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Opioids Immediate Release (IR) Quantity Limit Program Summary

Policy Number: PH-91117

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   

04-01-2025           

FDA LABELED INDICATIONS AND DOSAGE

Agent(s)

FDA Indication(s)

Notes

Ref#

Apadaz®, Benzhydrocodone/Acetaminophen

Tablet

Short-term (no more than 14 days) management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

6

butorphanol

Nasal spray*

Management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

This agent should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

*generic available

7

Codeine

Tablet*

Management of mild to moderate pain, where treatment with an opioid is appropriate and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

This agent should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

*generic available

8

Meperidine

Tablet*

Solution

Management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

This agent should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

This agent should not be used for the treatment of chronic pain. Use for an extended period of time may increase the risk of toxicity (e.g., seizures) from the accumulation of the meperidine metabolite, normeperidine.

*generic available

18

Dilaudid®

(hydromorphone)

Tablet*

Liquid*

Management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

This agent should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

*generic available

9

Methadose, Methadone

Tablet*

Soluble tablet*

Solution*

Concentrate*

Management of severe and persistent pain that requires an extended treatment period with a daily opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate

Limitations of Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, and because of the greater risks of overdose and death with long-acting opioids, reserve methadone hydrochloride tablets, USP for use in patients for whom alternative analgesic treatment options (e.g., non-opioid analgesics or immediate-release opioid analgesics) are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.
  • This agent is not indicated as an as-needed (prn) analgesic.

*generic available

19,20

Fioricet w/Codeine®

(butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine/codeine)

Capsule*

Management of the symptom complex of tension (or muscle contraction) headache when non-opioid analgesic and alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics or non-barbiturate analgesics]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

*generic available

11

butalbital/aspirin/caffeine/codeine

Capsule*

Management of the symptom complex of tension (or muscle contraction) headache when non-opioid analgesic and alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics or non-barbiturate analgesics]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

This agent should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

*generic available

12

Hydrocodone/Ibuprofen

Tablet*

Short-term management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

This agent should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

*generic available

15

levorphanol

Tablet*

Management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

This agent should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

*generic available

16

Lortab®

(hydrocodone/acetaminophen)

Solution*

Tablet*

Management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

This agent should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

*generic available

17,22

Morphine Sulfate

Tablet*

Concentrate*

Solution*

Management of:

  • Adults and pediatric patients weighing 50 kg and above with acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate
  • Adults with chronic pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations of Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia

This agent should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

*generic available

21

Nalocet®, Oxycodone/Acetaminophen, Percocet®, Prolate®

Tablet*

Solution 

Management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

This agent should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

*generic available

26,32,33

Nucynta®

(tapentadol)

Tablet

Management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate in adults and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with a body weight of at least 40 kg.

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

This agent should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

23

Oxaydo®, Roxicodone®, Roxybond

(oxycodone)

Capsule*

Tablet*

Solution*

Concentrate*

Management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Oxycodone Hydrochloride Oral Solution 100 mg per 5 mL (20 mg/mL) is indicated for the relief of pain in opioid-tolerant adults.

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

This agent should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

*generic available

24,25,35,41

oxymorphone

Tablet*

Management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

This agent should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

*generic available

30

pentazocine/naloxone

Tablet*

Management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

This agent should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

*generic available

31

Seglentis

(celecoxib/tramadol)

Tablet

Management of acute pain in adults that is severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

This agent should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

36

Trezix, Acetaminophen/Caffeine/Dihydrocodeine

Capsule

Management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia  

37

Tylenol® w/Codeine, Acetaminophen/Codeine

Tablet*

Oral solution*

Management of mild to moderate pain, where treatment with an opioid is appropriate and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

This agent should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

*generic available

5,38

tramadol/acetaminophen

Tablet*

Management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations of Use:

  • Tramadol hydrochloride and acetaminophen tablets are indicated for short-term use of five days or less.
  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia

*generic available

39

Odolo™, Tramadol 

(tramadol)

Tablet*

Oral solution

Management of pain in adults that is severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

Limitations for Use:

  • Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve this agent for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics]:
    • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated
    • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia   

This agent should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

*generic available

34,40

See package insert for FDA prescribing information:  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/index.cfm

CLINICAL RATIONALE

CLINICAL RATIONALE

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines define acute pain as pain with abrupt onset and caused by an injury or other process that is not ongoing. Long-term opioid use often begins with treatment of acute pain. When opioids are used for acute pain, clinicians should prescribe the lowest effective dose of immediate-release opioids and should prescribe no greater quantity than needed for the expected duration of pain severe enough to require opioids.(1)

 

Use of tramadol or codeine containing products in pediatric patients has caused life-threatening respiratory depression, with some of the reported cases occurring post-tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Ultra-rapid metabolizers are at increased risk of life-threatening respiratory depression due to a CYP2D6 polymorphism. Use in children under 12 years of age is contraindicated for these products, and for those between the ages of 12 and 18 years when used for post-operative pain management following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.(3)

 

The CDC defines chronic pain as pain that continues or is expected to continue more than three months or past the time of normal tissue healing. When starting opioid therapy for chronic pain, clinicians should prescribe immediate-release opioids instead of extended-release/long-acting (ER/LA) opioids. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) modified labeling of ER/LA opioids, indicating they should be reserved for management of severe, continuous pain requiring daily, around-the-clock, long term opioid treatment. The CDC indicates ER/LA opioids should be reserved for severe pain and should be considered only for patients who have received immediate-release opioids daily for at least 1 week. Assessment should be done to determine if continued opioid therapy is needed.(1)

 

The American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) 2023 Comprehensive Evidence-Based Consensus Guidelines for Prescription of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain states that there is similar effectiveness for long and short-acting opioids, with increased adverse consequences of long-acting opioids. High doses of long-acting agents should only be used in limited circumstances wherein the management of severe, intractable pain is not responsive or mitigated by short-acting opioids or moderate doses of long-acting opioids. The guidelines recommend the following for the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain:(2)

  • Initial steps with opioid therapy:
    • Complete a comprehensive evaluation of pain and medical history including previous treatments, psychosocial history, functional assessment and appropriate consultations are recommended prior to initiation of opioid therapy
    • Perform risk stratification, review prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) data prior to initiating any/all controlled substances and periodically or as mandated by regulations during treatment, conduct urine drug testing (UDT) initially and periodically for compliance monitoring
    • Discuss the realistic benefits and known risks with patients. Establish clear treatment goals for pain and/or function, and as possible, improvement in quality of life. Discuss and plan how opioid therapy will be discontinued if benefits do not outweigh risks and/or meaningful, realistic improvement is not achieved from opioid therapy 
    • Complete a controlled substance agreement that is detailed with each item, include safe storage and disposal, and initialed and signed by the patient
    • Once medical necessity is established, opioid therapy may be initiated using low doses and short-acting drugs, with appropriate monitoring to provide effective relief and avoid side effects. Long-acting opioids should not be utilized for the initiation of opioid therapy
  • Assessment of effectiveness of opioid therapy:
    • Assess meaningful benefit (i.e., at least 30% benefit in pain and/or function) improvement based on analgesia, activity, and ensure opioid therapy does not incur aberrant behaviors and adverse effects
    • Clinicians must understand the effectiveness, viability, limitations, adverse consequences, and relative value (versus burden/risk) of long-term opioid therapy in chronic non-cancer pain
    • Evidence of effectiveness is similar for long-acting and short-acting opioids with increased prevalence of adverse consequences of long-acting opioids
    • Long-acting opioids in high doses are recommended only in specific circumstances with severe intractable pain that is not amenable to short-acting opioids or moderate doses of long-acting opioids
    • Tapering or weaning process must be initiated slowly after appropriate criteria have been met and should entail slow tapering of the dosage across a specified period of time. Reinstitution of opioid therapy can be considered when such treatment is deemed medically necessary if the patient’s behavior and patten of drug use are shown to be stable, and if results of at least 2 consistent urine drug tests are negative for opioids and/or illicit drugs
  • Monitoring adherence and side effects: 
    • Adherence monitoring to assess and sustain appropriate use must be instituted at proper intervals, as based on risk stratification and indication(s) of other issues that may be regarded as negatively influencing therapeutic compliance
    • Monitor and manage side effects appropriately, including bowel function
    • Chronic opioid therapy may be continued, with continuous adherence monitoring, and modified in conjunction with or after failure of other modalities of treatments

 

The 2022 CDC guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Pain recommend the following for prescribing opioids for acute, subacute, and chronic pain:(1)

  • When to initiate or continue opioids for chronic pain:
    • Clinicians should maximize use of non-pharmacologic and non-opioid pharmacologic therapies prior to initiating opioid therapy as appropriate for the specific condition and patient
    • Clinicians should consider opioids only if expected benefits for both pain and function are anticipated to outweigh risks to the patients
    • Clinicians should establish treatment goals with all patients prior to starting opioid therapy for chronic pain. Goals should include realistic goals for pain and function, and how to discontinue therapy if benefits do not outweigh the risks. Clinicians should only continue therapy with opioids if there is clinically meaningful improvement in pain and function that outweigh the risks to patient safety
    • Clinicians should discuss the risks and realistic benefits of opioid therapy prior to starting therapy and periodically during therapy
  • Opioid selection, dosage, duration, follow-up, and discontinuation:
    • Clinicians should prescribe immediate release opioids instead of extended release/long-acting opioids when starting opioid therapy for acute, subacute, or chronic pain
    • The lowest effective dose should be prescribed when opioids are started. Clinicians should use caution when prescribing opioids, should reassess evidence of benefits and risks when increasing doses to greater than or equal to 50 MME/day, as many patients do not experience benefit in pain or function when doses are increased beyond 50 MME/day. Exposure to doses over 50 MME/day put patients at increased risk of harm, including opioid misuse  
    • Opioids for acute pain should be prescribed at the lowest effective dose of immediate release opioids and should be prescribed at a quantity no greater than necessary for the expected duration of pain. Benefits and risks should be evaluated at least every 2 weeks if after initiating opioid therapy, and if opioid use is required beyond 1 month, clinicians should ensure reversible causes of pain are addressed and that opioid prescribing for acute pain does not become long-term opioid therapy simply due to lack of appropriate reassessment
    • Benefits and risks should be evaluated within 1 to 4 weeks after starting opioid therapy for subacute or chronic pain or of dose escalations. Benefits and risks of continued therapy should be evaluated every 3 months or more frequently
    • Clinicians should re-evaluate patients at higher risk for opioid use disorder (e.g., patients with mental health conditions or depression, patients with a history of substance abuse, history of overdose, taking more than 50 MME/day, or taking other central nervous system depressants with opioids) more frequently than every 3 months
  • Assessing risk and addressing harms of opioid use:
    • Clinicians should incorporate into the management plan strategies to mitigate risk, including offering naloxone when there is increased risk of opioid overdose, such as history of overdose, history of substance abuse disorder, higher opioid dosages (greater than or equal to 50 MME/day), or concurrent benzodiazepine use
    • When initiating opioid therapy for acute, subacute, or chronic pain, and periodically during opioid therapy for subacute or chronic pain, clinicians should review a patient’s history of controlled substance prescriptions using the states prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to determine if the patient is receiving opioid dosages or combinations that put the patient at high risk for overdose
    • Clinicians should consider the benefits and risks of toxicology testing when prescribing opioids for subacute or chronic pain
    • Clinicians should use particular caution when prescribing opioid pain medication and benzodiazepines concurrently and consider whether benefits outweigh risks of concurrent prescribing of opioids and other central nervous system depressants

 

The CDC guideline for opioid prescribing note that patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, and patients receiving palliative or end of life care are exempt from these recommendations. The guideline also states that although identification of an opioid use disorder can alter the expected benefits and risks of opioid therapy for pain, patients with co-occurring pain and substance use disorder require ongoing pain management that maximizes benefits relative to risks. Clinicians should continue to use non-pharmacologic and non-opioid pharmacologic pain treatments as appropriate and consider consulting a pain specialist as needed to provide optimal pain management.(1)

REFERENCES

Number

Reference

1

Dowell D, Ragan KR, Jones CM, Baldwin GT, Chou R. CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain — United States, 2022. MMWR Recomm Rep 2022;71(No. RR-3):1–95. Accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/rr/rr7103a1.htm

2

Manchikanti L, Kaye AM, Knezevic NN, et al. Comprehensive, Evidence-Based, Consensus Guidelines for Prescription of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain from the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) guidelines. Pain Physician Journal. 2023;26:S7-S126.

3

FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA restricts use of prescription codeine pain and cough medicines and tramadol pain medicines in children; recommends against use in breastfeeding women. January 2018. Assessed August 2024.

4

Reference no longer used.

5

Acetaminophen/codeine solution prescribing information. Akorn. November 2022.

6

Apadaz prescribing information. KVK Tech Inc. March 2021.

7

butorphanol tartrate nasal solution prescribing information. Apotex Corp. November 2023.

8

Codeine prescribing information. Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. December 2023.

9

Dilaudid prescribing information. Rhodes Pharmaceuticals. January 2024

10

Reference no longer used.

11

Fioricet with Codeine prescribing information. Actavis Pharma, Inc. March 2021.

12

Butalbital, Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine prescribing information. Breckenridge Pharmaceutical. March 2024. 

13

Reference no longer used.

14

Reference no longer used.

15

Hydrocodone/Ibuprofen prescribing information. Amneal Pharmaceuticals, LLC. January 2024.

16

levorphanol prescribing information. Lannett Company, Inc. June 2024.

17

Lortab prescribing information. Akorn, Inc. September 2022.

18

Meperidine prescribing information. Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. May 2024.

19

Methadone prescribing information. Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. January 2024.

20

Methadose prescribing information. VistaPharm. August 2024. 

21

Morphine Sulfate prescribing information. Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. December 2023. 

22

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen tablet prescribing information. Amneal Pharmaceuticals, LLC. January 2024.

23

Nucynta prescribing information. Collegium Pharm, Inc. December 2023.

24

Oxaydo prescribing information. Zyla Life Sciences US Inc. April 2024. 

25

oxycodone prescribing information. ANI Pharmaceuticals Inc. May 2024.

26

Nalocet prescribing information. Forte Bio-Pharma LLC. January 2024.

27

Reference no longer used.

28

Reference no longer used.

29

Reference no longer used. 

30

oxymorphone prescribing information. Hikma Pharmaceuticals. December 2023.

31

pentazocine/naloxone prescribing information. Actavis Pharma, Inc. November 2023.

32

Percocet prescribing information. Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. June 2024.

33

Prolate prescribing information. Forte Bio-Pharma LLC. January 2024.

34

Qdolo prescribing information. Athena Bioscience, LLC. December 2023.

35

Roxicodone prescribing information. Specgx LLC. April 2024.

36

Seglentis prescribing information. Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. August 2024.

37

Trezix prescribing information. Proficient Rx LP. May 2022.

38

Tylenol with Codeine prescribing information. A-S Medication Solutions. April 2019.

39

tramadol/acetaminophen prescribing information. Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC. January 2024.

40

tramadol oral solution prescribing information Janssen Pharms. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.  December 2023

41

Roxybond prescribing information. Protega Pharms. Arpil 2024. 

OBJECTIVE

The intent of the Opioids IR quantity limit is to encourage FDA approved dosing regimen. Requests for larger quantities will be approved upon review. The program will also check for appropriate age for requests for products containing tramadol, dihydrocodeine, and codeine. Requests for these agents will be limited to patients 12 years of age and older, and patients 12 years to 18 years will be restricted from use for post-operative pain management following a tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.

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

Acetaminophen w/ Codeine Tab 300-15 MG

300-15 MG

360

Tablets

30

DAYS

Acetaminophen w/ Codeine Tab 300-30 MG

300-30 MG

360

Tablets

30

DAYS

Acetaminophen w/ Codeine Tab 300-60 MG

300-60 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Acetaminophen-Caffeine-Dihydrocodeine Tab 325-30-16 MG

300

Tablets

30

DAYS

Butalbital-Acetaminophen-Caff w/ COD Cap 50-325-40-30 MG

50-325-40-30 MG

180

Capsules

30

DAYS

Butalbital-Aspirin-Caff w/ Codeine Cap 50-325-40-30 MG

50-325-40-30 MG

180

Capsules

30

DAYS

Butorphanol Tartrate Nasal Soln 10 MG/ML

10 MG/ML

3

Bottles

30

DAYS

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Soln 7.5-325 MG/15ML

2.5-108 MG/5ML ; 5-217 MG/10ML ; 7.5-325 MG/15ML

2700

mLs

30

DAYS

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Tab 10-300 MG

10-300 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Tab 10-325 MG

10-325 MG

180

30

DAYS

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Tab 5-325 MG

5-325 MG

240

Tablets

30

DAYS

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Tab 7.5-300 MG

7.5-300 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Tab 7.5-325 MG

7.5-325 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Hydrocodone-Ibuprofen Tab 7.5-200 MG

7.5-200 MG

150

Tablets

30

DAYS

Levorphanol Tartrate Tab 2 MG

2 MG

120

Tablets

30

DAYS

Levorphanol Tartrate Tab 3 MG

3 MG

120

Tablets

30

DAYS

Meperidine HCl Tab 50 MG

50 MG

360

Tablet

30

DAYS

Methadone HCl Tab 10 MG

10 MG

90

Tablets

30

DAYS

Methadone HCl Tab 5 MG

5 MG

90

Tablets

30

DAYS

Methadone HCl Tab For Oral Susp 40 MG

40 MG

90

Tablets

30

DAYS

Oxycodone HCl Cap 5 MG

5 MG

360

Capsules

30

DAYS

Oxycodone HCl Conc 100 MG/5ML (20 MG/ML)

10 MG/0.5ML ; 100 MG/5ML

270

mLs

30

DAYS

Oxycodone HCl Soln 5 MG/5ML

5 MG/5ML

5400

mLs

30

DAYS

Oxycodone HCl Tab 10 MG

10 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Oxycodone HCl Tab 20 MG

20 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Oxymorphone HCl Tab 10 MG

10 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Oxymorphone HCl Tab 5 MG

5 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Pentazocine w/ Naloxone Tab 50-0.5 MG

50-0.5 MG

360

30

DAYS

Tramadol HCl Tab 100 MG

100 MG

120

Tablets

30

DAYS

Tramadol HCl Tab 50 MG

50 MG

240

Tablets

30

DAYS

Tramadol-Acetaminophen Tab 37.5-325 MG

37.5-325 MG

240

Tablets

30

DAYS

Acetaminophen/caffeine/di ; Trezix

Acetaminophen-Caffeine-Dihydrocodeine Cap 320.5-30-16 MG

320.5-30-16 MG

300

Capsules

30

DAYS

Acetaminophen/codeine

Acetaminophen w/ Codeine Soln 120-12 MG/5ML

120-12 MG/5ML ; 300-30 MG/12.5ML

2700

mLs

30

DAYS

Apadaz ; Benzhydrocodone/acetamino

Benzhydrocodone HCl-Acetaminophen Tab 4.08-325 MG

4.08-325 MG

360

Tablets

30

DAYS

Apadaz ; Benzhydrocodone/acetamino

Benzhydrocodone HCl-Acetaminophen Tab 6.12-325 MG

6.12-325 MG

360

Tablets

30

DAYS

Apadaz ; Benzhydrocodone/acetamino

Benzhydrocodone HCl-Acetaminophen Tab 8.16-325 MG

8.16-325 MG

360

Tablets

30

DAYS

Codeine sulfate

Codeine Sulfate Tab 15 MG

15 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Codeine sulfate

Codeine Sulfate Tab 30 MG

30 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Codeine sulfate

Codeine Sulfate Tab 60 MG

60 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Dilaudid

Hydromorphone HCl Liqd 1 MG/ML

1 MG/ML

1440

mLs

30

DAYS

Dilaudid

Hydromorphone HCl Tab 2 MG

2 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Dilaudid

Hydromorphone HCl Tab 4 MG

4 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Dilaudid

Hydromorphone HCl Tab 8 MG

8 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Fioricet/codeine

Butalbital-Acetaminophen-Caff w/ COD Cap 50-300-40-30 MG

50-300-40-30 MG

180

Capsules

30

DAYS

Hydrocodone bitartrate/ac

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Tab 2.5-325 MG

2.5-325 MG

240

Tablets

30

DAYS

Hydrocodone/ibuprofen

Hydrocodone-Ibuprofen Tab 10-200 MG

10-200 MG

150

Tablets

30

DAYS

Hydrocodone/ibuprofen

Hydrocodone-Ibuprofen Tab 5-200 MG

5-200 MG

150

Tablets

30

DAYS

Lortab

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Soln 10-300 MG/15ML

10-300 MG/15ML

2025

mLs

30

DAYS

Meperidine hcl

Meperidine HCl Oral Soln 50 MG/5ML

50 MG/5ML

1800

mLs

30

DAYS

Methadone hcl

Methadone HCl Soln 10 MG/5ML

10 MG/5ML

450

mLs

30

DAYS

Methadone hcl

Methadone HCl Soln 5 MG/5ML

5 MG/5ML

900

mLs

30

DAYS

Methadose ; Methadose sugar-free

Methadone HCl Conc 10 MG/ML

10 MG/ML ; 5 MG/0.5ML

90

mLs

30

DAYS

Morphine sulfate

Morphine Sulfate Oral Soln 10 MG/5ML

10 MG/5ML

2700

mLs

30

DAYS

Morphine sulfate

Morphine Sulfate Oral Soln 100 MG/5ML (20 MG/ML)

100 MG/5ML ; 20 MG/ML

270

mLs

30

DAYS

Morphine sulfate

Morphine Sulfate Oral Soln 20 MG/5ML

20 MG/5ML

1350

mLs

30

DAYS

Morphine sulfate

Morphine Sulfate Tab 15 MG

15 MG

360

Tablets

30

DAYS

Morphine sulfate

Morphine Sulfate Tab 30 MG

30 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Nalocet ; Oxycodone/acetaminophen

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Tab 2.5-300 MG

2.5-300 MG

360

Tablets

30

DAYS

Nucynta

Tapentadol HCl Tab 100 MG

100 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Nucynta

Tapentadol HCl Tab 50 MG

50 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Nucynta

Tapentadol HCl Tab 75 MG

75 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Oxaydo

Oxycodone HCl Tab

7.5 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Oxaydo

Oxycodone HCl Tab 5 MG

5 MG

360

Tablets

30

DAYS

Oxycodone and acetaminoph ; Prolate

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Tab 7.5-300 MG

7.5-300 MG

240

Tablets

30

DAYS

Oxycodone hydrochloride ; Roxybond

Oxycodone HCl Tab Abuse Deter

5 MG

360

Tablets

30

DAYS

Oxycodone hydrochloride ; Roxybond

oxycodone hcl tab abuse deter

10 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Oxycodone hydrochloride ; Roxybond

Oxycodone HCl Tab Abuse Deter

15 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Oxycodone hydrochloride ; Roxybond

Oxycodone HCl Tab Abuse Deter

30 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Oxycodone hydrochloride/a

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Soln 5-325 MG/5ML

5-325 MG/5ML

1800

mLs

30

DAYS

Oxycodone hydrochloride/a ; Prolate

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Soln

10-300 MG/5ML

900

mLs

30

DAYS

Oxycodone/acetaminophen ; Prolate

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Tab 10-300 MG

10-300 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Oxycodone/acetaminophen ; Prolate

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Tab 5-300 MG

5-300 MG

360

Tablets

30

DAYS

Percocet

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Tab 10-325 MG

10-325 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Percocet

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Tab 2.5-325 MG

2.5-325 MG

360

Tablets

30

DAYS

Percocet

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Tab 5-325 MG

5-325 MG

360

Tablets

30

DAYS

Percocet

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Tab 7.5-325 MG

7.5-325 MG

240

Tablets

30

DAYS

Qdolo ; Tramadol hydrochloride

Tramadol HCl Oral Soln

5 MG/ML

2400

mLs

30

DAYS

Roxicodone

Oxycodone HCl Tab 15 MG

15 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Roxicodone

Oxycodone HCl Tab 30 MG

30 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Seglentis

Celecoxib-Tramadol HCl Tab

56-44 MG

120

Tablets

30

DAYS

Tramadol hydrochloride

tramadol hcl tab

25 MG

240

Tablets

30

DAYS

Tramadol hydrochloride

tramadol hcl tab

75 MG

150

Tablets

30

DAYS

Xodol

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Tab 5-300 MG

5-300 MG

240

Tablets

30

DAYS

CLIENT SUMMARY – QUANTITY LIMITS

Target Brand Agent Name(s)

Target Generic Agent Name(s)

Strength

Client Formulary

Acetaminophen w/ Codeine Tab 300-15 MG

300-15 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Acetaminophen w/ Codeine Tab 300-30 MG

300-30 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Acetaminophen w/ Codeine Tab 300-60 MG

300-60 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Acetaminophen-Caffeine-Dihydrocodeine Tab 325-30-16 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Butalbital-Acetaminophen-Caff w/ COD Cap 50-325-40-30 MG

50-325-40-30 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Butalbital-Aspirin-Caff w/ Codeine Cap 50-325-40-30 MG

50-325-40-30 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Butorphanol Tartrate Nasal Soln 10 MG/ML

10 MG/ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Soln 7.5-325 MG/15ML

2.5-108 MG/5ML ; 5-217 MG/10ML ; 7.5-325 MG/15ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Tab 10-300 MG

10-300 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Tab 10-325 MG

10-325 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Tab 5-325 MG

5-325 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Tab 7.5-300 MG

7.5-300 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Tab 7.5-325 MG

7.5-325 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Hydrocodone-Ibuprofen Tab 7.5-200 MG

7.5-200 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Levorphanol Tartrate Tab 2 MG

2 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Levorphanol Tartrate Tab 3 MG

3 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Meperidine HCl Tab 50 MG

50 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Methadone HCl Tab 10 MG

10 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Methadone HCl Tab 5 MG

5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Methadone HCl Tab For Oral Susp 40 MG

40 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxycodone HCl Cap 5 MG

5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxycodone HCl Conc 100 MG/5ML (20 MG/ML)

10 MG/0.5ML ; 100 MG/5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxycodone HCl Soln 5 MG/5ML

5 MG/5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxycodone HCl Tab 10 MG

10 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxycodone HCl Tab 20 MG

20 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxymorphone HCl Tab 10 MG

10 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxymorphone HCl Tab 5 MG

5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Pentazocine w/ Naloxone Tab 50-0.5 MG

50-0.5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Tramadol HCl Tab 100 MG

100 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Tramadol HCl Tab 50 MG

50 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Tramadol-Acetaminophen Tab 37.5-325 MG

37.5-325 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Acetaminophen/caffeine/di ; Trezix

Acetaminophen-Caffeine-Dihydrocodeine Cap 320.5-30-16 MG

320.5-30-16 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Acetaminophen/codeine

Acetaminophen w/ Codeine Soln 120-12 MG/5ML

120-12 MG/5ML ; 300-30 MG/12.5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Apadaz ; Benzhydrocodone/acetamino

Benzhydrocodone HCl-Acetaminophen Tab 4.08-325 MG

4.08-325 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Apadaz ; Benzhydrocodone/acetamino

Benzhydrocodone HCl-Acetaminophen Tab 6.12-325 MG

6.12-325 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Apadaz ; Benzhydrocodone/acetamino

Benzhydrocodone HCl-Acetaminophen Tab 8.16-325 MG

8.16-325 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Codeine sulfate

Codeine Sulfate Tab 15 MG

15 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Codeine sulfate

Codeine Sulfate Tab 30 MG

30 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Codeine sulfate

Codeine Sulfate Tab 60 MG

60 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Dilaudid

Hydromorphone HCl Liqd 1 MG/ML

1 MG/ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Dilaudid

Hydromorphone HCl Tab 2 MG

2 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Dilaudid

Hydromorphone HCl Tab 4 MG

4 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Dilaudid

Hydromorphone HCl Tab 8 MG

8 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Fioricet/codeine

Butalbital-Acetaminophen-Caff w/ COD Cap 50-300-40-30 MG

50-300-40-30 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Hydrocodone bitartrate/ac

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Tab 2.5-325 MG

2.5-325 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Hydrocodone/ibuprofen

Hydrocodone-Ibuprofen Tab 10-200 MG

10-200 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Hydrocodone/ibuprofen

Hydrocodone-Ibuprofen Tab 5-200 MG

5-200 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Lortab

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Soln 10-300 MG/15ML

10-300 MG/15ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Meperidine hcl

Meperidine HCl Oral Soln 50 MG/5ML

50 MG/5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Methadone hcl

Methadone HCl Soln 10 MG/5ML

10 MG/5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Methadone hcl

Methadone HCl Soln 5 MG/5ML

5 MG/5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Methadose ; Methadose sugar-free

Methadone HCl Conc 10 MG/ML

10 MG/ML ; 5 MG/0.5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Morphine sulfate

Morphine Sulfate Oral Soln 10 MG/5ML

10 MG/5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Morphine sulfate

Morphine Sulfate Oral Soln 100 MG/5ML (20 MG/ML)

100 MG/5ML ; 20 MG/ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Morphine sulfate

Morphine Sulfate Oral Soln 20 MG/5ML

20 MG/5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Morphine sulfate

Morphine Sulfate Tab 15 MG

15 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Morphine sulfate

Morphine Sulfate Tab 30 MG

30 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Nalocet ; Oxycodone/acetaminophen

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Tab 2.5-300 MG

2.5-300 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Nucynta

Tapentadol HCl Tab 100 MG

100 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Nucynta

Tapentadol HCl Tab 50 MG

50 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Nucynta

Tapentadol HCl Tab 75 MG

75 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxaydo

Oxycodone HCl Tab

7.5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxaydo

Oxycodone HCl Tab 5 MG

5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxycodone and acetaminoph ; Prolate

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Tab 7.5-300 MG

7.5-300 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxycodone hydrochloride ; Roxybond

Oxycodone HCl Tab Abuse Deter

15 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxycodone hydrochloride ; Roxybond

Oxycodone HCl Tab Abuse Deter

30 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxycodone hydrochloride ; Roxybond

Oxycodone HCl Tab Abuse Deter

5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxycodone hydrochloride ; Roxybond

oxycodone hcl tab abuse deter

10 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxycodone hydrochloride/a

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Soln 5-325 MG/5ML

5-325 MG/5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxycodone hydrochloride/a ; Prolate

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Soln

10-300 MG/5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxycodone/acetaminophen ; Prolate

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Tab 10-300 MG

10-300 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Oxycodone/acetaminophen ; Prolate

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Tab 5-300 MG

5-300 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Percocet

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Tab 10-325 MG

10-325 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Percocet

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Tab 2.5-325 MG

2.5-325 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Percocet

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Tab 5-325 MG

5-325 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Percocet

Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen Tab 7.5-325 MG

7.5-325 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Qdolo ; Tramadol hydrochloride

Tramadol HCl Oral Soln

5 MG/ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Roxicodone

Oxycodone HCl Tab 15 MG

15 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Roxicodone

Oxycodone HCl Tab 30 MG

30 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Seglentis

Celecoxib-Tramadol HCl Tab

56-44 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Tramadol hydrochloride

tramadol hcl tab

75 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Tramadol hydrochloride

tramadol hcl tab

25 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Xodol

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Tab 5-300 MG

5-300 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

QUANTITY LIMIT CLINICAL CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL

Module

Clinical Criteria for Approval

Program Maximum Daily Doses

Agent(s)

Program Maximum Daily Dose

butorphanol

0.25 mL

Codeine

360 mg

Dilaudid (hydromorphone)

48 mg

Levorphanol

12 mg

Meperidine

600 mg

Methadose (methadone)
Tablet, solution, concentrate

30 mg

Methadose (methadone)
Soluble tablet

120 mg

Morphine

180 mg

Oxaydo, Roxybond, Roxicodone (oxycodone)

180 mg

Opana (oxymorphone)

60 mg

Nucynta (tapentadol)

600 mg

Qdolo, Ultram, Tramadol

400 mg

Quantities of Single Ingredient Opioid IR Agent(s) above the program quantity limit but less than or equal to the Program Maximum Daily Dose (maximum mg allowed with highest dosage strength) or for patients under the age of 18 years (products containing tramadol, dihydrocodeine, and codeine any quantities) will be approved when ALL of the following are met:

  1. The requested quantity (dose) cannot be achieved with a lower quantity of a higher strength that does NOT exceed the program quantity limit AND
  2. There is support for therapy with a higher dose for the requested indication AND
  3. If the requested agent is tramadol, dihydrocodeine, OR codeine, then ONE of the following:
    1. The patient is 12 to less than 18 years of age AND the requested opioid will NOT be used for post-operative pain management following a tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy OR
    2. The patient is 18 years of age or over AND
  4. If the patient’s total morphine equivalent dose (MED) exceeds 210 mg per day, then BOTH of the following:
    1. The prescriber acknowledges that the patient is using opioids (total daily dose of all opioids) that are at or over 210 mg MED and the associated risks AND
    2. ONE of the following:
      1. The prescriber has provided a treatment plan to reduce the MED to less than 210 mg OR
      2. The prescriber has provided rationale as to why the patient cannot tolerate a reduction in MED

Length of Approval: 1 month for dose titration requests and up to 6 months for all other requests

 

Quantities of Single Ingredient Opioids IR Agent(s) which exceed the Program Maximum Daily Dose (maximum mg allowed with highest dosage strength) or for patients under the age of 18 years (products containing tramadol, dihydrocodeine, and codeine any quantities) will be approved when ALL of the following are met:

  1. The requested quantity (dose) cannot be achieved with a lower quantity of a higher strength that does NOT exceed the program quantity limit AND
  2. ONE of the following:
    1. The patient has a diagnosis of active cancer pain due to an active malignancy OR
    2. The patient is eligible for hospice OR palliative care OR
    3. The patient has sickle cell disease OR
    4. The patient is undergoing treatment of chronic non-cancer pain and ALL of the following are met:
      1. A formal, consultative evaluation which includes BOTH of the following has been conducted:
        1. Diagnosis AND
        2. A complete medical history which includes previous and current pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy AND
      2. A patient-specific pain management plan is on file for the patient AND
      3. The prescriber has reviewed the patient’s records in the state’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) AND has determined that opioid dosages and combinations of opioids and other controlled substances within the patient’s records do NOT indicate the patient is at high risk for overdose AND
  3. There is support for therapy with a higher dose for the requested indication AND
  4. If the requested agent is tramadol, dihydrocodeine, OR codeine, then ONE of the following:
    1. The patient is 12 to less than 18 years of age AND the requested opioid will NOT be used for post-operative pain management following a tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy OR
    2. The patient is 18 years of age or over AND
  5. If the patient’s total morphine equivalent dose (MED) exceeds 210 mg per day, then BOTH of the following:
    1. The prescriber acknowledges that the patient is using opioids (total daily dose of all opioids) that are at or over 210 mg MED and the associated risks AND
    2. ONE of the following:
      1. The prescriber has provided a treatment plan to reduce the MED to less than 210 mg OR
      2. The prescriber has provided rationale as to why the patient cannot tolerate a reduction in MED

Length of Approval: 1 month for dose titration requests and up to 6 months for all other requests

 

Quantities of Combination Ingredient Opioids IR Agent(s) which exceed the Daily Quantity Limit or for patients under the age of 18 years (products containing tramadol, dihydrocodeine, and codeine any quantities) will be approved when ALL of the following are met:

  1. The requested quantity (dose) cannot be achieved with a lower quantity of a higher strength that does NOT exceed the program quantity limit AND
  2. There is support for therapy with a higher dose  for the requested indication AND
  3. If the requested agent contains tramadol, dihydrocodeine, OR codeine, then ONE of the following:
    1. The patient is 12 to less than 18 years of age AND the requested opioid will NOT be used for post-operative pain management following a tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy OR
    2. The patient is 18 years of age or over AND
  4. If the requested agent contains acetaminophen, then the requested dose of acetaminophen does NOT exceed 4 grams per day AND
  5. If the patient’s total morphine equivalent dose (MED) exceeds 210 mg per day, then BOTH of the following:
    1. The prescriber acknowledges that the patient is using opioids (total daily dose of all opioids) that are at or over 210 mg MED and the associated risks AND
    2. ONE of the following:
      1. The prescriber has provided a treatment plan to reduce the MED to less than 210 mg OR
      2. The prescriber has provided rationale as to why the patient cannot tolerate a reduction in MED

Length of Approval: 1 month for dose titration requests and up to 6 months for all other requests

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 _ CS _ Opioids_IR_QL _ProgSum_ 04-01-2025  _© Copyright Prime Therapeutics LLC. January 2025 All Rights Reserved