Novartis Omeprazole Offering, Wellpoint, Prilosec OTC Pressure PPI Prices
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Novartis' entrance into the OTC loratadine market in March could set a precedent for the firm to make a similar move with the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole
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Wellpoint Prilosec program
Wellpoint expands availability of its discount program for the OTC proton pump inhibitor into Virginia in August with "other geographies to follow," the insurer says during second quarter earnings call. The initiative "allows members, with a doctor's consent, to access a 90-day supply of Prilosec OTC for $16, considerably less than their prescription drug co-payment." Wellpoint launched the coupon plan in California and Georgia in 2003 (1"The Tan Sheet" Aug. 25, 2003, p. 6). The provider has advocated Rx-to-OTC switches in certain categories to lower healthcare costs...
Blue Cross Michigan backs Prilosec OTC
Coupons offering $5 off the price of Prilosec OTC are now being mailed to 12,000 health plan members who could benefit from a discount on heartburn medication, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan announces March 18. The cost of the coupon - which expires May 31, 2004 - is covered by the manufacturer, according to BCBSM. Similar discount programs supporting OTC use of Prilosec were undertaken in Fall 2003 by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia and California (1"The Tan Sheet" Oct. 27, 2003, In Brief and 2"The Tan Sheet" Aug. 25, 2003, p. 6)...
Prilosec OTC Formulation Targeted In Mylan Labs Suit
Mylan Laboratories' lawsuit against Procter & Gamble over the formulation of Prilosec OTC is the most recent in a string of challenges for the over-the-counter heartburn medication