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Most cost-effective prescription drugs

November 12, 2020

At Independence, we are committed to providing our members with high-quality, comprehensive, cost-effective prescription drug coverage.

As part of our standard review, Independence has identified medications that have more cost-effective alternative options, and members prescribed these medications may benefit from a change to a lower-cost alternative:

  • Brand drugs with generic equivalents: Members can save money by switching from a high-cost brand medication to a lower-cost generic equivalent.
  • Non-preferred drugs with low-cost alternatives: Members can save money by switching from a non-preferred medication to a lower-cost therapeutically equivalent alternative.

The table below lists target prescription drugs, their alternatives, and an estimate of average savings for our members. A switch to an alternative medication may help to maximize member benefits and decrease health care spending. Please review these suggested alternatives and discuss with your patients where appropriate.

Target drug Alternatives Average health care savings (Per Rx) Average member savings (Per Rx)

Brand drugs with generic equivalents

Absorica®

Isotretinoin (generic Absorica®), Claravis™(Isotretinoin), Myorisan™ (Isotretinoin), Zenatane® (Isotretinoin)

$1,641

$166

Ativan®  

Lorazepam (generic Ativan)

$3,655

$171

Onfi®

Clobazam (generic Onfi®)

$2,642

$187

Prozac®

Fluoxetine (generic Prozac)

$1,019

$84

Wellbutrin® XL

Bupropion HCl Tab ER (generic Wellbutrin® XL)

$1,797

$200

Non-preferred drugs with low-cost alternatives

Aczone® Gel

(brand and generic)

dapsone 7.5%)

- Dapsone Gel 5 %   (generic Aczone®)

- Clindamycin Phosphate 1% (Foam, Gel, Lotion Solution, Swab)

- Tazarotene cream 0.1%

- Clindamycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Gel

- Erythromycin 2 % (Gel, Solution, Pads)

- Benzoyl Peroxide-Erythromycin Gel 5-3 %

- Adapalene (cream and solution)

- Adapalene- Benzoyl Peroxide gel 0.1-2.5 %

- Tretinoin 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1% (generic Avita® gel and cream)

$390

$88

Auvi-Q®

Epinephrine Solution Auto-injection (generic EpiPen®)

$3,148

$587

Brovana®

Serevent® Diskus®, Spiriva®, Incruse® Ellipta®, Fluticasone-Salmeterol (generic Advair®), Advair®, Wixela™ Inhub™, Symbicort®

$609

$96

Fenoprofen

Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Etodolac, Celecoxib, Meloxicam, Nabumetone, Diclofenac

$1,022

$65

Pennsaid®

(Diclofenac Sodium 2%)

Diclofenac Sodium Gel 1.5%, Diclofenac Sodium Gel 3%

$2,434

$283

Sprix®

(ketorolac tromethamine 15.75 Mg/Spray)

Diclofenac Sodium Gel 1.5%, Diclofenac Sodium Gel 3%, Ketorolac, Meloxicam, Indomethacin, Indomethacin ER, Celecoxib

$1,716

$166

Tirosint® (levothyroxine sodium capsule)

Levothyroxine (generic Synthroid®), Levoxyl® (levothyroxine), Euthyrox® (levothyroxine)

$53

$67

Savings are captured as an estimate based on a switch to an alternative medication per monthly prescription. Actual member savings may vary by benefit plan.

We recognize that you are best qualified to balance quality and cost-of-care considerations together with your patients in choosing the most appropriate medications. We provide this supplementary information to support your management of our members.

There will not be changes to current pharmacy benefits at this time and coverage will remain the same. This is solely for informational purposes.

Learn more

If you have any questions related to this information, please contact Provider Services at 1-800-ASK- BLUE (1-800-275-2583).


This content was prepared for the Provider News Center and may not be reproduced in any way without the express written permission of Independence Blue Cross. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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