CareSource announces new drug in opioid fight

Dayton-based CareSource, a national nonprofit health plan, is announcing a move to a less expensive medication for Medicaid members with opioid dependencies.

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The health plan will change from the current brand name medications — Bunavail, Suboxone and Zubsolv — to the generic buprenorphine/naloxone for treatment of opioid dependency, the company said in a statement Thursday.

Naloxone is used to bring drug users back from overdoses.

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“The buprenorphine/naloxone generic tablet is administered daily and dissolves by mouth as easily as the brand name strips,” the company said. The tablet has the same active ingredients and is proven to be as effective as the brand name products.”

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The medication transition plan will take effect March 1, CareSource said.

In response to a question about why the company was making the change, CareSource released a statement saying: “We are implementing the change from the brand name medications to the generic because we see opioid drug dependency as a problem in our community and across the country.”

It added: “Moving from the brand name drug which can cost up to three times as much as the generic will provide a cost savings allowing us to increase quality and greater access to treatment.”

Members impacted by this change are encouraged to call their doctor promptly to avoid disruption in treatment.

CareSource members with questions should call (800) 488-0134, the company advised.

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