February 2026 UPMC for You and UPMC Community HealthChoices formulary update

Pulmicort Flexhaler has a new distributor, Rubicon Holding. National Drug Codes (NDCs) for Pulmicort Flexhaler from Rubicon Holding are not included in the Medicaid Drug Rebate program and are not covered under the Medicaid Prescription Drug Program. Pulmicort Flexhaler NDCs from the previous manufacturer, H2 Pharma, have been discontinued but may be billed/dispensed until supplies are exhausted. 

To avoid denials at the pharmacy, prescribers are encouraged to begin transitioning current Pulmicort Flexhaler patients to covered alternatives as soon as possible.

Preferred/Covered PDL alternatives for Pulmicort Flexhaler include the following*:

• Arnuity Ellipta
• Asmanex HFA
• Asmanex Twisthaler
• Budesonide 0.25 mg/2 mL and 0.5 mg/2 mL Respules
• Qvar Redihaler
• Fluticasone Propionate HFA for patients < 19 years old

*The DHS PDL is subject to review and may be revised periodically.