Ozempic Returns to Non-Preferred Drug Status Effective December 1, 2024

Ozempic temporarily became a preferred drug in the hypoglycemics, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) agents drug class on March 18, 2024, due to a shortage.

Effective December 1, 2024, Ozempic will return to being a non-preferred drug in the hypoglycemics, GLP-1 agents drug class and will require prior authorization (PA), even if the member was prescribed Ozempic during the shortage.

Before December 1, 2024, pharmacy providers should begin working with prescribers to transition members using Ozempic to a preferred drug or to request PA.

All drugs in this drug class are diagnosis restricted. A ForwardHealth-allowed diagnosis code must be indicated on claims (and PA requests when applicable) for all hypoglycemics, GLP-1 agents.

Providers may refer to the ForwardHealth Online Handbook Hypoglycemics, Glucagon-Like Peptide Agents topic #8858 for more information about PA for non-preferred hypoglycemics, GLP-1 agents.

On December 1, 2024, the non-preferred drug status for Ozempic will be updated on the Preferred Drug List Quick Reference data table on the Pharmacy Resources page of the ForwardHealth Portal. This data table provides the most current list of preferred and non-preferred drugs.