Effective March 15, 2015, Harvard Pilgrim will be instituting the following quantity limits on extended-release morphine products to ensure the safe and appropriate use of these products.
- Avinza, Kadian, and generic morphine sulfate ER capsules: Maximum 2 units per day.
- MS Contin and generic morphine sulfate ER tablets: Maximum 3 units per day.
These limits will not apply for members who are currently taking these medications in addition to cancer drug treatment. On January 15th, Harvard Pilgrim will notify any members who have filled prescriptions within the last 3 months for these medications in quantities that exceed the daily limit of this change.
These quantity limits apply to our Premium and Medicare Advantage formularies, as well as for the extended-release morphine products that are covered on our Value formulary. (Brand name extended-release morphine products that have generic equivalents are not covered in the Value formulary.)
For further information, please refer to Harvard Pilgrim’s Pharmacy website, which includes the Premium and Value formularies as well as a list of medications with quantity limitations or quantity-based copayments.
