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MHF PharmaPulse:

Your Rx Updates & Medication Spotlight

MHF Pharmacy Medication Vacation Supply - Ensuring a Smooth Journey

Summer has arrived! Make sure your patients are fully prepared with their medications before they embark on their adventures. Here’s a concise overview of our vacation supply policy:

1. Insurance Coverage:

• Most insurances will cover a maximum of a 90-day supply for international travel purposes.
• The approval of 90-day vacation supplies for controlled medications (Schedule II-IV) will be determined on a case-by-case basis, considering patient history and drug availability.
• Typically, only 1 to 2 overrides are allowed per year, depending on the plan.

2. Gilead PAP and ADAP:

• These programs will not provide a 90-day supply.
• Patients are allowed one additional 30-day supply per year, provided they haven’t already received one.

3. ARV/PrEP Vacation Supply Requests:

• Patients may be responsible for a copay as copay cards do not cover vacation overrides; only primary insurance does.

4. Request Timeline:

• Please submit early fill supply requests at least one week in advance if possible.

Stay Sun-Safe - Medications and Photosensitivity

As we move into the sunnier months, it’s essential to remember the significant impact medications can have on sun sensitivity. Certain medications can induce a photosensitivity reaction -- a chemically induced change in the skin, making the skin more vulnerable to sunburn and long-term damage. Photosensitivity can be triggered by topical products, oral medications or injectables.

Most drug-induced photosensitivity reactions are phototoxic, resulting in an intense sunburn, that typically develops within minutes to hours after sun exposure and localized to exposed skin areas. In severe cases, vesicles or bullae may form.



The FDA has compiled the list of medications below that may cause photosensitivity reactions. It is important to note that not everyone will experience these reactions, and a single reaction doesn’t guarantee it will happen again.

Photosensitivity disorders (photodermatoses): Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment | UpToDate

The Sun and Your Medicine | FDA

Questions or concerns? Please contact Dr. Kimberly Curtin at kimberly.curtin@menshealthfound.org.

menshealthfound.org | millsclinicalresearch.com

socalclubla.org | discoverprep.org