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Elizabeth M. Whitehorn, Director

Provider Notice Issued 09/03/2021

Date:    September 3, 2021

To:       Enrolled Physicians and Pharmacies

Re:      Chantix Shortage –Temporary Distribution of Apo-Varenicline 0.5 mg and 1 mg Tablets

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 This notice informs providers that due to a current shortage of Chantix (varenicline) manufactured by Pfizer, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is temporarily covering
Apo-Varenicline (varenicline) 0.5 mg and 1 mg tablets. This applies to the Medicaid fee-for-service program and the Medicaid managed care plans.

For the duration of the Chantix shortage, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is allowing coverage of the imported drug Apo-Varenicline, manufactured by Apotex, under an optional benefit for prescribed drugs.

Product Name Quantity Tablet Description U.S. NDC
 
Apo-Varenicline (varenicline tartrate) tablet, 0.5 mg (free base equivalent) Bottle of 56 tablets White colored, modified capsule-shaped, biconvex, film coated tablets, engraved with "APO" on one side and "VAR" over "0.5" on the other side.

60505-4765-5

 
Apo-Varenicline (varenicline tartrate) tablet, 1 mg (free base equivalent) Bottle of 56  tablets Blue colored, modified capsule-shaped, biconvex, film coated tablets, engraved with "APO" on one side and "VAR" over "1" on the  other side.

60505-4766-6

 

 
Pharmacies are required to bill the NDC they are dispensing.

Questions regarding the temporary coverage of Apo-Varenicline in the fee-for-service program may be directed to a pharmacy billing consultant in the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565. Questions regarding coverage under managed care should be directed to the applicable plan.

 

Kelly Cunningham, Administrator
Division of Medical Programs