Is a washout period necessary when switching for lack of efficacy?
The Special Authority form for renewal/switching of cholinesterase inhibitors must be submitted and approved by PharmaCare before a patient can receive coverage for a second cholinesterase inhibitor trial. If a current cholinesterase inhibitor trial is being discontinued due to lack of efficacy, a washout period is required. It may take a washout period of 2 – 7 days before side effects are resolved. If you have a client who is switching cholinesterase inhibitors, please dispense only a two-week supply of the current drug. Please refer to the Reference Guide to Prescribing Cholinesterase Inhibitors included in the Clinician Booklet for detailed dosage instructions.
