As previously communicated, AultCare tiered the brand name Lipitor at Tier 1 Generic, from 11/28/11 – 5/31/12. Effective 6/1/12 brand name Lipitor will be considered a Non-Preferred medication and generic substitution is expected for prescriptions filled after this date. Brand name Lipitor will require a Prior Authorization.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 330-363-6360 or toll free at 1-800-344-8858 and request to speak to the Pharmacy Department.

Plavix is expected to become available generically in May of 2012 and will be considered Non-Preferred at that time. Generic substitution is expected for prescriptions filled after this date. Effective 6/1/12 the brand name Plavix will require a Prior Authorization.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 330-363-6360 or toll free at 1-800-344-8858 and request to speak to the Pharmacy Department.

Following is information regarding label changes to Simvastatin 80mg. If you are currently on Simvastatin 80mg, DO NOT STOP TAKING YOUR MEDICATION without speaking to your physician first.

On 6/9/11 the FDA notified healthcare professionals that it is recommending limiting the use of the highest approved dose of the cholesterol-lowering medication simvastatin (80 mg) because of increased risk of muscle damage also known as myopathy. Simvastatin 80 mg should be used only in patients who have been taking this dose for 12 months or more without evidence of muscle injury (myopathy). Simvastatin 80 mg should not be started in new patients, including patients already taking lower doses of the drug.

Additional Information for Patients

Patients currently taking 80-mg simvastatin-containing medicines should:

• Not stop taking their medicine unless told to by their healthcare professional.
• Review their medical history with their healthcare professional, the currently prescribed dose of simvastatin, and a list of their other current medications to determine if the medicines they are taking are appropriate.
• Immediately contact their healthcare professional if they experience muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, dark or red colored urine, or unexplained tiredness.
• Talk to their healthcare professional about any questions or concerns they have about simvastatin-containing medicines.
• Report side effects from the use of simvastatin-containing medicines to the FDA MedWatch program using the following contact information:
  • Phone: 1-800-332-1088
  • Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178
  • MedWatch Online: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/medwatch-online.htm
  • Regular Mail: Use postage-paid FDA Form 3500.
    Mail to: MedWatch 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857.