Regence offers members generic Rx drug plan

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah has introduced a generic drug plan to be used for antidepressants. Beginning next month, Regence said it will need prior authorization before filling prescriptions for such brand-name drugs as Cymbalta (duloxetine/Lilly), Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate/Forest), Paxil CR (paroxetine HCl/GlaxoSmithKline), and Effexor XR (venlafaxine HCl/Wyeth). Patients already taking these medications do not need prior authorization from Regence. For those starting treatment with one of the brand-name antidepressants, Regence said it has asked doctors to prescribe a generic alternative such as citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, mirtazapine, or bupropion SR. "These generics are a good value for members and are available without prior authorization," said David Clark, VP of Medical Services and Pharmacy for Regence.

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