Zyvox (Linezolid) Medicare Coverage

Zyvox
Chemical name: Linezolid

Brand name: Zyvox

Typical dosage: 600mg

Typical type: Tablet1

Zyvox is a medication used to treat infections. Zyvox is available as a brand name or generic drug and comes as an IV injection, an oral liquid and an oral tablet.

Zyvox is a medication that contains the active ingredient Linezolid. Zyvox is used to treat different types of infections including pneumonia and Enterococcus faecium bacterial infections.

Zyvox is an antibiotic that stops bacteria from forming in the body in order to help your infection heal. It is typically taken twice daily for up to 3 weeks. It may be taken longer if your infection is more severe or does not resolve.

Common side effects of Zyvox include nausea, headaches and diarrhea.

Does Medicare cover Zyvox or Linezolid?

While some Medicare plans may not cover Zyvox, some Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans may cover generic Linezolid.

  • 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 Linezolid.

Find Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage

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Or call 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 Zyvox 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

Taking Zyvox regularly and exactly as your doctor prescribed is important in order for your infection to totally heal. Stopping Zyvox before you are supposed to can cause your infection to come back and worsen.

Some foods and drinks such as cheese or red wine can cause sudden high blood pressure while taking Zyvox.

You may be at risk of eye problems including eyesight changes, blurry vision or loss of eyesight if you take this medication for more than 28 days. Talk to the doctor if you experience any differences in eyesight. 

Talk to your doctor if you experience dizziness, extreme headaches, drowsiness, weakness, shaking, abnormal heartbeat, hunger, confusion or sweating. These may be signs of high blood pressure or low blood sugar.

Diarrhea is not a worrisome side effect of antibiotics, but if it is severe or does not stop, talk to the doctor to make sure another infection has not developed.

 

 

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.