For pregnant women who have a history of preterm birth, AmeriHealth covers two
injectable drugs to reduce the risk of preterm birth:
- the preservative-free compound 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate
(17P)
- Makena®, which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration
Both drugs use the same active pharmaceutical ingredients and are available
through the AmeriHealth Direct Ship Injectables Program, but Makena contains
preservatives as a result of the manufacturing process. Providers are
encouraged to select the drug that is appropriate for each individual patient,
given her unique circumstances.
For more information about 17P and Makena, visit the AmeriHealth
Medical Policy portal to review
Medical Policy #08.01.00c: Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Injection as a
Technique to Reduce the Risk of Preterm Birth in High-Risk Pregnancies.