 3.3 GM/20ML ; 4 GM/24ML ; 8 GM/48ML |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx |
Cuvitru ; Hizentra |
immune globulin (human) subcutaneous inj |
1 GM/5ML ; 10 GM/50ML ; 2 GM/10ML ; 4 GM/20ML ; 8 GM/40ML |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx |
Gammagard liquid ; Gammaked ; Gamunex-c |
immune globulin (human) iv or subcutaneous soln |
1 GM/10ML ; 10 GM/100ML ; 2.5 GM/25ML ; 20 GM/200ML ; 30 GM/300ML ; 40 GM/400ML ; 5 GM/50ML |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx |
Hizentra |
immune globulin (human) subcutaneous inj ; immune globulin (human) subcutaneous soln pref syr |
1 GM/5ML ; 10 GM/50ML ; 2 GM/10ML ; 4 GM/20ML |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx |
Hyqvia |
immun glob inj |
10 GM/100ML ; 2.5 GM/25ML ; 20 GM/200ML ; 30 GM/300ML ; 5 GM/50ML |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx |
Xembify |
immune globulin (human)-klhw subcutaneous inj |
1 GM/5ML ; 10 GM/50ML ; 2 GM/10ML ; 4 GM/20ML |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx |
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION CLINICAL CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL
Module |
Clinical Criteria for Approval |
|
Initial Evaluation Target Agent(s) will be approved when ONE of the following is met:
Length of Approval: 6 months
Renewal Evaluation Target Agent(s) will be approved when BOTH of the following are met:
Length of Approval: 12 months |
This pharmacy policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits or a contract. Eligibility and benefits are determined on a case-by-case basis according to the terms of the member’s plan in effect as of the date services are rendered. All pharmacy policies are based on (i) information in FDA approved package inserts (and black box warning, alerts, or other information disseminated by the FDA as applicable); (ii) research of current medical and pharmacy literature; and/or (iii) review of common medical practices in the treatment and diagnosis of disease as of the date hereof. Physicians and other providers are solely responsible for all aspects of medical care and treatment, including the type, quality, and levels of care and treatment.
The purpose of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s pharmacy policies are to provide a guide to coverage. Pharmacy policies are not intended to dictate to physicians how to practice medicine. Physicians should exercise their medical judgment in providing the care they feel is most appropriate for their patients.
Neither this policy, nor the successful adjudication of a pharmacy claim, is guarantee of payment.
Commercial _ CS _ Subcutaneous_Immune_Globulins_PA _ProgSum_ 10-01-2024