NIHB drug benefits change announced: Constipation
March 2016
Pharmacy Benefit Information
Change in Coverage of Medications Used to Treat Constipation
Docusate is a stool softener that may be prescribed for constipation. However, recent medical studies have found that docusate is not an effective medication to prevent or relieve constipation. These findings were reported by the Canadian Association for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), an independent organization that provides research and information about the effectiveness of drugs and other medical treatments.
Because of this evidence, the NIHB Drugs and Therapeutics Advisory Committee (DTAC) recommended changing the listing status of docusate to non-benefit. Effective September 13, 2016, docusate products will not be covered by NIHB.
However, the NIHB Program covers many other products which are proven effective for the prevention or treatment of constipation. If you are taking a docusate medication, please talk to your health care provider about a different treatment option that is covered by NIHB. – excerpted from March 2016 newletter.
For more information on the CADTH review of Docusate go to:
Products the will remain on the NIHB formulary:
- Glycerine
- Lactulose
- Golytely
- Milk of Magnesia
- Mineral Oil
- Mucillium and Metamucil
- Polyethylene glycol 3350 (Lax-a-Day)
- Sennosides
- Sodium Phosphate
- Microlax
- Fleet