California DWC Announces Updates to MTUS Drug Formulary

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Woman suffering from headache pain

The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has adopted updates to its Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS) Drug List (the drug formulary), effective April 30, 2026.

The MTUS treatment guidelines and drug formulary are based on evidence-based medicine and are designed to help ensure an injured person receives reasonable and necessary medical treatment for their work-related injury.

The tables below outline the latest updates to the California MTUS. MyMatrixx by Evernorth will make these changes to our formularies in accordance with the DWC updates and deadline.

Official information from the DWC on these changes can be viewed here

Non-Exempt Medications
Drugs that require authorization through prospective review prior to being dispensed. Non-exempt medications with a “special fill” designation may be dispensed without prospective review up to the days’ supply indicated if prescribed at the initial treatment visit following injury and that visit was within seven days of the date of injury.

Granted “Special Fill” Designation

Removed from MTUS

New Drugs Added

Lasmiditan (Reyvow)

Rimegapant (Nurtec)

Zavegepant (Zavpret)

None

Lacosamide (Vimpat)

Magnesium sulfate

Rivastigmine tartrate (Exelon) - previously exempt

Exempt Medications
Drugs that generally do not require authorization through prospective review prior to being dispensed if the drug treatment is in accordance with the MTUS Treatment Guidelines.

Removed from MTUSNew Drugs Added
None

Atogepant (Qulipta)

Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy)