Exelon (Rivastigmine) Medicare Coverage

Exelon is a medication that contains the active ingredient Rivastigmine. Exelon is used to treat mild to moderate dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Exelon increases a substance called acetylcholine in the brain. A deficiency of acetylcholine is thought to contribute to symptoms of dementia.

This capsule form is usually taken twice daily, while the patch is applied once every day. Common side effects of Exelon include upset stomach, loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, tiredness, insomnia and anxiety.

Does Medicare cover Exelon or Rivastigmine?

While some Medicare plans may not cover Exelon, 98% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans cover Rivastigmine.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 Rivastigmine.

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 Rivastigmine 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

If you are taking Exelon by mouth, take your dose with meals and try to take it at the same time every day.

If you are using the Exelon skin patch, wash your hands before and after use. Place a new patch on clean, dry and hairless skin. Each day take off your old patch and place a new one in a different spot of skin.

Do not use patches on skin that you have used creams, lotions or oils on that day. If the patch falls off, put a new one on. Only use 1 patch at a time, as using more than 1 at a single time can lead to side effects and even overdose.

Do not use patches that have been cut or torn. Avoid using heat on the patch.

Exelon can lead to diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, throwing up and weight loss. Long-term side effects like these can lead to dehydration. Call your doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away.

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.