New Business

Free Care Formulary Consideration: “Plan B”
Not Approved

Discussion

The Committee was presented with the request by the Chelsea Health Center to add “Plan B” to the Free Care Formulary to be dispensed in addition to oral contraceptives in the event of missed dosages.  The Committee recognizes the benefits to Plan B; however, in order to determine appropriate use, it should be dispensed at the time of event and at the discretion of the prescribing physician.

The Committee did not approve Plan B be added to the Free Care Formulary and recommends a prior authorization be obtained before dispensing.

 

Old Business

Oral Bisphosphonate of Choice: Risedronate (Actonel) vs. Alendronate (Fosamax) Revisited
Risedronate-Deferred Pending Further Information
Alendronate Approved

Discussion

The Committee was presented with follow-up to the questions regarding formulary considerations for oral bisphosphonates.  Feedback was received from selected members of the endocrine unit regarding whether the Hospital should carry bisphosphonates to be used during acute care admissions and, if so, which oral agent should be on Formulary.  These physicians recommended that both bisphosphonates should be available and that both are necessary.  They also recommended that the weekly dosage form should be the only product available.  If patients are in the hospital for a short period of time, it can be held.   If patients are in the hospital for longer periods of time, they can be offered the weekly dosage form.  Currently the only oral bisphosphonate on Formulary is the Fosamax qweek dosage formulation.

The Committee recommends continuing to carry the qweek Fosamax formulation for both the Free Care and inpatient Formularies.  The Committee has deferred the addition of Actonel pending further information from the endocrine group.