Glycopyrrolate (Robinul) Medicare Coverage

Glycopyrrolate is a medication used to reduce chronic drooling, reduce other bodily secretions, increase heart rate, treat COPD, treat peptic ulcers and reverse the effects of some medications like muscle relaxants.

The brand name version of Glycopyrrolate include Robinul and Robinul Forte.

Glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic that blocks the action of a chemical called acetylcholine in the muscles, secretory glands and in the brain. It reduces the rate of salivation by blocking the production of acetylcholine.

Glycopyrrolate may be taken 1-3 times daily. The inhaled version of Glycopyrrolate is used to treat COPD.

Common side effects of Glycopyrrolate include dry mouth, upset stomach, stuffy nose, dizziness, blurry eyes, fatigue, flushing, change in taste, headache and nervousness.  

How much does Glycopyrrolate cost with Medicare?

Glycopyrrolate 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 Glycopyrrolate?

According to GoodRx, 97% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Glycopyrrolate in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Glycopyrrolate 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 Glycopyrrolate. We represent carriers such as Humana, Aetna, UHC, Anthem BCBS, Wellcare, Cigna Healthcare, and 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

If you take the liquid form of Glycopyrrolate, take it on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If you experience constipation while taking Glycopyrrolate, let your doctor know. There are medications to help treat this side effect. If bright lights may start to bother your eyes after starting Glycopyrrolate, wear sunglasses to help.

In patients with COPD, Glycopyrrolate helps relax the muscle in the airway to improve breathing. The inhaled version of Glycopyrrolate can cause nose or throat irritation.

Talk to your doctor if your breathing becomes worse after using Glycopyrrolate.

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.