Aztreonam (Azactam) Medicare Coverage

Aztreonam is a medication used to treat bacterial infections including urinary tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections, stomach infections and gynecological infections. The brand name version of Aztreonam is called Azactam.

Aztreonam is given as an injection or as IV every 6-12, hours depending on the type of infection you are treating. Aztreonam has an inhaled form that can be used 3 times daily to treat infections in people with Cystic Fibrosis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Aztreonam medication works by stopping bacteria from forming in the body. This allows the infection to heal.

Common side effects of Aztreonam injections include diarrhea and irritation where the shot is given. Common side effects of Aztreonam inhalations include vomiting, coughing, stuffy nose and throat or stomach pain.

Does Medicare cover Aztreonam or Azactam?

Yes! 99% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans cover Aztreonam.¹

• 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.²
  
  
• 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 Aztreonam.

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 Aztreonam with Medicare drug coverage¹

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

Additional information

Aztreonam is given as a shot into the muscle or as an IV infusion. This injection is usually given in a medical facility or hospital. It is given on a very strict schedule, as you need a constant level of Aztreonam in your blood to help heal the infection.

Diarrhea is a common side effect of Aztreonam, but severe diarrhea can indicate an infection called CDAD, or C diff-associated diarrhea. If you have stomach pain, cramps or very loose, watery or bloody stools, talk to your doctor.

If the inhaled form is being used to treat cystic fibrosis infections, the drug should be used for 28 days, followed by 28 days off of the drug. This type of Aztreonam should be used with a nebulizer.

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.