Upcoming Thyroid Replacement Drug Formulary Change
In August 2025, the Food and Drug Administration announced plans to remove animal-derived thyroid products from the market by August 2026. In response to this action, CVS CaremarkTM will remove thyroid replacement medications NP Thyroid® and Armour® Thyroid from their prescription drug plan formulary effective April 1, 2026.
To ensure a smooth transition for NRECA Medical Plan participants currently taking one of these drugs, CVS Caremark is extending the effective date for this formulary change to August 1, 2026, at NRECA’s request. This extension will give participants more time to talk with their doctors and make a switch to another safe and effective thyroid replacement medication.
A formulary exclusion letter will be mailed to affected NRECA Medical Plan participants the week of February 9 explaining this change with an effective date of August 1, 2026, and will include a list of alternative medications on the formulary. Formulary alternatives include: Synthroid®, levothyroxine, Levo-T®, Levoxyl®, Unithroid®, Euthyrox®, liothyronine and LiomnyTM.
Review of the NRECA Medical Plan’s prescription drug formulary occurs regularly to ensure regulatory compliance and that participants have continued access to reliable and cost-effective medications.
If you or your participants have questions about this change, call CVS Caremark Customer Care at 888.796.7322.