Ethambutol (Myambutol) Medicare Coverage

Ethambutol is a medication used to treat the pulmonary infection tuberculosis. Ethambutol is typically taken once daily for up to 4 months. The brand name equivalent of Ethambutol is called Myambutol.

Ethambutol works by stopping tuberculosis bacteria from forming in the body. Common side effects of ethambutol include upset stomach, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, stomach pain and fatigue.

How much does Ethambutol cost with Medicare?

Ethambutol coverage and costs may vary based on the specific plan you have, as well as what coverage stage you're in.

Contact your plan carrier or consult your plan formulary for more cost information.

Does Medicare cover Ethambutol?

According to GoodRx, 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Ethambutol in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Ethambutol include copay amounts that can range widely from one plan to another. Plan members may also be responsible for meeting a deductible before the plan’s drug coverage kicks in.
  
  
• Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD). 89% of 2023 Medicare Advantage plans included prescription drug coverage.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 Ethambutol. We represent carriers such as Humana, UnitedHealthcare^®, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna Healthcare, Wellcare, or Kaiser Permanente.

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.

Additional information

Take Ethambutol at the same time of day. Take this medication at the same time every day. If you stop taking Ethambutol before your doctor tells you to, the tuberculosis infection may not heal or can get worse.

Avoid taking any medications with aluminum within 4 hours of taking Ethambutol.

Ethambutol can cause changes in eyesight. Let your doctor know if you experience any changes in eyesight. This usually goes away when Ethambutol is stopped, however loss of eyesight has happened.

Also tell your doctor if you experience any symptoms of liver problems, like stomach pain or yellowing of the eyes and skin.

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.