The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Zyrtec (cetirizine - tablet, chewable tablet, and syrup) and Zyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine - extended-release tablet) for nonprescription use. Both Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D are now available over-the-counter (OTC) at the original prescription strength. Cetirizine is a low-sedating antihistamine used to treat allergies.
Nonprescription Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D became available January 24, 2008. Since the OTC versions have now been made available by the manufacturer, the prescription versions of Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D will eventually become unavailable.
As with all OTC drugs, Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D are excluded from coverage under the pharmacy benefit. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) members should see their benefit booklet for details about coverage exclusions.
BCBSNM members no longer need a prescription to purchase these medications, and are responsible for their full cost. Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D have nonformulary status (they are not on the BCBSNM Drug List). Based on their particular prescription drug benefit plan, members may realize potential out-of-pocket savings by purchasing the new OTC versions of Zyrtec.
For more information about this change, view the press release, or visit www.zyrtecotc.com*.
*We do our best to ensure that the information on the Web site shown above is useful, but can't be responsible for the content of those sites or any information you may take from them (please read our legal disclaimer). When you click on a site link above, it will open in a new window so that you can explore that site without having to leave here. When you are through visiting the other site, you can close that window and return to the BCBSNM site.
