Pomalyst Approved for Treatment of Advanced Multiple Myeloma

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Pomalyst (pomalidomide), which is a new oral medication for the treatment of advanced multiple myeloma. Pomalyst is a pharmacy drug that will be available through specialty pharmacies.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) will require prior review of this medication, as it does for any other medications that treat this condition and have similar black box warnings from the FDA. Detailed criteria for this medication will be available online at www.bcbsnc.com/umdrug  as of February 25, 2013.

This prior review requirement will apply to all commercial members with Blue Cross NC pharmacy benefits.  It will not apply to State Health Plan, Federal Employee Program, Blue Medicare^SM, or Medicare Supplemental members. Please check the benefits for these particular plans, as other utilization requirements for prescription drugs may apply.

If you have questions, please contact the Provider Blue LineSM at 1.800.214.4844.