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Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) Prior Authorization Program Summary
Policy Number: PH-1094
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# |
Elmiron® (pentosan polysulfate sodium) Capsule |
The relief of bladder pain or discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis |
|
1 |
See package insert for FDA prescribing information: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/index.cfm
CLINICAL RATIONALE
Interstitial cystitis |
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic, or long-lasting, condition that causes painful urinary symptoms. There is no known exact cause of IC. IC can cause repeat discomfort, pressure, tenderness or pain in the bladder, lower abdomen, and pelvic area.(5) IC varies so much in symptoms and severity that most researchers believe it is not one, but several diseases. In recent years, bladder pain syndrome (BPS) or painful bladder syndrome (PBS) has been used to describe cases with painful urinary symptoms that may not meet the strictest definition of IC. The term IC/BPS includes all cases of urinary pain that can’t be attributed to other causes, such as infection or urinary stones. The term interstitial cystitis, or IC, is used alone when describing cases that meet all of the IC criteria established by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The diagnosis of IC/PBS in the general population is based on:(5)
There is not medical test to confirm a diagnosis of IC/BPS. Methods to assist in diagnosing IC/BPS include:(6)
|
Clinical Guidelines - European Association of Urology (EAU)- Guidelines on Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain (2022) |
Bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is the occurrence of persistent or recurrent pain perceived in the urinary bladder region, accompanied by at least one other symptom, such as pain worsening with bladder filling and day-time and/or night-time urinary frequency. There is no proven infection or other obvious local pathology. BPS is often associated with cognitive, behavioral, sexual or emotional consequences, as well as with symptoms suggestive of lower urinary tract and sexual dysfunction. BPS is believed to represent a heterogeneous spectrum of disorders. There may be specific types if inflammation as a feature in subsets of patients.(3) Localization of the pain can be difficult by examination, and consequently, another localization symptom of the pain is required. Cystoscopy with hydrodistension and biopsy may be indicated to define phenotypes. Other terms for BPS that have been used include interstitial cystitis, painful bladder syndrome, and PBS/IC or BPS/IC. These terms are no longer recommended.(3) Recommendations with 1 to 2a or strong strength rating for treatment of BPS:(3)
|
Clinical Guidelines - American Urologic Association [AUA] - Guidelines on Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome [IC/BPS] (2022) |
The body of evidence for a particular treatment was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low). Additional treatment information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinion when insufficient evidence existed.(4) Treatment decisions should typically be made after shared decision-making, with the patient informed of the risks, potential benefits, and alternatives. Except for patients with Hunner lesions, initial treatment should be nonsurgical. Treatment is categorized into:(4)
The treatments below appear to lack efficacy and/or appear to be accompanied by unacceptable adverse event profiles:(4)
|
Efficacy |
Elmiron was evaluated in two clinical trials for the relief of pain in patients with chronic interstitial cystitis (IC). All patients met the NIH definition of IC based upon the results of cystoscopy, cytology, and biopsy.(1) Patients had unblinded evaluations every 3 months for the patient's rating of overall change in pain in comparison to baseline and for the difference calculated in "pain/discomfort" scores. At baseline, pain/discomfort scores for the original 2499 patients were severe or unbearable in 60%, moderate in 33% and mild or none in 7% of patients.(1) At 3 months, 722/2499 (29%) of the patients originally in the study had pain scores that improved by one or two categories. By 6 months, in the 892 patients who continued taking Elmiron, an additional 116/2499 (5%) of patients had improved pain scores. After 6 months, the percent of patients who reported the first onset of pain relief was less than 1.5% of patients who originally entered in the study.(1) |
Safety |
Elmiron is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug, structurally related compounds, or excipients. It is important to note that clinical value or risks of continued treatment in patients whose pain has not improved by 6 months is not known.(1) Clinicians should counsel patients who are considering Elmiron on the potential risk for macular damage and vision-related injuries A detailed ophthalmologic history should be obtained in all patients prior to starting treatment with Elmiron.(4) A baseline retinal examination (including OCT and auto-fluorescence imaging) is suggested for all patients within six months of initiating treatment and periodically while continuing treatment. If pigmentary changes in the retina develop, then risks and benefits of continuing treatment should be reevaluated, since these changes may be irreversible. Follow-up retinal examinations should be continued given that retinal and vision changes may progress even after cessation of treatment.(1) |
REFERENCES
Number |
Reference |
1 |
Elmiron Prescribing Information. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. November 2022. |
2 |
|
3 |
European Association of Urology (EAU, 2022). Guidelines on treatment of chronic pelvic pain. Available at: https://uroweb.org/guideline/chronic-pelvic-pain/#1 |
4 |
Clemens JQ, Erickson DR, Varela NP et al: Diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (2022):AUA guideline amendment. J Urol 2022;208(1):34-42. Published 2011. Updated 2022. Available at: https://www.auanet.org/guidelines/guidelines/interstitial-cystitis-(ic/bps)-guideline |
5 |
Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/interstitial-cystitis-painful-bladder-syndrome |
6 |
What is Interstitial Cystitis(IC)/Bladder Pain Syndrome? - Urology Care Foundation. (n.d.). https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/i/interstitial-cystitis |
POLICY AGENT SUMMARY PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
Target Brand Agent(s) |
Target Generic Agent(s) |
Strength |
Targeted MSC |
Available MSC |
Final Age Limit |
Preferred Status |
|
||||||
Elmiron |
pentosan polysulfate sodium cap delayed release ; pentosan polysulfate sodium caps |
100 MG ; 150 MG ; 200 MG |
M ; N ; O ; Y |
N |
|
|
CLIENT SUMMARY – PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
Target Brand Agent Name(s) |
Target Generic Agent Name(s) |
Strength |
Client Formulary |
Elmiron |
pentosan polysulfate sodium cap delayed release ; pentosan polysulfate sodium caps |
100 MG ; 150 MG ; 200 MG |
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 ALL of the following are met:
Length of Approval: 6 months *Step therapy requirement may not apply if a prior health plan paid for the medication - documentation of a paid claim may be required.
Renewal Evaluation Target Agent(s) will be approved for renewal when ALL 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.
ALBP _ Commercial _ CSReg _ Elmiron_PA _ProgSum_ 10-01-2024 _
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