Limited coverage criteria – hydromorphone
Last updated on April 15, 2025
Return to Special Authority drug list
Generic name |
hydromorphone |
|
Strength & form |
3 mg, 4.5 mg, 6 mg, 9 mg, 12 mg, 18 mg, 24 mg, 30 mg 12-hour controlled-release tablet |
|
Special Authority criteria |
Approval period |
|---|---|
|
Pain management in a specified chronic pain (including cancer pain) diagnosis PLUS For patients who are unable to tolerate or receive an adequate response to either the regular release dosage forms of hydromorphone alone OR the sustained release preparations of morphine |
1 year |
Practitioner exemptions
Practitioners in the following specialty are not required to submit a Special Authority request for coverage:
- Oncologist (medical)
- Oncologist (radiation)
- Hematologist
Special notes
- Details regarding patient's condition and previous medication history are required
- Renewal requests should provide an update on patient’s current dose and condition
- Hydromorphone controlled-release is a regular benefit for patients registered with the BC Palliative Care Benefits Program (Plan P)