Aetna
Aetna Aetna
Specialty Pharmacy Clinical Policy Bulletins
Aetna Non-Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Subject: SCIG 2043-A SGM P2023a

Drug
Subcutaneous Immune Globulin (SCIG)
Hizentra®, HyQvia®, Cutaquig®, Cuvitru™ and Xembify®


Policy:

      I.  INDICATIONS

          The indications below including FDA-approved indications and
          compendial uses are considered a covered benefit provided that
          all the approval criteria are met and the member has no
          exclusions to the prescribed therapy.

          A.  FDA-Approved Indications
               1.  Cutaquig (Immune Globulin Subcutaneous [Human] -
                    hipp, 16.5% Solution)
                    Cutaquig is indicated as replacement therapy for primary
                    humoral immunodeficiency (PI) in adults and pediatric
                    patients 2 years of age and older.
               2.  Cuvitru (Immune Globulin Subcutaneous [Human], 20%
                    Solution)
                    Cuvitru is indicated as replacement therapy for primary
                    humoral immunodeficiency in adult and pediatric patients
                    two years of age and older.
               3.  Hizentra (Immune Globulin Subcutaneous [Human], 20%
                    Liquid)
                    a.  Hizentra is indicated as replacement therapy for
                         primary humoral immunodeficiency in adults and
                         pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.
                    b.  Hizentra is indicated for the treatment of adult
                         patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating
                         polyneuropathy (CIDP) as maintenance therapy to
                         prevent relapse of neuromuscular disability and
                         impairment.
                         Limitations of Use:
                         Hizentra maintenance therapy in CIDP has been
                         systematically studied for 6 months and for a further
                         12 months in a follow-up study. Maintenance therapy
                         beyond these periods should be individualized based
                         upon the patient’s response and need for continued
                         therapy.
               4.  HyQvia (Immune Globulin Infusion 10% [Human] with
                    Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase)
                    a.  HyQvia is indicated for the treatment of primary
                         immunodeficiency in adults and pediatric patients two
                         years of age and older.
                    b.  HyQvia is indicated for the treatment of
                         chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
                         (CIDP) as maintenance therapy to prevent relapse of
                         neuromuscular disability and impairment in adults.
               5.  Xembify (Immune Globulin Subcutaneous [Human} –
                    klhw, 20% Solution)
                    Xembify is indicated for treatment of primary humoral
                    immunodeficiency (PI) in patients 2 years of age and
                    older.

          B.  Compendial Uses
               1.   Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
               2.   Multifocal motor neuropathy
               3.   Kawasaki syndrome
               4.   B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
               5.   Prophylaxis of bacterial infections in pediatric human
                     immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
               6.   Bone marrow transplant (BMT)/hematopoietic stem cell
                     transplant (HSCT)
               7.   Dermatomyositis
               8.   Polymyositis
               9.   Myasthenia gravis
               10. Guillain-Barré syndrome
               11. Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome
               12. Fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
               13. Parvovirus B19-induced pure red cell aplasia
               14. Stiff-person syndrome
               15. Management of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related
                     toxicities
               16. Acquired red cell aplasia
               17. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
               18. Autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering diseases
               19. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
               20. Autoimmune neutropenia
               21. Birdshot retinochoroidopathy
               22. BK virus associated nephropathy
               23. Churg-Strauss Syndrome
               24. Enteroviral meningoencephalitis
               25. Hematophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) or
                     macrophage activation syndrome (MAS)
               26. Hemolytic disease of newborn
               27. HIV-associated thrombocytopenia
               28. Hyperimmunoblobulinemia E Syndrome
               29. Hypogammaglobulinemia from chimeric antigen receptor
                     T (CAR-T) therapy
               30. Multiple myeloma
               31. Neonatal hemochromatosis, prophylaxis
               32. Opsoclonus-myoclonus
               33. Paraneoplastic opsonus-myoclonus ataxia associated with
                     neuroblastoma
               34. Post-transfusion purpura
               35. Rasmussen encephalitis
               36. Renal transplantation from a live donor with ABO
                     incompatibility or positive cross match
               37. Secondary immunosuppression associated with major
                     surgery, hematological malignancy, major burns, and
                     collagen-vascular diseases
               38. Solid organ transplantation, for allosensitized members
               39. Toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson
                     syndrome
               40. Toxic shock syndrome
               41. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
               42. Toxic necrotizing fasciitis due to group A streptococcus
               43. Measles (Rubeola) prophylaxis
               44. Tetanus treatment and prophylaxis
               45. Varicella prophylaxis

          All other indications are considered experimental/investigational
          and not medically necessary.


    II.  DOCUMENTATION
          The following information is necessary to initiate the prior
          authorization review:
          A.  Primary immunodeficiency
               1.  Diagnostic test results
                    a.  Copy of laboratory report with serum immunoglobulin
                         levels: IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgG subclasses
                    b.  Vaccine response to pneumococcal polysaccharide
                         vaccine (post-vaccination Streptococcus pneumoniae
                         antibody titers)
                    c.  Pertinent genetic or molecular testing in members with
                         a known genetic disorder
                    d.  Copy of laboratory report with lymphocyte subset
                         enumeration by flow cytometry
               2.  IgG trough level for those continuing with IG therapy
          B.  Myasthenia gravis
               1.  Clinical records describing standard treatments tried and
                    failed
          C.  Secondary hypogammaglobulinemia (CLL, HIV, BMT/HSCT
               recipient)
               1.  Copy of laboratory report with pre-treatment serum IgG
                    level
          D.  Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
               and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN)
               1.  Pre-treatment electrodiagnostic studies
                    (electromyography [EMG] or nerve conduction studies
                    [NCS])
          E.  Dermatomyositis and polymyositis
               1.  Clinical records describing standard treatments tried and
                    failed
          F.  Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS)
               1.  Neurophysiology studies (e.g., electromyography)
               2.  A positive anti- P/Q type voltage-gated calcium channel
                    antibody test
          G.  Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
               1.  Laboratory report with pre-treatment/current platelet
                    count
               2.  Chronic/persistent ITP: copy of medical records
                    supporting trial and failure with corticosteroid or anti-D
                    therapy (unless contraindicated)
          H.  Parvovirus B19-indicated Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA)
               1.  Copy of test result confirming presence of parvovirus B19
          I.  Stiff-person syndrome
               1.  Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibody testing
                    results
               2.  Clinical records describing standard treatments tried and
                    failed
          J.  Toxic shock syndrome or toxic necrotizing fasciitis due to
               group A streptococcus
               1.  Documented presence of fasciitis (toxic necrotizing
                    fasciitis due to group A streptococcus only)
               2.  Microbiological data (culture or Gram stain)


  III.  CRITERIA FOR INITIAL APPROVAL

          A.   Primary Immunodeficiency
                Initial authorization of 6 months may be granted for
                members with any of the following diagnoses: 
                1.  Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) or congenital
                     agammaglobulinemia (e.g., X-linked or autosomal
                     recessive agammaglobulinemia)
                     a.  Diagnosis confirmed by genetic or molecular testing,
                          or
                     b.  Pretreatment IgG level < 200 mg/dL, or
                     c.  Absence or very low number of T cells (CD3 T cells <
                          300/microliter) or the presence of maternal T cells in
                          the circulation (SCID only)

                2.  Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, or
                     ataxia-telangiectasia (or other non-SCID combined
                     immunodeficiency)
                     a.  Diagnosis confirmed by genetic or molecular testing
                          (if applicable), and
                     b.  History of recurrent bacterial infections (e.g.,
                          pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, sepsis,
                          gastrointestinal), and
                     c.  Impaired antibody response to pneumococcal
                          polysaccharide vaccine (see Appendix A)

                3.  Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)
                     a.  Age 2 years or older, and
                     b.  Other causes of immune deficiency have been
                          excluded (e.g., drug induced, genetic disorders,
                          infectious diseases such as HIV, malignancy), and
                     c.  Pretreatment IgG level < 500 mg/dL or ≥ 2 SD below
                          the mean for age, and
                     d.  History of recurrent bacterial infections, and
                     e.  Impaired antibody response to pneumococcal
                          polysaccharide vaccine (see Appendix A)

                4.  Hypogammaglobulinemia (unspecified), IgG subclass
                     deficiency, selective IgA deficiency, selective IgM
                     deficiency, or specific antibody deficiency
                     a.  History of recurrent bacterial infections, and
                     b.  Impaired antibody response to pneumococcal
                          polysaccharide vaccine (see Appendix A), and
                     c.  Any of the following pre-treatment laboratory
                          findings:
                          i.     Hypogammaglobulinemia: IgG < 500 mg/dL or
                                 ≥ 2 SD below the mean for age
                          ii.    Selective IgA deficiency: IgA level < 7 mg/dL
                                 with normal IgG and IgM levels
                          iii.   Selective IgM deficiency: IgM level < 30 mg/dL
                                 with normal IgG and IgA levels
                          iv.   IgG subclass deficiency: IgG1, IgG2, or IgG3 ≥ 2
                                SD below mean for age assessed on at least 2
                                occasions; normal IgG (total) and IgM levels,
                                normal/low IgA levels
                          v.    Specific antibody deficiency: normal IgG, IgA
                                and IgM levels

                  5.  Other predominant antibody deficiency disorders must
                     meet a., b., and c.i. in section 4. above.

                6.  Other combined immunodeficiency must meet criteria in
                     section 2. above.

                Re-authorization of 12 months may be granted when the
                following criteria are met: 
                1.  A reduction in the frequency of bacterial infections has
                     been demonstrated since initiation of IG therapy, AND
                2.  IgG trough levels are monitored at least yearly and
                     maintained at or above the lower range of normal for
                     age (when applicable for indication), OR
                3.  The prescriber will re-evaluate the dose of IG and
                     consider a dose adjustment (when appropriate).
 
          B.   Myasthenia Gravis
                1.  Authorization of 1 month may be granted to members
                     who are prescribed IG for worsening weakness, acute
                     exacerbation, or in preparation for surgery.
                     a.  Worsening weakness includes an increase in any of
                          the following symptoms: diplopia, ptosis, blurred
                          vision, difficulty speaking (dysarthria), difficulty
                          swallowing (dysphagia), difficulty chewing, impaired
                          respiratory status, fatigue, and limb weakness. Acute
                          exacerbations include more severe swallowing
                          difficulties and/or respiratory failure
                     b.  Pre-operative management (e.g., prior to
                          thymectomy)
                2.  Authorization of 6 months may be granted to members
                     with refractory myasthenia gravis who have tried and
                     failed 2 or more of standard therapies (e.g.,
                     corticosteroids, azathioprine, cyclosporine,
                     mycophenolate mofetil, rituximab).

          C.   Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
                (CIDP)
                1.  Initial authorization of 3 months may be granted when
                     the following criteria are met:
                     a.  Disease course is progressive or relapsing/remitting
                          for 2 months or longer
                     b.  Moderate to severe functional disability
                     c.  The diagnosis was confirmed by electrodiagnostic
                          studies
               2.  Re-authorization of 6 months may be granted when the
                    following criteria are met:
                    a.  Significant improvement in disability and maintenance
                         of improvement since initiation of IG therapy
                    b.  IG is being used at the lowest effective dose and
                         frequency

          D.   Dermatomyositis or Polymyositis
                1.  Initial authorization of 3 months may be granted when
                     the following criteria are met:
                     a.  Member has at least 4 of the following:
                          i.      Proximal muscle weakness (upper or lower
                                  extremity and trunk)
                          ii.     Elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) or aldolase
                                  level
                          iii.    Muscle pain on grasping or spontaneous pain
                          iv.    Myogenic changes on EMG (short-duration,
                                  polyphasic motor unit potentials with
                                  spontaneous fibrillation potentials)
                          v.     Positive for anti-synthetase antibodies (e.g.,
                                  anti-Jo-1, also called histadyl tRNA synthetase)
                          vi.    Non-destructive arthritis or arthralgias
                          vii.   Systemic inflammatory signs (fever: more than
                                  37°C at axilla, elevated serum CRP level or
                                  accelerated ESR of more than 20 mm/h by the
                                  Westergren method)
                          viii.  Pathological findings compatible with
                                 inflammatory myositis (inflammatory infiltration
                                 of skeletal evidence of active regeneration may
                                 be seen), and
                     b.  Standard first-line treatments (corticosteroids) and
                          second-line treatments (immunosuppressants) have
                          been tried but were unsuccessful or not tolerated, or
                     c.  Member is unable to receive standard first-line and
                          second-line therapy because of a contraindication or
                          other clinical reason.
                2.  Re-authorization of 6 months may be granted when the
                     following criterion is met:
                     a.  Significant improvement in disability and
                          maintenance of improvement since initiation of IG
                          therapy

          E.   Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura ITP/(Immune
                Thrombocytopenia)
                1.  Newly diagnosed ITP (diagnosed within the past 3
                     months) or initial therapy: authorization of 1 month may
                     be granted when the following criteria are met
                     a.  Children (< 18 years of age)
                          i.     Significant bleeding symptoms (mucosal
                                 bleeding or other moderate/severe bleeding) or
                          ii.    High risk for bleeding* (see Appendix B), or
                          iii.   Rapid increase in platelets is required* (e.g.,
                                surgery or procedure)
                     b.  Adults (≥ 18 years of age)
                          i.     Platelet count < 30,000/mcL, or
                          ii.    Platelet count < 50,000/mcL and significant
                                 bleeding symptoms, high risk for bleeding or
                                 rapid increase in platelets is required*, and
                          iii.   Corticosteroid therapy is contraindicated and IG
                                will be used alone or IG will be used in
                                combination with corticosteroid therapy
                2.  Chronic/persistent ITP (≥ 3 months from diagnosis) or
                     ITP unresponsive to first-line therapy: authorization of 6
                     months may be granted when the following criteria are
                     met:
                     a.  Platelet count < 30,000/mcL, or
                     b.  Platelet count < 50,000/mcL and significant bleeding
                          symptoms, high risk for bleeding* or rapid increase
                          in platelets is required*, and
                     c.  Relapse after previous response to IG or inadequate
                          response/intolerance/contraindication to
                          corticosteroid or anti-D therapy
                3.  Adults with refractory ITP after splenectomy:
                     authorization of 6 months may be granted when either of
                     the following criteria is met:
                     a.  Platelet count < 30,000/mcL, or
                     b.  Significant bleeding symptoms
                4.  ITP in pregnant women: authorization through delivery
                     may be granted to pregnant women with ITP.

                  * The member’s risk factor(s) for bleeding (see Appendix
                  B) or reason requiring a rapid increase in platelets must be
                  provided.

          F.   B-cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
                1.  Initial authorization of 6 months may be granted when
                     all of the following criteria are met:
                     a.  IG is prescribed for prophylaxis of bacterial infections.
                     b.  Member has a history of recurrent sinopulmonary
                          infections requiring intravenous antibiotics or
                          hospitalization.
                     c.  Member has a pretreatment serum IgG level <500
                          mg/dL.
                2.  Re-authorization of 6 months may be granted when a
                     reduction in the frequency of bacterial infections has
                     been demonstrated since initiation of IG therapy.

          G.   Prophylaxis of Bacterial Infections in HIV-Infected
                Pediatric Patients
                1.  Initial authorization of 6 months may be granted to
                     pediatric members with HIV infection when any of the
                     following criteria are met:
                     a.  IG is prescribed for primary prophylaxis of bacterial
                          infections and pretreatment serum IgG < 400 mg/dL,
                          or
                     b.  IG is prescribed for secondary prophylaxis of bacterial
                          infections for members with a history of recurrent
                          bacterial infections (> 2 serious bacterial infections in
                          a 1-year period), or
                     c.  Member has failed to form antibodies to common
                          antigens, such as measles, pneumococcal, and/or
                          Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine, or
                     d.  Member lives in an area where measles is highly
                          prevalent and who have not developed an antibody
                          response after two doses of measles, mumps, and
                          rubella virus vaccine live, or
                     e.  Member has been exposed to measles and request is
                          for a single dose, or
                      f.  Member has chronic bronchiectasis that is
                          suboptimally responsive to antimicrobial and
                          pulmonary therapy

                2.  Re-authorization of 6 months may be granted when a
                     reduction in the frequency of bacterial infections has
                     been demonstrated since initiation of IG therapy.

          H.   Bone marrow transplant/hemopoietic stem cell
                 transplant (BMT/HSCT)
                1.  Initial authorization of 6 months may be granted to
                     members who are BMT/HSCT recipients when the
                     following criteria are met:
                     a.  Therapy will be used to prevent the risk of acute
                          graft-versus-host disease, associated interstitial
                          pneumonia (infectious or idiopathic), septicemia, and
                          other infections (e.g., cytomegalovirus infections
                          [CMV], recurrent bacterial infection)
                     b.  Either of the following:
                          i.     IG is requested within the first 100 days post-
                                 transplant.
                          ii.    Member has a pretreatment serum IgG < 400
                                 mg/dL.
                2.  Re-authorization of 6 months may be granted when a
                     reduction in the frequency of bacterial infections has
                     been demonstrated since initiation of IG therapy.

          I.   Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN)
               1.  Initial authorization of 3 months may be granted when
                    the following criteria are met:
                    a.  Member experienced progressive, multifocal,
                         asymmetrical weakness without objective sensory loss
                         in 2 or more nerves for at least 1 month
                    b.  The diagnosis was confirmed by electrodiagnostic
                         studies
                2.  Re-authorization of 6 months may be granted when
                     significant improvement in disability and maintenance of
                     improvement have occurred since initiation of IG therapy

          J.   Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
                Authorization of 1 month total may be granted for GBS when
                the following criteria are met:
                1.  Member has severe disease with significant weakness
                     (e.g., inability to stand or walk without aid, respiratory
                     weakness)
                2.  Onset of neurologic symptoms occurred less than 4
                     weeks from the anticipated start of therapy

          K.   Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS)
                1.  Initial authorization of 6 months may be granted for
                     LEMS when the following criteria are met:
                     a.  Diagnosis has been confirmed by either of the
                          following:
                          i.     Neurophysiology studies (e.g.,
                                 electromyography)
                          ii.    A positive anti- P/Q type voltage-gated calcium
                                 channel antibody test
                     b.  Anticholinesterases (e.g., pyridostigmine) and
                          amifampridine (e.g., 3,4-diaminopyridine phosphate,
                          Firdapse) have been tried but were unsuccessful or
                          not tolerated
                     c.  Weakness is severe or there is difficulty with venous
                          access for plasmapheresis
                2.  Re-authorization of 6 months may be granted when
                     member is responding to therapy (i.e., there is stability
                     or improvement in symptoms relative to the natural
                     course of LEMS).

          L.   Kawasaki Syndrome
                Authorization of 1 month may be granted for pediatric
                members with Kawasaki syndrome.

          M.   Fetal/Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia
                (F/NAIT)
                Authorization of 6 months may be granted for treatment of
                F/NAIT.

          N.   Parvovirus B19-induced Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA)
                Authorization of 6 months may be granted for severe,
                refractory anemia associated with bone marrow suppression,
                with parvovirus B19 viremia.

          O.   Stiff-person Syndrome
                Authorization of 6 months may be granted for stiff-person
                syndrome when the following criteria are met:
                1.  Diagnosis has been confirmed by anti-glutamic acid
                     decarboxylase (GAD) antibody testing
                2.  Member had an inadequate response to first-line
                     treatment (benzodiazepines and/or baclofen)

          P.   Management of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related
                toxicities
                Authorization of 1 month may be granted for management
                of immune checkpoint-inhibitor toxicities when all of the
                following criteria are met:
                1.  Member has experienced a moderate or severe adverse
                     event to a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor (e.g., pembrolizumab,
                     nivolumab, atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab)
                2.  The offending medication has been held or discontinued
                3.  Member experienced one or more of the following
                     nervous system adverse events: myocarditis, bullous
                     dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal
                     necrolysis, pneumonitis, myasthenia gravis, peripheral
                     neuropathy, encephalitis, transverse myelitis, severe
                     inflammatory arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, or
                     steroid-refractory myalgias or myositis

          Q.   Acquired Red Cell Aplasia
                Authorization of 6 months may be granted for acquired red
                cell aplasia.

          R.   Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis
                Authorization of 1 month may be granted for acute
                disseminated encephalomyelitis in members who have had
                an insufficient response or a contraindication to intravenous
                corticosteroid treatment.

          S.   Autoimmune Mucocutaneous Blistering Disease
                Authorization of 6 months may be granted for autoimmune
                mucocutaneous blistering disease (includes pemphigus
                vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, bullous pemphigoid, mucous
                membrane pemphigoid, and epidermolysis bullosa aquisita)
                when the following criteria are met:
                1.  Diagnosis has been proven by biopsy and confirmed by
                     pathology report, and
                2.  Condition is rapidly progressing, extensive or debilitating,
                     and
                3.  Member has failed or experienced significant
                     complications (e.g., diabetes, steroid-induced
                     osteoporosis) from standard treatment (corticosteroids,
                     immunosuppressive agents).

          T.   Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
                Authorization of 6 months may be granted for warm-type
                autoimmune hemolytic anemia in members who do not
                respond or have a contraindication to corticosteroids or
                splenectomy.

          U.   Autoimmune Neutropenia
                Authorization of 6 months may be granted for autoimmune
                neutropenia where treatment with G-CSF (granulocyte
                colony stimulating factor) is not appropriate.

          V.   Birdshot Retinochoroidopathy
                Authorization of 6 months may be granted for birdshot
                (vitiliginous) retinochoroidopathy that is not responsive to
                immunosuppressives (e.g., corticosteroids, cyclosporine).

          W.   BK Virus Associated Nephropathy
                Authorization of 6 months may be granted for BK virus
                associated nephropathy.

          X.   Churg-Strauss Syndrome
                Authorization of 6 months may be granted for severe, active
                Churg-Strauss syndrome as adjunctive therapy for members
                who have experienced failure, intolerance, or are
                contraindicated to other interventions.

          Y.   Enteroviral Meningoencephalitis
                Authorization of 6 months may be granted for severe cases
                of enteroviral meningoencephalitis.

          Z.   Hematophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) or
                Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS)
                Authorization of 6 months may be granted for treatment of
                hypogammaglobulinemia in HLH or MAS when total IgG is
                less than 400 mg/dL or two standard deviations below the
                mean for age.

          AA.  Hemolytic Disease of Newborn
                 Authorization of 6 months may be granted for isoimmune
                 hemolytic disease in neonates.
 
          BB.  HIV-associated Thrombocytopenia
                 Authorization of 6 months may be granted for HIV-
                 associated thrombocytopenia when the following criteria are
                 met:
                 1.  Pediatric members with IgG < 400 mg/dL and has one
                      of the following:
                      a.  2 or more bacterial infections in a 1-year period
                           despite antibiotic chemoprophylaxis with TMP-SMZ
                           or another active agent, or
                      b.  Received 2 doses or measles vaccine and lives in a
                           region with a high prevalence or measles, or
                      c.  HIV-associated thrombocytopenia despite anti-
                           retroviral therapy, or
                      d.  Chronic bronchiectasis that is suboptimally
                           responsive to antimicrobial and pulmonary therapy,
                           or
                      e.  T4 cell count ≥ 200/mm3
                 2.  Adult members with significant bleeding, platelet count
                      < 20,000/mcL, and failure of RhIG in Rh-positive
                       patients

          CC.   Hyperimmunoglobulinemia E Syndrome
                  Authorization of 6 months may be granted to treat severe
                  eczema in hyperimmunoglobulinemia E syndrome.

          DD.   Hypogammaglobulinemia from CAR-T therapy
                  Authorization of 6 months may be granted for members
                  with IgG < 400 mg/dL receiving treatment with CAR-T
                  therapy (including but not limited to idecabtagene vicleucel
                  [Abecma], tisagenlecleucel [Kymriah], or axicabtagene
                  ciloleucel [Yescarta]).

          EE.   Multiple Myeloma
                  Authorization of 6 months may be granted for multiple
                  myeloma in members who have recurrent, serious
                  infections despite the use of prophylactic antibiotics.

          FF.   Neonatal Hemochromatosis
                  Authorization of 6 months may be granted for prophylaxis
                  in members who are pregnant with a history of pregnancy
                  ending in documented neonatal hemochromatosis.

          GG.   Opsoclonus-myoclonus
                  Authorization of 6 months may be granted for treatment of
                  either of the following:
                  1.  Paraneoplastic opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia associated
                       with neuroblastoma
                  2.  Refractory opsoclonus-myoclonus, as last-resort
                       treatment

          HH.   Post-transfusion Purpura
                   Authorization of 1 month may be granted for post-
                   transfusion purpura.

          II.   Rasmussen Encephalitis
                 Authorization of 6 months may be granted for Rasmussen
                 encephalitis in members whose symptoms do not improve
                 with anti-epileptic drugs and corticosteroids.

          JJ.   Renal Transplantation
                 Authorization of 6 months may be granted for a member
                 undergoing renal transplantation from a live donor with
                 ABO incompatibility or positive cross match.

          KK.   Secondary Immunosuppression Associated with
                  Major Surgery, Hematological Malignancy, Major
                  Burns, and Collagen-Vascular Diseases
                 Authorization of 6 months may be granted to prevent or
                 modify recurrent bacterial or viral infections in members
                 with secondary immunosuppression (IgG < 400 mg/dL)
                 associated with major surgery, hematological malignancy,
                 extensive burns, or collagen-vascular disease.

          LL.   Solid Organ Transplantation
                 Authorization of 6 months may be granted for solid organ
                 transplantation for allosensitized members.

         MM.   Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson
                   Syndrome
                  Authorization of 1 month may be granted for severe cases
                  of toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson
                  syndrome.

          NN.  Toxic Shock Syndrome
                 Authorization of 1 month may be granted for staphylococcal
                 or streptococcal toxic shock syndrome when the infection is
                 refractory to several hours of aggressive therapy, an
                 undrainable focus is present, or the member has persistent
                 oliguria with pulmonary edema.

          OO.   Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
                  Authorization of 6 months may be granted for severe,
                  active SLE in members who have experienced inadequate
                  response, intolerance or have a contraindication to first
                  and second line therapies (e.g., hydroxychloroquine,
                  glucocorticoids, anifrolumab, rituximab).

          PP.   Measles (Rubeola) prophylaxis
                 Authorization of 1 month may be granted for postexposure
                 prophylaxis to prevent or modify symptoms of measles
                 (rubeola) in susceptible members exposed to the disease
                 less than 6 days previously.

          QQ.   Tetanus treatment and prophylaxis
                  Authorization of 1 month may be granted for treatment or
                  postexposure prophylaxis of tetanus as an alternative
                  when tetanus immune globulin (TIG) is unavailable.

 
          RR.   Varicella prophylaxis
                  Authorization of 1 month may be granted for postexposure
                  prophylaxis of varicella in susceptible individuals when
                  varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG) is unavailable.

          SS.   Toxic Necrotizing Fasciitis Due To Group A
                  Streptococcus
                  Authorization of 1 month may be granted for members
                  with fasciitis due to invasive streptococcal infection.


   IV.  CONTINUATION OF THERAPY

          Authorization may be granted for continuation of therapy when
          either the following criteria is met:
          A.  For conditions with reauthorization criteria listed under
               section III: Members who are currently receiving IG therapy
               must meet the applicable reauthorization criteria for the
               member’s condition.
          B.  For all other conditions, all members (including new
               members) must meet initial authorization criteria.


     V.  APPENDICES

          Appendix A: Impaired Antibody Response to Pneumococcal
          Polysaccharide Vaccine
          •   Age 2 years and older: impaired antibody response
               demonstrated to vaccination with a pneumococcal
               polysaccharide vaccine
          •   Not established for children less than 2 years of age
          •   Excludes the therapy initiated in the hospital setting

          Appendix B: Examples of Risk Factors for Bleeding (not all
          inclusive)
          •   Undergoing a medical or dental procedure where blood loss is
               anticipated
          •   Comorbidity (e.g., peptic ulcer disease, hypertension)
          •   Mandated anticoagulation therapy
          •   Profession or lifestyle predisposes patient to trauma (e.g.,
               construction worker, fireman, professional athlete)

 


Place of Service:

Outpatient

The above policy is based on the following references:
  1. Cutaquig [package insert]. Hoboken, NJ: Octapharma USA Inc.; November 2021.
  2. Cuvitru [package insert]. Lexington, MA: Baxalta US Inc.; March 2023.
  3. Hizentra [package insert]. Kankakee, IL: CSL Behring LLC; April 2023.
  4. HyQvia [package insert]. Lexington, MA: Baxalta US Inc.; January 2024.
  5. Xembify [package insert]. Research Triangle Park, NC: Grifols Therapeutics LLC; August 2020.
  6. Asceniv [package insert]. Boca Raton, FL: ADMA Biologics; April 2019.
  7. Bivigam [package insert]. Boca Raton, FL: ADMA Biologics; December 2020.
  8. Carimune NF [package insert]. Kankakee, IL: CSL Behring LLC; May 2018.
  9. Flebogamma 10% DIF [package insert]. Los Angeles, CA: Grifols Biologicals, Inc.; September 2019.
  10. Flebogamma 5% DIF [package insert]. Los Angeles, CA: Grifols Biologicals, Inc.; September 2019.
  11. Gammagard Liquid [package insert]. Westlake Village, CA: Baxalta US Inc.; March 2023.
  12. Gammagard S/D [package insert]. Lexington, MA: Baxalta US Inc.; March 2023.
  13. Gammagard S/D IgA less than 1 mcg/mL [package insert]. Westlake Village, CA: Baxalta US Inc.; September 2016.
  14. Gammaked [package insert]. Research Triangle Park, NC: Grifols Therapeutics LLC; January 2020.
  15. Gammaplex 5% [package insert]. Hertfordshire, United Kingdom: Bio Products Laboratory; November 2021.
  16. Gammaplex 10% [package insert]. Hertfordshire, United Kingdom: Bio Products Laboratory; November 2021.
  17. Gamunex-C [package insert]. Research Triangle Park, NC: Grifols Therapeutics Inc.; January 2020.
  18. Octagam 10% [package insert]. Hoboken, NJ: Octapharma USA, Inc.; April 2022.
  19. Octagam 5% [package insert]. Hoboken, NJ: Octapharma USA, Inc.; April 2022.
  20. Panzyga [package insert]. Hoboken, NJ: Octapharma USA.; February 2021.
  21. Privigen [package insert]. Kankakee, IL: CSL Behring LLC; March 2022.
  22. DRUGDEX® System (electronic version). Truven Health Analytics, Ann Arbor, MI. Available at http://www.micromedexsolutions.com [available with subscription]. Accessed May 9, 2023.
  23. AHFS Drug Information. http://online.lexi.com/lco. Accessed May 9, 2023.
  24. Perez EE, Orange JS, Bonilla F, et al. Update on the use of immunoglobulin in human disease: a review of evidence by Work Group Report of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2017;139:S1-46.
  25. Panel on Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Exposed and HIV-Infected Children. Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Exposed and HIV-Infected Children. Department of Health and Human Services. Available at https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/sites/default/files/guidelines/documents/pediatric-oi/guidelines-pediatric-oi.pdf. Accessed May 5, 2023.
  26. Tomblyn M, Chiller T, Einsele H, et al. Guidelines for preventing infectious complications among hematopoietic cell transplant recipients: a global perspective. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2009;15(10):1143-1238.
  27. Feasby T, Banwell B, Bernstead T, et al. Guidelines on the use of intravenous immune globulin for neurologic conditions. Transfus Med Rev. 2007;21(2):S57-S107.
  28. Donofrio PD, Berger A, Brannagan TH 3rd, et al. Consensus statement: the use of intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of neuromuscular conditions report of the AANEM ad hoc committee. Muscle Nerve. 2009;40(5):890-900.
  29. Elovaara I, Apostolski S, van Doorn P, et al. EFNS guidelines for the use of intravenous immunoglobulin in treatment of neurological diseases: EFNS task force on the use of intravenous immunoglobulin in treatment of neurological diseases. Eur J Neurol. 2008;15(9):893-908.
  30. Patwa HS, Chaudhry V, Katzberg H, et al. Evidence-based guideline: intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of neuromuscular disorders: report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2012;78(13);1009-1015.
  31. Anderson D, Kaiser A, Blanchette V, et al. Guidelines on the use of intravenous immune globulin for hematologic conditions. Transfus Med Rev. 2007;21(2):S9-S56.
  32. Picard C, Al-Herz W, Bousfiha A, et al. Primary immunodeficiency diseases: an update on the classification from the International Union of Immunological Societies Expert Committee for Primary Immunodeficiency. J Clin Immunol. 2015; 35(8):696-726.
  33. Bonilla FA, Khan DA, Ballas ZK, et al. Practice parameter for the diagnosis and management of primary immunodeficiency. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2015;136(5):1186-205.e1-78.
  34. Orange JS, Ballow M, Stiehm ER, et al. Use and interpretation of diagnostic vaccination in primary immunodeficiency: a working group report of the Basic and Clinical Immunology Interest section of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012;130:S1-S24.
  35. Ameratunga R, Woon ST, Gillis D, Koopmans W, Steele R. New diagnostic criteria for common variable immune deficiency (CVID), which may assist with decisions to treat with intravenous or subcutaneous immunoglobulin. Clin Exp Immunol. 2013;174(2):203-11.
  36. Immune Deficiency Foundation. About primary immunodeficiencies. Specific disease types. http://primaryimmune.org/about-primary-immunodeficiencies/specific-disease-types/. Accessed May 5, 2023.
  37. European Society for Immunodeficiencies. Diagnostic criteria for PID. http://esid.org/Working-Parties/Clinical/Resources/Diagnostic-criteria-for-PID2. Accessed June 7, 2022.
  38. Immune Deficiency Foundation. Diagnostic and Clinical Care Guidelines for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases. 3rd edition. Towson, MD: Immune Deficiency Foundation; 2015. http://primaryimmune.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2015-Diagnostic-and-Clinical-Care-Guidelines-for-PI.pdf. Accessed May 5, 2023.
  39. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology® Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (Version 2.2023). © 2023 National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. https://www.nccn.org. Accessed May 5, 2023.
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Copyright Aetna Inc. All rights reserved. Pharmacy Clinical Policy Bulletins are developed by Aetna to assist in administering plan benefits and constitute neither offers of coverage nor medical advice. This Clinical Policy Bulletin contains only a partial, general description of plan or program benefits and does not constitute a contract. Aetna does not provide health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. Participating providers are independent contractors in private practice and are neither employees nor agents of Aetna or its affiliates. Treating providers are solely responsible for medical advice and treatment of members. This Clinical Policy Bulletin may be updated and therefore is subject to change.

February 19, 2024
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