formulary

[ fawr-myuh-ler-ee ]

noun

, plural for·mu·lar·ies.

1. a collection or system of formulas.
2. a set form of words; formula.
3. Pharmacology. a book listing pharmaceutical substances and formulas for making medicinal preparations.
4. a list of prescription drugs covered by a health insurance plan:

   You can search the online drug formulary to see if your prescriptions are covered by the plan.

5. Ecclesiastical. a book containing prescribed forms used in the service of a church.

adjective

1. of or relating to a formula or formulas:

   the formulary aspect of a science.

2. of the nature of a formula:

   He dispenses easy, formulary solutions to our problems.

formulary

/ ˈfɔːmjʊlərɪ /

noun

1. a book or system of prescribed formulas, esp relating to religious procedure or doctrine
2. a formula
3. pharmacol a book containing a list of pharmaceutical products, with their formulas and means of preparation

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of a formula

Word History and Origins

Origin of formulary¹

1535–45; < Middle French formulaire; formula, -ary

Example Sentences

For example, Wegovy was added to the standard formulary for Medicare’s Part D prescription benefit after it received approval from the Food and Drug Administration in March for the treatment of heart attack risk.

From Los Angeles Times

DiGiacomo said her formulary, or list of covered drugs, has changed three times.

From Seattle Times

It cited "global manufacturing constraints, significant formulary losses impacting patient access effective in January 2024, and the availability of alternative options in the U.S. market" as key factors in the decision.

From Reuters

“Network, formulary, benefits,” Leibowitz says, “you have to do your homework.”

From Seattle Times

It wasn’t in my insurance formulary, so I had to pay full price.

From Seattle Times