Metolazone (Zaroxolyn) Medicare Coverage

Metolazone
Chemical name: Metolazone Brand name: Zaroxolyn Typical dosage: 2.5mg Typical type: Tablet¹ Metolazone is a medication used to treat swelling due to fluid retention. Metolazone is available as a generic drug and comes as an oral tablet.

Metolazone is a medication used to treat swelling (also called edema) due to fluid retention because of heart failure or kidney diseases. Metolazone uses sodium to help your body excrete extra fluid to reduce swelling.

Metolazone is taken once daily, typically in the morning. The brand name equivalent of Metolazone is called Zaroxolyn.

Common side effects of Metolazone include diarrhea, dizziness, sleepiness, headache, joint pain, upset stomach, bloating and stomach pain.

Does Medicare cover Metolazone or Zaroxolyn?

Some Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans in your area may cover Metolazone.

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 Metolazone.

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 Metolazone 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

Metolazone will make you urinate more frequently to get rid of the extra fluid that is causing swelling. Metolazone should be taken a few hours before you go to bed, to avoid night time bathroom trips that disrupt sleep.

If you are taking Metolazone, you may be at a higher risk of electrolyte problems due to fluid loss. Signs of electrolyte problems can include confusion, muscle problems, abnormal heartbeat, extreme thirst, fatigue, dry mouth and upset stomach.

Kidney problems may also arise from an excess loss of fluid. Kidney problems can include the inability to pass urine, blood in the urine or a noticeable weight gain.

If you are diabetic, Metolazone may increase your blood sugar. Liver and pancreas problems have also rarely been reported by people taking Metolazone.

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.