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Baclofen Prior Authorization with Quantity Limit Program Summary
Policy Number: PH-1121
This program applies to Blue Partner, Commercial, GenPlus, NetResults A series, 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# |
Fleqsuvy® (baclofen) Oral suspension* |
Treatment of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis, particularly for the relief of flexor spasms and concomitant pain, clonus, and muscle rigidity May also be of some value in patients with spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases Limitations of Use: Fleqsuvy is not indicated in the treatment of skeletal muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disorders. |
*generic available |
6 |
LYVISPAH® (baclofen) Oral granules |
Treatment of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis, particularly for the relief of flexor spasms and concomitant pain, clonus, and muscular rigidity May also be of some value in patients with spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases Limitations of Use: LYVISPAH is not indicated in the treatment of skeletal muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disorders. |
|
7 |
OZOBAX® OZOBAX® DS (baclofen) Oral solution |
Treatment of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis, particularly for the relief of flexor spasms and concomitant pain, clonus, and muscle rigidity May also be of some value in patients with spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases Limitations of Use: OZOBAX/OZOBAX DS is not indicated in the treatment of skeletal muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disorders. |
|
1,8 |
See package insert for FDA prescribing information: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/index.cfm
CLINICAL RATIONALE
Multiple Sclerosis |
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by demyelization, inflammation, and degenerative changes. Most people with MS experience relapses and remissions of neurological symptoms, particularly early in the disease, and clinical events are usually associated with areas of CNS inflammation. Gradual worsening or progression, with or without subsequent acute attacks of inflammation or radiological activity, may take place early, but usually becomes more prominent over time. While traditionally viewed as a disease solely of CNS white matter, more advanced imaging techniques have demonstrated significant early and ongoing CNS gray matter damage as well.(2) Those diagnosed with MS may have many fluctuating and disabling symptoms (including, but not limited to, fatigue, impaired mobility, mood and cognitive changes, pain and other sensory problems, visual disturbances, and elimination dysfunction), resulting in a significant impact on quality of life for patients and their families. There are currently four major types of MS: clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), and secondary progressive MS (SPMS).(2) Spasticity from the upper motor neuron syndrome (a complex of signs and symptoms that can be associated with exaggerated reflexes, autonomic hyperreflexia, dystonia, contractures, paresis, lack of dexterity, and fatigability, in addition to spasticity) can result from a variety of conditions affecting the cortex or spinal cord. Some of the more common conditions associated with spasticity include multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, and post-stroke syndrome. In many patients with these conditions, spasticity can be disabling and painful, with a marked effect on functional ability and quality of life. Baclofen, dantrolene, and tizanidine are approved for the treatment of spasticity related to multiple sclerosis. Other medications used to treat spasticity with multiple sclerosis include benzodiazepines, clonidine, and gabapentin.(3) There is evidence that baclofen, tizanidine, and dantrolene are effective compared to placebo in patients with spasticity related to multiple sclerosis. Baclofen and tizanidine are roughly equivalent for efficacy in patients with spasticity. The overall rate of adverse effects between baclofen and tizanidine is similar, tizanidine causes more dry mouth and baclofen more weakness.(3) |
Spinal Cord Injury |
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic event that results in a disturbance to normal sensory, motor, or autonomic function and can significantly impair a patient's quality of life, functional status, and social independence. Motor vehicle accidents are the primary cause of SCI, followed by falls in the elderly population.(9) Immobility and spasticity contribute to muscle contractures after SCI. Preventive management is extremely important and should begin immediately after an SCI and continue for long-term. Preventative management includes positioning, range-of-motion exercises, and splinting.(5) Baclofen, dantrolene, pregabalin and tizanidine are approved for spasticity with spinal cord injuries. Methylprednisolone can be used for SCI but the Congress of Neurological Surgeons states there is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation.(4) |
Efficacy |
The efficacy of Fleqsuvy (baclofen), LYVISPAH (baclofen), and OZOBAX/OZOBAX DS (baclofen) is based on bioavailability studies in healthy adults comparing baclofen oral tablets to Fleqsuvy, LYVISPAH, or OZOBAX/OZOBAX DS.(1,6,7,8) |
Safety |
Abrupt discontinuation of baclofen, regardless of the cause, has resulted in adverse reactions that include hallucinations, seizures, high fever, altered mental status, exaggerated rebound spasticity, and muscle rigidity, that in rare cases has advanced to rhabdomyolysis, multiple organ-system failure, and death. Therefore, reduce the dosage slowly when discontinuing, unless the clinical situation justifies a rapid withdrawal.(1,6,7,8) Fleqsuvy, LYVISPAH, and OZOBAX/OZOBAX DS are contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to baclofen.(1,6,7,8) |
REFERENCES
Number |
Reference |
1 |
OZOBAX Prescribing Information. Metacel Pharmaceuticals, LLC. May 2020. |
2 |
Multiple Sclerosis Coalition. The Use of Disease Modifying Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis: Principles and Current Evidence. A Consensus Paper by the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition. Original July 2014. Updated September 2019. |
3 |
Chou R, Peterson K, Helfand M. Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants for Spasticity and Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Systemic Review. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2004 Aug;28(2):140-75. |
4 |
Arnold PM, Anderson PA, Chi JH, et al. Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines on the Evaluation and Treatment of Patients with Thoracolumbar Spine Trauma: Pharmacological Treatment. Neurosurgery. 2019 Jan;84(1):E36-E38. |
5 |
Dalyan M, Sherman A, Cardenas DD. Factors associated with contractures in acute spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord. 1998 Jun;36(6):405-8. |
6 |
Fleqsuvy Prescribing Information. Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. February 2023. |
7 |
LYVISPAH prescribing information. Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. April 2023. |
8 |
OZOBAX DS Prescribing Information. Metacel Pharmaceuticals, LLC. October 2023. |
9 |
Fehlings MG, Tetreault LA, Wilson JR, Kwon BK, Burns AS, Martin AR, Hawryluk G, Harrop JS. (2017). A Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Introduction, Rationale, and Scope. Global spine journal, 7(3 Suppl), 84S-94S. https://doi.org/10.1177/2192568217703387 |
POLICY AGENT SUMMARY PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
Target Brand Agent(s) |
Target Generic Agent(s) |
Strength |
Targeted MSC |
Available MSC |
Final Age Limit |
Preferred Status |
|
||||||
Lyvispah |
Baclofen Granules Packet |
5 MG |
M ; N ; O ; Y |
N |
|
|
Lyvispah |
Baclofen Granules Packet |
10 MG |
M ; N ; O ; Y |
N |
|
|
Lyvispah |
Baclofen Granules Packet |
20 MG |
M ; N ; O ; Y |
N |
|
|
Ozobax ds |
baclofen oral soln |
10 MG/5ML |
M ; N ; O ; Y |
M |
|
|
Ozobax |
Baclofen Oral Soln 5 MG/5ML |
5 MG/5ML |
M ; N ; O ; Y |
M ; N |
|
|
Fleqsuvy |
Baclofen Susp |
25 MG/5ML |
M ; N ; O ; Y |
O ; Y |
|
|
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 |
|
|||||||||
Fleqsuvy |
Baclofen Susp |
25 MG/5ML |
480 |
mLs |
30 |
DAYS |
|
|
|
Lyvispah |
Baclofen Granules Packet |
5 MG |
120 |
Packets |
30 |
DAYS |
|
|
|
Lyvispah |
Baclofen Granules Packet |
10 MG |
120 |
Packets |
30 |
DAYS |
|
|
|
Lyvispah |
Baclofen Granules Packet |
20 MG |
120 |
Packets |
30 |
DAYS |
|
|
|
Ozobax |
Baclofen Oral Soln 5 MG/5ML |
5 MG/5ML |
2400 |
mLs |
30 |
DAYS |
|
|
|
Ozobax ds |
baclofen oral soln |
10 MG/5ML |
1200 |
mLs |
30 |
DAYS |
|
|
|
CLIENT SUMMARY – PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
Target Brand Agent Name(s) |
Target Generic Agent Name(s) |
Strength |
Client Formulary |
Fleqsuvy |
Baclofen Susp |
25 MG/5ML |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series |
Lyvispah |
Baclofen Granules Packet |
20 MG |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series |
Lyvispah |
Baclofen Granules Packet |
10 MG |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series |
Lyvispah |
Baclofen Granules Packet |
5 MG |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series |
Ozobax |
Baclofen Oral Soln 5 MG/5ML |
5 MG/5ML |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series |
Ozobax ds |
baclofen oral soln |
10 MG/5ML |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series |
CLIENT SUMMARY – QUANTITY LIMITS
Target Brand Agent Name(s) |
Target Generic Agent Name(s) |
Strength |
Client Formulary |
Fleqsuvy |
Baclofen Susp |
25 MG/5ML |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series |
Lyvispah |
Baclofen Granules Packet |
20 MG |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series |
Lyvispah |
Baclofen Granules Packet |
5 MG |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series |
Lyvispah |
Baclofen Granules Packet |
10 MG |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series |
Ozobax |
Baclofen Oral Soln 5 MG/5ML |
5 MG/5ML |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series |
Ozobax ds |
baclofen oral soln |
10 MG/5ML |
Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series |
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 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.
Renewal Evaluation 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. |
QUANTITY LIMIT CLINICAL CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL
Module |
Clinical Criteria for Approval |
QL with PA |
Quantity Limit for the Target Agent(s) will be approved when ONE of the following is met:
Length of Approval: Initial: 6 months, Renewal: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 _ Baclofen_PAQL _ProgSum_ 04-01-2024 _© Copyright Prime Therapeutics LLC. January 2024 All Rights Reserved