Coverage Decisions for Drugs

Carisoprodol

Coverage decision

L&I does not cover carisoprodol products including combinations with aspirin and codeine. See the Preferred Drug List for safer alternatives.

Carisoprodol is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant that does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles in man. It is metabolized in the liver to meprobamate, an anxiolytic and a federally controlled substance subject to physical dependence. The Washington State Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, after an evidence-based review of the skeletal muscle relaxants drug class, has recommended the removal of carisoprodol products from L&I’s formulary for safety reasons.

The Food and Drug Adminsitration (FDA) has approved the following carisoprodol products to relieve discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions:

• Soma® (carisoprodol).
• Soma Compound® (carisoprodol with aspirin).
• Soma Compound with Codeine® (carisoprodol with aspirin and codeine).