Change in Preferred Drug List Status for Antivirals, Topical Drug Class

Date: December 23, 2025

Attention: Providers

Effective date: December 29,2025

Call to action: Effective December 29, 2025, the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) removed non-preferred status from certain acyclovir products on the preferred drug list. This update was implemented in response to Bausch Health, the manufacturer of Zovirax® cream and ointment, exiting the Texas Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, and is intended to maintain access to acyclovir topical therapy without requiring preferred drug list prior authorization.

[G] Signals the medication is generic.

How this impacts providers: The change will allow providers to prescribe the above drugs in the table 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, https://www.texaschildrenshealthplan.org/provideralerts.