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For pregnant women who have a history of preterm birth, AmeriHealth covers
two injectable drugs to reduce the risk of preterm birth:
- 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P), a preservative-free
compound
- Makena® (hydroxyprogesterone caproate), which is approved by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Both drugs use the same active pharmaceutical ingredients and are available
through the AmeriHealth Direct Ship Drug Program, but Makena contains
preservatives as a result of the manufacturing process. Providers are
encouraged to select the drug that is appropriate for each individual patient,
given her unique circumstances.
For more information about 17P and Makena, review Medical Policy #08.01.00c:
Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Injection as a Technique to Reduce the Risk of
Preterm Birth in High-Risk Pregnancies. To do so, visit our Medical Policy
Portal, select Accept and Go to Medical Policy Online, select the
Commercial tab, and then type the policy name or number in the Search
field.
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