Retacrit supply shortage expected soon

Pfizer informed us Retacrit will experience a supply disruption beginning late May 2022, with a targeted return to supply in early Q4 2022. 

Why is this important to you?

Your patient was identified by a paid claim within the last year or a current authorization on file for treatment. As Retacrit will likely become scarce from Q2 through Q4 2022, you should prepare to switch your patient to an alternative product until Retacrit becomes available. We’ve attached a list of impacted patients that should be transitioned to an alternative to avoid treatment delays. 

Covered alternatives

To help make the transition easier, here are the covered alternatives for each plan:

Commercial

Medical Benefit:

  • Procrit
  • Epogen

Specialty Pharmacy:

  • Procrit
  • Epogen

Exchange

Medical Benefit:

  • Procrit
  • Epogen

Specialty Pharmacy:

  • Procrit
  • Epogen

Medicaid

Medical Benefit:

  • Procrit
  • Epogen

Specialty Pharmacy:

  • Procrit (Prior authorization required)
  • Epogen (Prior authorization required)

Medicare

Medical Benefit:

  • Procrit (Medicare Part B: No prior authorization required)
  • Epogen (Step Therapy and Prior authorization required)

Specialty Pharmacy:

  • Procrit (Prior Authorization: Medicare B vs. D)
  • Epogen (Prior Authorization: Medicare B vs. D)

For plans requiring authorization, visit the drug authorizations section of the provider manual for authorization forms.