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Oxybate Prior Authorization with Quantity Limit Program Summary
Policy Number: PH-1083
This program applies to Commercial, Blue Partner, NetResults A series, SourceRx and Health Insurance Marketplace formularies.
POLICY REVIEW CYCLE
Effective Date |
Date of Origin |
04-01-2024 |
|
FDA APPROVED INDICATIONS AND DOSAGE
Agent(s) |
FDA Indication(s) |
Notes |
Ref# |
Lumryz™ (sodium oxybate extended release) Oral suspension |
Treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adults with narcolepsy |
|
11 |
Xyrem®, Sodium Oxybate Oral solution |
Treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy |
|
1, 10 |
Xywav® (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybate) Oral solution |
Treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy Treatment of idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) in adults |
|
2 |
See package insert for FDA prescribing information: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/index.cfm
CLINICAL RATIONALE
Narcolepsy |
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder caused by the inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. At various times throughout the day, patients with narcolepsy experience irresistible bouts of sleep and could fall asleep. If left undiagnosed or untreated, narcolepsy can interfere with psychological, social, and cognitive function and development and can inhibit academic, work, and social activities.(3) Symptoms may include excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations. All patients diagnosed with narcolepsy will have excessive daytime sleepiness. However, sleepiness in narcolepsy is more like a “sleep attack”, where an overwhelming sense of sleepiness comes on quickly.(3) There is limited evidence to advise on treatment of special populations such as children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.(6) The American Family Physician recommends referral to a sleep clinic if narcolepsy is suspected.(4) The American Academy of Sleep Medicine indicates treatment goals should be to alleviate daytime sleepiness and produce the fullest possible return of normal function for patients at work, school, home, and socially.(5) Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is characterized by persistent sleepiness regardless of how much sleep an individual gets at night. In between sleep attacks, individuals have normal levels of alertness, particularly if doing activities that keep their attention. The most common causes of EDS include narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, shift work disorder, sleep deprivation, medication effects, and other medical and psychiatric conditions.(6) Narcolepsy has two types, narcolepsy with cataplexy and without cataplexy. Narcolepsy with cataplexy involves the sudden loss of voluntary muscle tone while awake. It is often triggered by sudden, strong emotions such as laughter, fear, anger, stress, or excitement. The symptoms of cataplexy may appear weeks or even years after the onset of EDS.(3) The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) 2021 guidelines combined the recommendations for narcolepsy with cataplexy and EDS associated with narcolepsy. The AASM recommend the following for the pharmacologic treatment of narcolepsy:(7)
|
Efficacy |
Lumryz The effectiveness of Lumryz for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adults with narcolepsy has been established based on a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, two-arm multi-center study to assess the efficacy and safety of a once nightly administration of Lumryz in patients with narcolepsy. The three co-primary endpoints were the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I), and mean change in weekly cataplexy attacks.(11) The mean number of cataplexy attacks per week at baseline was 18.9 in the Lumryz group and 19.8 in the placebo group. A statistically significant improvement was seen on the MWT, CGI-I, and mean weekly cataplexy attacks, for the 6 g (Week 3), 7.5 g (Week 8), and 9 g (Week 13) dose of Lumryz, compared to the placebo group.(11) Xyrem The effectiveness of sodium oxybate in the treatment of EDS in narcolepsy was established in two 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in patients with narcolepsy. Patients were randomized to one of four groups: placebo, sodium oxybate 4.5 grams per night, sodium oxybate 6 grams per night, or sodium oxybate 9 grams per night. The primary efficacy was extent of sleepiness in everyday situations (determined using Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and change in symptoms of EDS (evaluated using Clinical Global Impression of Change tool). Sodium oxybate was associated with statistically significant differences for both primary outcomes when compared to placebo.(1) The effectiveness of sodium oxybate in the treatment of cataplexy was established in two 4-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in patients with narcolepsy. Patients were randomized to receive placebo or sodium oxybate dosed at 3 grams to 9 grams nightly. The primary efficacy endpoint for both trials was frequency of cataplexy attacks. Both trials found that dose of 6 grams to 9 grams resulted in statistically significant reduction in frequency of cataplexy attacks. The trials also found that discontinuation of sodium oxybate in patient who had been treated with it long term resulted in a significant increase in cataplexy attacks.(1) Xywav Efficacy of Xywav for the treatment of cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in adult patients with narcolepsy was established in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized-withdrawal study (Study 1; NCT03030599). This study had two parts, consisting of the main study, followed by an optional 24-week open-label extension (OLE). The main study consisted of a 12-week open-label optimized treatment and titration period (OL OTTP), followed by a 2-week stable-dose period (SDP), and finally a 2-week double-blind randomized-withdrawal period (DB RWP).(2) Patients entering the study were taking a stable dosage of 1) Xyrem only, 2) Xyrem + another anticataplectic, 3) a non-Xyrem anticataplectic, or 4) were cataplexy-treatment naïve. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in frequency of cataplexy attacks from the 2 weeks of the SDP to the 2 weeks of the DB RWP. The key secondary endpoint was the change in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, as a measure of reduction in EDS from the end of the SDP to the end of the DB RWP. Patients taking stable doses of Xywav who discontinued Xywav treatment and were randomized to placebo during the DB RWP experienced a significant worsening in the average weekly number of cataplexy attacks and in ESS score, compared with patients randomized to continue treatment with Xywav.(2) The effectiveness of Xywav in pediatric patients is based upon a clinical study in patients treated with Xyrem.(2) |
Idiopathic Hypersomnia |
Idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate quantity and quality of sleep, and difficulty waking up from nocturnal sleep and daytime naps. IH often develops in adolescents and can be lifelong with some instances of remission. The pathogenesis is not well understood, with some cases associated with autoimmune etiologies or changes in inhibitory signaling through GABA receptor pathway. The diagnosis is one of exclusion by ruling out other causes, such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, periodic limb movement disorder, medications, substance use/abuse, or other medical, neurological, or psychiatric conditions. The diagnosis should be made by a sleep specialist and a sleep study completed.(8,9) Treatment focuses on the symptoms of sleepiness due to the underlying causes being unknown. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend the following for the pharmacologic treatment of IH:(7)
|
Efficacy |
Xywav Efficacy of Xywav for the treatment of idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) in adult patients as a once or twice nightly regimen was established in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized-withdrawal, study (Study 2, NCT03533114). This study consisted of a minimum of 10‑week open‑label treatment titration and optimization period (OL OTTP), (with up to 4 additional weeks) to allow for an optimally effective and tolerable dose and regimen followed by a 2‑week stable dose period (SDP), a 2‑week double-blind, randomized withdrawal period (DB RWP), and a 24‑week open label safety extension period (OLE).(2) Study 2 enrolled 154 patients with idiopathic hypersomnia, 19 to 75 years of age. Of the 154 patients, 115 were evaluable for efficacy data and were randomized 1:1 to continue treatment with Xywav or to placebo in the 2‑week DB RWP. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, as a measure of reduction in EDS from the end of the SDP to the end of the DB RWP.(2) Patients in Study 2 taking stable doses of Xywav who were withdrawn from Xywav treatment and randomized to placebo during DB RWP experienced significant worsening in ESS score compared with patients randomized to continue treatment with Xywav (p<0.0001) across all dosing regimens.(2) |
Safety |
Lumryz Lumryz carries the following contraindications:
Boxed warnings include:
Lumryz is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) due to the risks of CNS depression, abuse, and misuse. This program is called the Lumryz REMS.(11) Xyrem Xyrem carries the following contraindications:
Boxed warnings include:
Xyrem is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) due to the risks of CNS depression, abuse, and misuse. This program is called the Xywav and Xyrem REMS.(1) Xywav Xywav carries the following contraindications:
Boxed warnings include:
Xywav is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) due to the risks of CNS depression, abuse, and misuse. This program is called the Xywav and Xyrem REMS.(2) |
REFERENCES
Number |
Reference |
1 |
Xyrem prescribing information. Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. April 2023. |
2 |
Xywav prescribing information. Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. April 2023. |
3 |
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Narcolepsy. NIH Publication No. 17-1637. Available at:https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/narcolepsy. Last updated September 2023. Accessed October 2023. |
4 |
Ramar, Kannan MD and Olson, Eric MD. Management of Common Sleep Disorders. Am Fam Physician. 2013 Aug 15; 88(4): 231-238. |
5 |
Krahn, Lois MD, et al. Quality Measures for the Care of Patients with Narcolepsy. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2015; Vol. 11(3). |
6 |
Pagel J. Excessive daytime sleepiness. Am Fam Physician. 2009;79(5): 391-395. |
7 |
Maski K, Trotti LM, Kotagal S, et al. Treatment of central disorders of hypersomnolence: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17(9):1881–1893. |
8 |
Idiopathic hypersomnia. Sleep Education. (2021, May 6). Retrieved September, 2022, from https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders/idiopathic-hypersomnia/. |
9 |
Chervin, R. D. (2022, January 31). Idiopathic Hypersomnia. UpToDate. Retrieved October 2023, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/idiopathic-hypersomnia? search=idiopathic+hypersomnia&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~17&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#references. |
10 |
Sodium Oxybate solution prescribing information. Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Inc. April 2023. |
11 |
Lumryz prescribing information. Avadel CNS Pharmaceuticals, LLC. May 2023 |
POLICY AGENT SUMMARY PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
Target Brand Agent(s) |
Target Generic Agent(s) |
Strength |
Targeted MSC |
Available MSC |
Final Age Limit |
Preferred Status |
|
||||||
Xywav |
calcium, mag, potassium, & sod oxybates oral soln |
500 MG/ML |
M ; N ; O ; Y |
N |
|
|
Lumryz ; Xyrem |
sodium oxybate oral solution ; sodium oxybate pack for oral er susp |
4.5 GM ; 500 MG/ML ; 6 GM ; 7.5 GM ; 9 GM |
M ; N ; O ; Y |
M ; N |
|
|
POLICY AGENT SUMMARY QUANTITY LIMIT
Target Brand Agent Name(s) |
Target Generic Agent Name(s) |
Strength |
QL Amount |
Dose Form |
Day Supply |
Duration |
Addtl QL Info |
Allowed Exceptions |
Targeted NDCs When Exclusions Exist |
|
|||||||||
Lumryz |
sodium oxybate pack for oral er susp |
4.5 GM ; 6 GM ; 7.5 GM ; 9 GM |
30 |
Packets |
30 |
DAYS |
|
|
|
Xyrem |
sodium oxybate oral solution |
500 MG/ML |
540 |
mLs |
30 |
DAYS |
|
|
|
Xywav |
calcium, mag, potassium, & sod oxybates oral soln |
500 MG/ML |
540 |
mLs |
30 |
DAYS |
|
|
|
CLIENT SUMMARY – PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
Target Brand Agent Name(s) |
Target Generic Agent Name(s) |
Strength |
Client Formulary |
Lumryz ; Xyrem |
sodium oxybate oral solution ; sodium oxybate pack for oral er susp |
4.5 GM ; 500 MG/ML ; 6 GM ; 7.5 GM ; 9 GM |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx |
Xywav |
calcium, mag, potassium, & sod oxybates oral soln |
500 MG/ML |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx |
CLIENT SUMMARY – QUANTITY LIMITS
Target Brand Agent Name(s) |
Target Generic Agent Name(s) |
Strength |
Client Formulary |
Lumryz |
sodium oxybate pack for oral er susp |
4.5 GM ; 6 GM ; 7.5 GM ; 9 GM |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx |
Xyrem |
sodium oxybate oral solution |
500 MG/ML |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx |
Xywav |
calcium, mag, potassium, & sod oxybates oral soln |
500 MG/ML |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx |
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION CLINICAL CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL
Module |
Clinical Criteria for Approval |
|
Target Agent(s) will be approved when ALL of the following are met:
Length of Approval: 12 months NOTE: If Quantity Limit applies, please refer to Quantity Limit Criteria. *Step therapy requirement may not apply if a prior health plan paid for the medication - documentation of a paid claim may be required. |
QUANTITY LIMIT CLINICAL CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL
Module |
Clinical Criteria for Approval |
|
Quantity limit for the Target Agent(s) will be approved when ONE of the following is 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.
ALBP _ Commercial _ CSReg _ Oxybate_PAQL _ProgSum_ 04-01-2024 _© Copyright Prime Therapeutics LLC. January 2024 All Rights Reserved