Limited Coverage Drugs - Zanamivir
Generic Name |
zanamivir |
Strength | 5 mg Rotadisk |
Form |
oral inhalation |
Special Authority Criteria |
Approval Period |
For the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza A and B during an outbreak situation among permanent residents of licensed residential care facilities (i.e., PharmaCare Plan B). |
A 5-day treatment course or up to a 28-day preventive course during the influenza season. |
For the treatment of patients at high risk* of complications from influenza infection, who have either:
OR
AND Initiation of treatment should be within 48 hours of symptom onset to optimize the benefits of zanamivir. Notes: *Patients at high risk of complications from influenza are defined as follows:
|
A 5-day treatment course during the influenza season. |
Practitioner Exemptions
- None
Special Notes
- Prescribers do not need to submit a Special Authority Request for this coverage. Patients who do not meet the Limited Coverage criteria are not eligible for PharmaCare coverage of the prescription. Patients requesting a “pre-fill” prescription for oseltamivir or zanamivir are responsible for the cost. When writing a prescription for patients who do not meet the criteria, physicians should write “Submit as zero cost to PharmaCare” on prescriptions. When submitting a claim for a prescription with this note, pharmacists should use the intervention code DE Adjudicate to $0.00 as requested. This ensures appropriate PharmaCare coverage.
- PharmaCare coverage is intended for antiviral treatment that is initiated within 48 hours of influenza symptom onset in the community setting. Evidence suggests that early treatment leads to optimal outcomes (Treanor JJ et al., JAMA 2000; 283: 1016-1024 and Nicholson KG et al. Lancet 2000; 355: 1845-1850).
- Due to the risk of inappropriate utilization leading to antiviral resistance, clinicians are advised to be selective and judicious in their assessment of patients. Clinicians are advised to check the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control influenza bulletin (updated regularly) at www.bccdc.ca/dis-cond/DiseaseStatsReports/influSurveillanceReports.htm for the most recent information on circulating influenza strains and resistance patterns.
- PharmaCare coverage is not intended for patients who do not have symptoms of Influenza A or B, nor for post-exposure prophylaxis.
- Influenza immunization is one of the most effective methods for preventing influenza infection and its complications, and should be promoted to the entire population whenever possible. Patients at high risk for complications from influenza should be immunized annually.
- Zanamivir is indicated for patients 7 years of age or older who are able to use the inhalation device.
Special Authority Request Form(s)
- None