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Change in PDL Status for Antivirals, Topical Drug Class, Effective December 29, 2025

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Effective December 29, 2025, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will remove the nonpreferred status from certain generic acyclovir cream and ointment products on the Medicaid preferred drug list (PDL). The removal is due to drug availability after Bausch Health, the manufacturer of Zovirax cream and ointment, exited from the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program.

The nonpreferred status has been removed from the following drugs:

National Drug CodeDrug Name
00591115930Acyclovir 5% ointment
13668051501Acyclovir 5% ointment
13668051502Acyclovir 5% ointment
16714088501Acyclovir 5% ointment
16714088502Acyclovir 5% ointment
33342043930Acyclovir 5% ointment
00093363020Acyclovir 5% cream
72578010105Acyclovir 5% cream
45802004475Acyclovir 5% cream
51672136105Acyclovir 5% cream
62332042305Acyclovir 5% cream
65162083614Acyclovir 5% cream

These changes allow providers to prescribe certain acyclovir topical products without the requirement of a PDL prior authorization and continued access to necessary medication for members.

Email vdp-formulary@hhs.texas.gov with comments or any questions.