This program applies to Blue Partner, Commercial, GenPlus, SourceRx and Health Insurance Marketplace formularies.

TARGET AGENT(S)

Winlevi^® (clascoterone)

PRIOR AUTHORIZATION CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL

Target Agent(s) will be approved when BOTH of the following are met:

1. ONE of the following:
   1. The requested agent is eligible for continuation of therapy AND ONE of the following:
      1. Information has been provided that indicates the patient has been treated with the requested agent (starting on samples is not approvable) within the past 90 days

OR

1. 1. 2. The prescriber states the patient has been treated with the requested agent (starting on samples is not approvable) within the past 90 days AND is at risk if therapy is changed

OR

1. 2. ONE of the following:
      1. The patient’s medication history includes use of at least ONE generic topical antibiotic agent OR at least ONE generic topical retinoid agent within the past 90 days

OR

1. 1. 2. The patient has an intolerance or hypersensitivity to generic topical antibiotic OR generic topical retinoid therapy

OR

1. 1. 3. The patient has an FDA labeled contraindication to ALL generic topical antibiotic AND generic topical retinoid agents

AND

2. ONE of the following:
   1. The patient is 12 years of age or over

OR

1. 2. The prescriber has provided information in support of using the requested agent for the patient’s age

Length of Approval: 12 months

FDA APPROVED INDICATIONS AND DOSAGE¹

CLINICAL RATIONALE

Acne Vulgaris

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests several options for treatment of acne vulgaris in adolescents and young adults. Recommendations for topical acne therapies include benzoyl peroxide or combination with topical antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin or clindamycin) as monotherapy for mild acne, or in conjunction with topical retinoid, or systemic antibiotic therapy for moderate to severe acne. Topical antibiotics are not recommended as monotherapy due to risk of bacterial resistance, and due to increased efficacy when used in combination with benzoyl peroxide. Clindamycin 1% solution or gel is currently the preferred topical antibiotic for acne therapy. Erythromycin 2% is available in multiple formulations but has reduced efficacy compared to clindamycin due to resistance of cutaneous Staphylococci and P acnes.²

Topical adapalene, tretinoin, and benzoyl peroxide can be safely used in the management of preadolescent acne in children. Azelaic acid is useful as an adjunctive acne treatment and is recommended in the treatment of post-inflammatory dyspigmentation. Topical dapsone 5% gel is recommended for inflammatory acne, particularly in adult females with acne. There is limited data to support sulfur, nicotinamide, resorcinol, sodium sulfacetamide, aluminum chloride, and zinc in the treatment of acne.² If topical antibiotic treatment is to be prolonged for more than a few weeks, topical benzoyl peroxide should be added, or used in combination products.³ Topical androgen receptor inhibitors, such as Winlevi, are not addressed in guidelines at this time and do not have a place in therapy. 

REFERENCES

1. Winlevi prescribing information. Cassiopea, Inc. August 2020.
2. Zaenglein, Andrew L. MD, et al. American Academy of Dermatology. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74:945-73.
3. Eichenfield L, Krakowski A, Piggott C, et al. Evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric acne. Pediatrics. 2013;131;S163-S186.

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.

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