October 2021

Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee Meeting Update

At the September 13, 2021 meeting, the Harvard Pilgrim Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee reviewed the medication below and decided the following:

Name & Indication Decision
Verquvo (vericiguat): Indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization following a hospitalization for HF or need for outpatient IV diuretics in adults with symptomatic chronic HF and ejection fraction less than 45%. Premium and Value formularies:
Preferred brand

Core NH formulary:
Remain Non-Formulary

Medicare Advantage formulary:
Non-preferred brand with prior authorization
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg injection): Indicated as an adjunct to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. Premium and Value formularies:
Non-preferred brand with prior authorization and quantity limit

Core NH formulary:
Remain Non-Formulary

Medicare Advantage formulary:
Remain excluded
Publication Information

Annmarie Dadoly,
Editor

Joseph O’Riordan,
Writer

Kristin Edmonston,
Production Coordinator