Phenadoz (Promethazine) Medicare Coverage

Phenadoz is a medication that contains the active ingredient Promethazine. It is used to treat allergies, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting. It can also be used for sedation.

Phenadoz works on many receptors in the body and has antihistamine effects, which is generally the source of the anti-nausea effects.

Common side effects of Phenadoz include fatigue, blurred eyesight, dry mouth, upset stomach and insomnia.

Does Medicare cover Phenadoz or Promethazine?

While some Medicare plans may not cover Phenadoz, some Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans in your area may cover Promethazine.

• 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 Promethazine.

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 Promethazine 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.

Additional information

A rectal suppository such as Phenadoz can be an effective alternative when a person is vomiting too much to keep down oral medication. The rectal suppository is still effective if the person taking it vomits after using it, unlike oral forms of generic promethazine.

Wash your hands before and after use. If the suppository is soft, chill in the refrigerator or run cold water over it to firm it up. Take off foil wrapper and insert suppository into rectum gently, pointed end first.  

If you are using Phenadoz for allergies, take the suppository at bedtime. If you use it 3 times daily, take it before meals, then at bedtime.

If you use Phenadoz for motion sickness, use the suppository 30-60 minutes before it’s needed and repeat 8-12 hours later as needed. For other forms of nausea and vomiting, Phenadoz can be used every 4-6 hours as needed.

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.