Colleagues,
As you are aware, there are now different strengths of Cyclosporine available on the market. Please note that only Cyclosporine 0.05% is a National Formulary Agent. You can find the formulary list at the PBM sharepoint site: PBM Formulary Management – VA National Formulary (Excel Spreadsheets) – All Documents (sharepoint.com) and can view the criteria for cyclosporin 0.05% at PBM Formulary Management – Cyclosporin 0.05% (RESTASIS) CFU (rev Apr 2021)_508.pdf – All Documents (sharepoint.com).
Please note that, according to communication from PBM:
Drugs Not Added to the VA National Formulary:
- Cyclosporine 0.1% Ophthalmic Emulsion (VERKAZIA)
The NDF will be updated to mark cyclosporine 0.1% emulsion as nonformulary. The formulary spreadsheet will be amended so only the 0.05% emulsion is shown as formulary. However, note that the formulary search tool cannot be amended since all strengths are rolled into the same VA product name. Also, it will be marked as formulary in Cerner due to inability to list by strength. Therefore, appropriate education should be done with the field.
Respectfully,
Scott
Scott Slagle, OD, FAAO
Executive Director, National Optometry Service
Specialty Care Program Office (11SPEC)
National Surgery Integrated Clinical Community (ICC)
Office of Clinical Services (VHA 11)
Veterans Health Administration