After 1/24/08 ZYRTEC^® and ZYRTEC-D^® Will No Longer Be Covered -
Now a Non-Prescription Product!

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that ZYRTEC (cetirizine HCl) and ZYRTEC-D 12 Hour (cetirizine HCL/pseudoephedrine HCl) are safe enough to be available to consumers over the counter (OTC). Because of that change, prescription ZYRTEC and ZYRTEC-D will no longer be covered under most Aetna pharmacy benefits as of January 24, or when supplies of ZYRTEC OTC are available in stores.

Since prescription ZYRTEC and ZYRTEC-D will no longer be covered under Aetna’s standard pharmacy benefit plans, they are mailing to members who have filled a prescription for a non-sedating antihistamine in the last 12 months to inform them of this change and provide them with information about options for treating their symptoms. The letter will also include a $5.00 coupon for ZYRTEC OTC from McNeil Consumer Healthcare.

This initiative is an effort to help educate you about treatment options as well as helps you control your healthcare expenses.

ZYRTEC^® may or may not cost you less out-of-pocket than before. The estimated retail cost for a 30-day supply of ZYRTEC^® is now under $25.

Q&A’s
Is the non-prescription Zyrtec the same as the prescription version?
Yes. The company will market two distinct Zyrtec products for each dosage form. One will provide directions for treating the symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies. The other will contain directions for use to relieve the itching due to hives.

How much will it cost?
The manufacturer has said that a 30 day supply of Zyrtec will cost consumers less than $25.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?
If you have any questions about this change please contact either your HR department or call your BenefitsVIP representative to get additional information.

• Benefits Inquiries
• Claims Problems
• Eligibility Questions
• Plan/Policy Explanations
• Provider Issues
• Health Advocacy