Pharmacy Savings Opportunities Continue with Generic Zocor and Zoloft

Now that the generic versions of Zocor^® (simvastatin) and Zoloft^® (sertraline) have hit the market, members can potentially realize significant savings with their prescription drug medication choices.

Generic drugs are a major component of CIGNA Pharmacy Management’s low net cost strategy, and its “Save with Generics” program is focused on presenting members with affordable medication alternatives and offering employers long term savings opportunities. CIGNA Pharmacy Management estimates that Zocor could save employers $.12 per member per month for the remainder of 2006 and approximately $.46 per member per month in 2007. For Zoloft, employers could save approximately $.01 per member per month for the remainder of 2006 and approximately $.30 per member per month in 2007.

As part of CIGNA Pharmacy Management’s low net cost strategy, simvastatin and sertraline were added to the CIGNA Prescription Drug List as generic (first tier) drugs. Zocor, meanwhile, was recently moved from Preferred Brand (second tier) to Non Preferred Brand (third tier) while Zoloft will remain as a Preferred Brand (second tier). However, like Zocor, it is expected that Zoloft will be moved to Non Preferred Brand (third tier) as market conditions change.

For more information on the CIGNA Save with Generics program including recent utilization rates and other anticipated generic drug releases for 2006, please visit the April 2006 BIG Picture newsletter article.