Date: April 7, 2025
Attention: Providers
Effective date: April 4, 2025
Call to action: Effective April 4, 2024, the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) removed non-preferred status from generic pimecrolimus cream and loteprednol eye drop suspension. This is in response to a drug shortage of the preferred brand name product Elidel 1% cream (pimecrolimus) and drug discontinuation of the preferred name product Lotemax 0.5% Eye Drop suspension (loteprednol etabonate 0.5%).
How this impacts providers: The change will allow providers to prescribe the generic without requiring PDL prior authorization at this time and continue accessing necessary medication for their patients.
Next step for Providers: Prescribers are encouraged to proactively obtain a prescription for the preferred alternatives to avoid disruption in patient’s therapy. Prescribers should share this communication with their staff.
If you have any questions, please email TCHP Pharmacy at: tchppharmacy@texaschildrens.org.
For access to all provider alerts,log into:
www.texaschildrenshealthplan.org/provideralerts