Cimetidine (Tagamet) Medicare Coverage

Cimetidine
Chemical name: Cimetidine Brand name: Tagamet Typical dosage: 400mg Typical type: Tablet¹ Cimetidine is a medication used to treat stomach ulcers, acid reflux and other conditions. Cimetidine is available as a generic drug and comes as an oral liquid or an oral tablet.

Cimetidine is a medication used to treat or prevent ulcers in the duodenum, ulcers of the stomach, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions where too much acid is secreted.

The brand name equivalent of Cimetidine is called Tagamet.

Cimetidine works by blocking the actions of a chemical called histamine in the stomach cells. This reduces acid secretion to reduce painful symptoms. It is taken 1 to 4 times daily, depending on what you are treating.

Side effects are uncommon with Cimetidine.

Does Medicare cover Cimetidine or Tagamet?

Some Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans may cover Cimetidine.

Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD). Most Medicare Advantage beneficiaries (88 percent) are enrolled in MA-PDs.¹
Medicare prescription drugs plans each have their own formulary, or drug list, that details what prescription drugs are covered by the plan and how they are covered.

Drug coverage may vary based on plan availability. You may be able to find Medicare Advantage plan options in your area that cover Cimetidine.

Find Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage

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Or call 1-800-557-6059 1-800-557-6059 TTY Users: 711 24/7 to speak with a licensed insurance agent.

You can also compare Part D prescription drug plans available where you live and enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan online when you visit MyRxPlans.com.

Average costs for Cimetidine with Medicare drug coverage

Your copay and deductible costs for any prescription drug can vary depending on what coverage stage you’re in and the Medicare drug plan you have.

Deductible stage	Typical copay stage
Your deductible is the amount of money you must spend on covered drugs before your Medicare drug coverage starts paying its share of costs. In the deductible stage, you’re responsible for the full cost of your prescription drugs. Some Medicare prescription drug plans have a $0 deductible. Medicare drug plans cannot have a deductible more than $415 in 2019.	After you meet your Part D deductible, you enter the initial coverage period. During this phase (the typical copay stage), you pay a copayment (flat fee) or coinsurance (percentage) for your covered medications.

Additional information

Take Cimetidine with meals and at bedtime as instructed by your doctor. Avoid taking any antacid medications at the same time as Cimetidine. To prevent heartburn, take Cimetidine 30 minutes before eating food or drinking liquids that can cause heartburn.

Liver problems can – but rarely – happen while taking Cimetidine. Signs of liver problems include dark urine, fatigue, upset stomach, vomitting or yellow skin or eyes.

If you are 50 years or older, you may experience more side effects while taking this medication. Watch for signs of confusion, agitation, mood changes or hallucinations. Also talk to the doctor if you experience chest pain, throat pain, signs of bleeding or bad abdominal pain.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not healthcare advice, treatment, or diagnosis. It is not an endorsement of or recommendation for this medication. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific healthcare needs, including your prescription medications. Only take medication as directed by your doctor.

Coverage and costs of prescription medications will vary by Medicare plan. Not all plans are available in all areas.

Written by Hayden Gharibyar, Pharm.D.