Update on OxyContin & OxyNEO

Effective March 1, 2012 Purdue Pharma is withdrawing its current formulation of oxycodone  controlled release tablet, OxyContin, and introducing OxyNEO.  OxyNEO is a long-acting
formulation of oxycodone, intended for twice-daily dosing, similar to OxyContin.  OxyNeo has a harder coating, making it more difficult to crush.  Additionally, it turns into a gel-like substance when added to water.  These properties are intended to reduce tampering with the medication.


What is the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) funding status of OxyContin and OxyNEO?


Effective February 29, 2012, the ministry will remove OxyContin from the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary/Comparative Drug Index (“ODB Formulary”). OxyNEO will be funded through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP) and through the Facilitated Access to Palliative Care Drugs mechanism. There will also be a one-year transition period for patients currently receiving OxyContin. Details are provided below.
 
Existing ODB recipients of OxyContin:
ODB recipients who have had a claim submitted to the ODB program for OxyContin between September 1, 2011 and February 28, 2012, will receive automatic coverage for OxyContin for one (1) month. All coverage for OxyContin will cease on April 2, 2012. In addition, these patients will receive automatic coverage for OxyNEO (10mg, 15mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg and 80mg) for a period of one year (February 29, 2012 to February 28, 2013). If coverage for OxyNEO is required beyond February 28, 2013, an EAP approval will be required.

Prescribers are asked to note that the current turnaround time for EAP requests is approximately three months. For patients for whom OxyNEO continues to be an appropriate therapy, it is recommended that prescribers submit EAP requests to the ministry at least three months in advance of February 28, 2013. The ministry will send out reminder notices throughout the year.





What is the Exceptional Access Program?


The Exceptional Access Program (EAP) facilitates patient access in exceptional circumstances to drugs not listed on the Formulary or where Formulary drugs were ineffective, not tolerated, or where no listed alternative was available. To apply through the EAP, a physician must submit a request documenting complete and relevant medical information to the ministry, and provide the clinical rationale for requesting the unlisted drug and reasons why covered benefits are not suitable. All requests are reviewed according to the guidelines recommended by the CED and approved by the Executive Officer, and include a thorough assessment of the patient’s specific case and clinical circumstances, as provide by the physician, as well as the available scientific evidence. For more information about the EAP, please visit the ministry website at:
www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/drugs/eap_mn.html

This posting contains pieces of information directly taken from the Ontario Public Drug Program announcement on 2/17/12.  Complete information can be obtained by clicking here.