What are specialty drugs?
A specialty drug is a type of prescription drug that, in general, requires special handling or ongoing monitoring and assessment by your doctor, or may only be available at certain pharmacies. Generally, specialty drugs are the most expensive drugs on a formulary.
What are they for and how do I take them?
Specialty drugs are used to treat many diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others. They may be injected, infused, inhaled, or taken by mouth. Be sure you understand how and when to take these medications.
How do I know if my medication is a specialty drug?
Drug lists can't tell you the price of a prescription. But you can see if a prescription is considered a specialty drug, and whether it needs prior authorization or step therapy before your plan will help pay for it.
Click here for your plan's Drug Formulary
How can I get my specialty drug prescription filled?
Specialty drugs are only available for a one-month supply. There are two ways to fill specialty drug prescriptions:
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You can fill prescriptions for specialty drugs at a retail pharmacy, but not all pharmacies will dispense specialty drugs. Call your pharmacy in advance to verify that it can fill your prescription.
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You can have your specialty drugs processed through our pharmacy benefit managers’ specialty pharmacies.
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State of Oklahoma Employees: Call 1-800-424-1789 to reach MedImpact Specialty.
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Medicare Advantage Members: Call 1-866-494-3927 to reach MedImpact Specialty.
Some specialty medications are subject to limited distribution by manufacturers and may only be available through designated pharmacies. If your medication falls into this category, please contact GlobalHealth Pharmacy Customer Service at the number listed above for help with filling your prescription and ensuring access to your medication.
Understanding Biosimilars
What are biosimilars?
Biosimilars are FDA-approved biological drugs that are highly similar, but not identical, to brand-name biological drugs.
Are biosimilars the same as generic drugs?
No. Generic drugs must have the same active ingredients and work the same way as the brand-name drugs but may have certain minor differences such as different inactive ingredients.
A biosimilar is a biological medical product highly similar to another FDA approved biologic product. Biosimilars are approved according to the same standards of pharmaceutical quality, safety and efficacy that apply to all biological medicines.
Is it safe to switch to a biosimilar?
Biosimilars are FDA approved. They are as safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts.
Will switching to a biosimilar change my treatments or my drug's effectiveness?
No. The process and experience should be the same. You should expect the same effectiveness as you do from the drug you are taking currently.
Why am I being asked to switch to a biosimilar if my current therapy is working?
The biosimilar drugs work just as well as the brand name drug or original biological product to treat your condition and usually cost less.
Where can I learn more?
Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your biosimilar treatment.
Still have questions?