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2003 Preferred Drug List
Consumer Reference Guide
UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHe UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHe UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare UnitedHe The Preferred Drug List identifies those Prescription DrugProducts which are preferred by us for dispensing to CoveredPersons when appropriate. This list is subject to our periodic (atleast quarterly) review and modification.
Preferred Drug List Consumer Reference Guide Pharmacy customerUnitedHealthcare recognizes that choice is important to you.
This booklet is a tool to assist you and your physician in selectingcost-effective medications for your care. We are committed toproviding you with access to the medications you need at anacceptable cost. This booklet outlines your prescription drugbenefit and contains an abbreviated version of theUnitedHealthcare Preferred Drug List (PDL) for 2003. Theabbreviated PDL includes commonly prescribed generic andbrand-name medications.
As you talk with your physician, you can use this information tohelp maximize your prescription drug program. Please keep inmind that not all drugs on the PDL may be covered under yourpharmacy benefit plan. Also note that not all preferred drugs arelisted in this booklet. Benefit coverage is defined in yourpharmacy rider or other benefit document. For a completelisting of preferred drugs, please visit our web site atwww.myuhc.com/pharmacy.
Your plan encourages the use of generic and preferred brand-name drugs, as described below.
Generic drugs Most generic drugs are included on the PDL. A generic drug isdefined as a prescription drug product that: (1) is chemicallyequivalent to a Brand-name drug; or (2) that we identify as ageneric product. The classification of a prescription drug productas a generic is determined by us and not by the manufacturer orpharmacy. We classify a prescription drug product as a genericbased on available data resources, such as First DataBank, thatclassify drugs as either brand or generic based on a number offactors. You should know that all products identified as a"generic" by the manufacturer, pharmacy or your physician maynot be classified as a generic by us. Also, the classification of adrug as brand or generic may change from time to time.
Preferred brand-name drugs There are many brand-name drugs on the UnitedHealthcarePDL. Our National Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committeereviews new and existing medications at least quarterly andrecommends changes to be sure the PDL meets your needs andthose of your physician. Throughout the year, drugs may beadded or removed from the PDL without notice, unlessotherwise restricted by law. You can access the most recentversion of the PDL at www.myuhc.com/pharmacy.
Non-preferred brand-name drugs These brand-name drugs generally cost you the most. If you are currently taking a non-preferred brand-name drug, askyour doctor if changing to a preferred brand-name or genericdrug might be appropriate.
Other important informationCheck the PDL for drugs noted with N or QL. The definitions forthese symbols are listed on each page of the listed drugs. Inaddition, for a small number of drugs, we request that you usehigher strength tablets that are scored and break the tablets inhalf. If for any reason you, your pharmacist, or your physicianwant you to have the lower strength tablet, please call or haveyour physician call the 1-800 number on your ID card to requestthe lower strength.
Your doctor can help you save money by prescribing generic andpreferred drugs. Here are some practical suggestions for getting themost out of your pharmacy benefit.
1 Bring this booklet with you to every doctor visit. Ask your doctor to refer to the PDL when prescribing 2 medications. It is a tool that helps guide you and your doctor in choosing medications that allow the mosteffective use of your prescription drug benefit.
Inquire about the availability of a generic drug. Generics 3 have the same therapeutic effects as their brand-name equivalents but are less expensive. As a result, nearly allgeneric drugs are available to you for the lowest payment.
Ask your doctor if there is an over-the-counter drug 4 available to treat your condition.
Always refer to your benefit plan materials to determine 5 your coverage for medications and your copayment. Some drugs listed may not be covered under your benefits.
If you would like to view a comprehensive version of the 6 PDL, please visit us on-line at www.myuhc.com/pharmacy.
If you have questions about your prescription drug benefit, 7 please call the customer service telephone number on your ID card. Representatives are available to serve you 24 hours a day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
You and your physician always make the decisions regarding yourtreatment.
This booklet lists the most commonly prescribed drugs for certainconditions in two ways. The first list is organized by treatment category(e.g., antibiotics); the second list is organized alphabetically by drugname. When a generic drug is available for a brand-name drug, thisbooklet lists the generic drug only.
2003 Consumer Preferred Drug List Reference GuideBy Therapeutic Class PaxilQL (20mg tab scored for 1/2 tab use) Wellbutrin SRQL, NZoloftQL (50 & 100mg tabs scored Depakote, ERDilantinNeurontinTegretol, XRTopamax Some drugs are noted with N, QL, or DS. The definitions for these symbols are listed below. Your benefit plan determineshow these drugs may be covered for you.
N = Notification. There are a few drugs that your physician must notify us of to make sure their use is covered withinyour benefit.
QL = Quantity Level. Some drugs have a limited amount that can be covered at one time or in one month.
DS = Diabetic Supplies. Diabetic supplies may be covered by your benefit plan.
+ Generic Available. Selecting generics may save you money.
2003 Consumer Preferred Drug List Reference GuideBy Therapeutic Class +metoprolol + nifedipine extended-release Cardizem CD 360mgCardizem LACatapres-TTSQL Some drugs are noted with N, QL, or DS. The definitions for these symbols are listed below. Your benefit plan determineshow these drugs may be covered for you.
N = Notification. There are a few drugs that your physician must notify us of to make sure their use is covered withinyour benefit.
QL = Quantity Level. Some drugs have a limited amount that can be covered at one time or in one month.
DS = Diabetic Supplies. Diabetic supplies may be covered by your benefit plan.
+ Generic Available. Selecting generics may save you money.
2003 Consumer Preferred Drug List Reference GuideBy Therapeutic Class PremarinPremphasePremproPrometriumVivelleQL, DotQL Some drugs are noted with N, QL, or DS. The definitions for these symbols are listed below. Your benefit plan determineshow these drugs may be covered for you.
N = Notification. There are a few drugs that your physician must notify us of to make sure their use is covered withinyour benefit.
QL = Quantity Level. Some drugs have a limited amount that can be covered at one time or in one month.
DS = Diabetic Supplies. Diabetic supplies may be covered by your benefit plan.
+ Generic Available. Selecting generics may save you money.
2003 Consumer Preferred Drug List Reference GuideBy Therapeutic Class Alupent InhalerQLAtroventAzmacortQLFloventQLForadilIntal InhalerQLProventil RepetabsPulmicort TurbuhalerQL, RespulesQLSereventQLSingularQLTiladeQLVancerilQL, DSQL Some drugs are noted with N, QL, or DS. The definitions for these symbols are listed below. Your benefit plan determineshow these drugs may be covered for you.
N = Notification. There are a few drugs that your physician must notify us of to make sure their use is covered withinyour benefit.
QL = Quantity Level. Some drugs have a limited amount that can be covered at one time or in one month.
DS = Diabetic Supplies. Diabetic supplies may be covered by your benefit plan.
+ Generic Available. Selecting generics may save you money.
2003 Consumer Preferred Drug List Reference GuideCommonly Prescribed Drugs Some drugs are noted with N, QL, or DS. The definitions for these symbols are listed below. Your benefit plan determineshow these drugs may be covered for you.
N = Notification. There are a few drugs that your physician must notify us of to make sure their use is covered withinyour benefit.
QL = Quantity Level. Some drugs have a limited amount that can be covered at one time or in one month.
DS = Diabetic Supplies. Diabetic supplies may be covered by your benefit plan.
+ Generic Available. Selecting generics may save you money.
2003 Consumer Preferred Drug List Reference GuideCommonly Prescribed Drugs + nitrofurantoin macrocrystal 50mg, 100 mg Some drugs are noted with N, QL, or DS. The definitions for these symbols are listed below. Your benefit plan determineshow these drugs may be covered for you.
N = Notification. There are a few drugs that your physician must notify us of to make sure their use is covered withinyour benefit.
QL = Quantity Level. Some drugs have a limited amount that can be covered at one time or in one month.
DS = Diabetic Supplies. Diabetic supplies may be covered by your benefit plan.
+ Generic Available. Selecting generics may save you money.
2003 Consumer Preferred Drug List Reference GuideCommonly Prescribed Drugs PaxilQL (20mg tab scored for 1/2 tab use) Remeron SolTabQLRhinocortQLSereventQLSerzoneQLSingularQLSurestepQLSurmontilSynthroidTegretol, XR Some drugs are noted with N, QL, or DS. The definitions for these symbols are listed below. Your benefit plan determineshow these drugs may be covered for you.
N = Notification. There are a few drugs that your physician must notify us of to make sure their use is covered withinyour benefit.
QL = Quantity Level. Some drugs have a limited amount that can be covered at one time or in one month.
DS = Diabetic Supplies. Diabetic supplies may be covered by your benefit plan.
+ Generic Available. Selecting generics may save you money.
Visit our web site at www.myuhc.com/pharmacyThis site is updated regularly to reflect any changes madeby the National Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee.
You can request a copy of the Preferred Drug List and haveit mailed directly to you by calling the Customer Servicenumber on your ID card.
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