Femara (Letrozole) Medicare Coverage

Femara is a medication that contains the active ingredient Letrozole. It is used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in post-menopausal women.

Femara helps decrease estrogen in the blood, which helps to help treat breast cancer. Femara is typically taken once daily and us usually prescribed for up to 5 years.

Common side effects of Femara include fatigue, hot flashes, headache, dizziness, upset stomach, cough, back pain, muscle or joint pain, constipation, diarrhea, sweating, insomnia, changes in weight and hair loss.

Does Medicare cover Femara or Letrozole?

While some Medicare plans may not cover Femara, 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans cover Letrozole.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 Letrozole.

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 Letrozole 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

Femara can lead to weakened bones and osteoporosis if taken for a long time. This can increase your chances of breaking bones. Let your doctor know if you experience any bone pain. Supplementing Femara with vitamin D and calcium is recommended unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Femara can cause problems with fertility.

This medication can cause extreme harm to an unborn baby if taken while pregnant. If you are able to get pregnant, a pregnancy test will be done before starting this medication to ensure that you are not pregnant.

It is recommended to use birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking Femara and for 3 weeks after your last dose.

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.