Table 16: Corticosteroids - Topical
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Drug Category: Dermatological
Medication Class/Individual Agents: Corticosteroids
I. Prior-Authorization Requirements
Topical Corticosteroids – Class I. Superpotent |
Clinical Notes |
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Please note: In the case where the prior authorization (PA) status column indicates PA, both the brand and generic (if available) require PA. Typically, the generic is preferred when available unless the brand-name drug appears on the MassHealth Brand Name Preferred Over Generic Drug List. In general, when requesting the non-preferred version, whether the brand or generic, the prescriber must provide medical records documenting an inadequate response or adverse reaction to the preferred version, in addition to satisfying the criteria for the drug itself.
Product Potency:
Product Selection:
Adverse Reactions:
With chronic conditions, gradual discontinuation of therapy may reduce the chance of rebound. |
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Topical Corticosteroids – Class II. Potent |
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Topical Corticosteroids – Class III. Upper Mid-Strength Potent |
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Topical Corticosteroids – Class IV. Mid-Strength Potent |
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Topical Corticosteroids – Class V. Lower Mid-Strength Potent |
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Topical Corticosteroids – Class VI. Mild Potent |
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Topical Corticosteroids – Class VII. Least Potent |
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Topical Corticosteroids – Combination Products |
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Topical Corticosteroids – Dental Agents |
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# | This designates a brand-name drug with FDA “A”-rated generic equivalents. Prior authorization is required for the brand, unless a particular form of that drug (for example, tablet, capsule, or liquid) does not have an FDA “A”-rated generic equivalent. |
BP | Brand Preferred over generic equivalents. In general, MassHealth requires a trial of the preferred drug or clinical rationale for prescribing the non-preferred drug generic equivalent. |
* | The generic OTC and, if any, generic prescription versions of the drug are payable under MassHealth without prior authorization. |
A90 | Allowable 90-day supply. Dispensing in up to a 90-day supply is allowed. May not include all strengths or formulations. Quantity limits and other restrictions may apply. |
II. Therapeutic Uses
FDA-approved, for example:
- Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses with secondary infection
- Plaque psoriasis
- Psoriasis vulgaris
- Scalp-related conditions (i.e., dermatoses, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis)
- Topical inflammatory and pruritic dermatoses
Note: The above list may not include all FDA-approved indications.
III. Evaluation Criteria for Approval
Please note: In the case where the prior authorization (PA) status column indicates PA, both the brand and generic (if available) require PA. Typically, the generic is preferred when available unless the brand-name drug appears on the MassHealth Brand Name Preferred Over Generic Drug List. In general, when requesting the non-preferred version, whether the brand or generic, the prescriber must provide medical records documenting an inadequate response or adverse reaction to the preferred version, in addition to satisfying the criteria for the drug itself.
- All PA requests must include clinical diagnosis, drug name, dose, and frequency.
- Dispensing in a 90-day supply of medication may be mandated or allowable for agents in this therapeutic class (designated by M90 or A90, respectively, in the Drug Notes section above). Applicable quantity limits are described below as units per day, per month, per 28 days, or as clinically appropriate, and may be extrapolated for fills of longer day supply.
- A preferred drug may be designated for this therapeutic class. In general, MassHealth requires a trial of the preferred drug or clinical rationale for prescribing a non-preferred drug within a therapeutic class. Additional information about these agents, including PA requirements and preferred products, can be found within the MassHealth Drug List at www.mass.gov/druglist.
- For recertification requests, approval may require submission of additional documentation including, but not limited to, documentation of: some or all criteria for the original approval; response to therapy; clinical rationale for continuation of use; status of member’s condition; appropriate diagnosis; appropriate age; appropriate dose, frequency, and duration of use for requested medication; complete treatment plan; current laboratory values; and member’s current weight.
- Additional criteria may apply depending upon diagnosis and/or requested medication (see below). Other factors, including rebate and FDA-approval status may change independently of scheduled MassHealth updates, which may result in additional restrictions.
amcinonide cream, clobetasol foam/emollient, clocortolone cream, desonide lotion, desoximetasone 0.05% cream, gel, and ointment, desoximetasone 0.25% ointment and spray, diflorasone cream and ointment, fluocinolone kit, flurandrenolide cream, lotion, and ointment, fluticasone lotion, halcinonide cream, halobetasol foam, hydrocortisone butyrate lotion, hydrocortisone butyrate/emollient cream, hydrocortisone solution, hydrocortisone valerate ointment, triamcinolone 0.05% ointment and spray, and brand-name topical corticosteroids (Apexicon-E, Bryhali, Halog solution, Sernivo, Ultravate lotion).
- Documentation of all of the following is required:
- appropriate diagnosis; and
- one of the following:
- inadequate response or adverse reaction to all topical corticosteroids of the same potency range and formulation available without PA; or
- medical necessity for the requested formulation.
betamethasone/calcipotriene ointment and scalp suspension, and neomycin/fluocinolone cream and cream kit
- Documentation of all of the following is required:
- appropriate diagnosis; and
- medical necessity for the combination product instead of the commercially available separate agents.
clobetasol shampoo kit for scalp-related conditions
- Documentation of all of the following is required:
- scalp-related diagnosis; and
- inadequate response or adverse reaction to one topical corticosteroid of similar or greater potency and similar formulation available without PA, and used on the scalp.
Duobrii (halobetasol/tazarotene lotion)
- Documentation of all of the following is required:
- diagnosis of plaque psoriasis; and
- inadequate response or adverse reaction to one superpotent or potent topical corticosteroid available without PA; and
- medical necessity for the combination product instead of the commercially available separate agents.
Impeklo (clobetasol propionate lotion pump)
- Documentation of all of the following is required:
- appropriate diagnosis; and
- member is ≥ 18 years of age; and
- one of the following:
- inadequate reponse or adverse reaction to all topical corticosteroids of the same potency range and formulation available without PA; or
- medical necessity for the requested formulation; and
- medical necessity for the requested product instead of clobetasol formulations available without PA; and
- requested quantity is ≤ 100 grams/30 days.
Original Effective Date: 10/2002
Last Revised Date: 04/2023
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Last updated 04/13/23