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MHF PharmaPulse: Your Rx Updates & Medication Spotlight


Elevate your practice with insights on the latest pharmacy news and trends relevant to MHF. Written and edited by Kimberly Curtin, Pharm.D., APh.

Rx Updates


How many refills are allowed on Controlled Prescriptions?

  • No Schedule III or IV prescriptions may be refilled more than 5 times and in an amount, for all refills of that prescription taken together, exceeding a 120-day supply


Correct Examples:

Alprazolam 1mg QD prn #30 with 4 refills

  • (30-day supply + 120-day supply = 150-day supply total – 5 fills)


Alprazolam 1mg QD prn #20 with 5 refills

  • (20-day supply + 100-day supply = 120 day supply total – 6 fills)


Albuterol Inhalers

  • Request for Generic Prescription: Pharmacists kindly request that albuterol inhalers be prescribed using the generic term "albuterol" rather than brand names such as Ventolin, Proair, and others.
  • Variability in Brand Name Inhalers: Brand name inhalers may vary in the quantity of albuterol they contain and pose challenges for insurance coverage purposes. Prescribing albuterol generically ensures consistency and facilitates smoother insurance processing.
  • Streamlined Process: Choosing to prescribe albuterol inhalers generically means providers will not need to be contacted for changes.


Wegovy and Zepbound – Insurance Limitations: Many insurance plans will require a prior authorization for these weight loss medications. As of now, minimum requirements for treatment initiation: BMI ≥ 30, or ≥ 27 with weight-related comorbidity, need to have been enrolled in comprehensive weight loss program for 6 months within the past year. For continuation of therapy, health plans want to see a 5% weight loss from start weight and a comprehensive weight loss plan. For any P/A questions, please contact our Prior Authorization Coordinator, Staci Gongora at ext. 3477.

Med Spotlight


Zepbound (tirzepatide) – For Chronic Weight Management


*Same active ingredient as Mounjaro but different indication*

Full monograph here: https://pi.lilly.com/us/zepbound-uspi.pdf


WARNING: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors – contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. 



Questions or concerns? Please contact Dr. Kimberly Curtin at kimberly.curtin@menshealthfound.org.

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