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Change in PDL Status for the Atopic Dermatitis Immunomodulator Pimecrolimus and the Anti-Inflammatory Ophthalmic Loteprednol Etabonate Effective April 4, 2025

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On April 4, 2025, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) removed the authorized generic pimecrolimus 1% cream and generic loteprednol etabonate 0.5% eye drop suspension products from the HHSC preferred drug list (PDL). This change is in response to the confirmed drug shortage of preferred brand name Elidel 1% cream (pimecrolimus) and drug discontinuation of the preferred brand name Lotemax 0.5% eye drop suspension (loteprednol etabonate 0.5%).

The non-preferred status has been removed from the following drugs:

National Drug Code (NDC)Drug Name
68682011001Pimecrolimus 1% cream (authorized generic)
68682011102Pimecrolimus 1% cream (authorized generic)
68682011203Pimecrolimus 1% cream (authorized generic)
62756023255Loteprednol elabonate 0.5% drops (generic)
62756023256Loteprednol elabonate 0.5% drops (generic)
62756023290Loteprednol elabonate 0.5% drops (generic)
68682029905Loteprednol elabonate 0.5% drops (generic)
68682029910Loteprednol elabonate 0.5% drops (generic)
68682029915Loteprednol elabonate 0.5% drops (generic)
72603032401Loteprednol elabonate 0.5% drops (generic)
72603032402Loteprednol elabonate 0.5% drops (generic)
72603032403Loteprednol elabonate 0.5% drops (generic)
72485066505Loteprednol elabonate 0.5% drops (generic)

These changes allow providers to prescribe the authorized generic pimecrolimus 1% cream and generic loteprednol etabonate 0.5% eye drop suspension products without requiring PDL prior authorization. 

Email vdp-formulary@hhsc.state.tx.us with any questions.