Key Findings

1. Lunesta leads in the Medicare market Lunesta is also the current leader in the Medicare market in terms of tier 1 and 2 availability with approximately 39% access, an increase from 34% in April 2007. Ambien CR trails Lunesta slightly and has a current availability of 36%. Ambien CR experienced a significant loss of access, declining from 46% in April 2007.
2. Only Lunesta increased its tier 1/2 access Similar to the commercial plans, Lunesta increased its tier 1 and 2 positioning during the study period. No other drugs gained significant availability.
3. Ambien lost significant access Similar to the commercial market, Ambien lost significant ground due to its patent expiration. The rate of decline was somewhat slower in the Medicare market, probably due to Medicare formulary change notification requirements.

Printable version

Collateral Formulary Access Impact in the Sleep Disorder Class due to Patent Loss for Ambien (PDF 314KB)

Archives

December 2007: Lack of Impact from Two Key Generics in the Anti-depressant Formulary Market

October 2007: Formulary Position Differences between Commercial and Medicare Plans

September 2007: Impact of Patent Loss for Zocor on the Statin Marketplace