Itraconazole (Sporanox) Medicare Coverage

Itraconazole is a medication used to treat multiple fungal infections including aspergillosis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, onychomycosis and candidiasis (yeast infections) in the esophagus or mouth.

Itraconazole prevents fungal cells from forming in the body and helps infections heal. The brand name equivalent of Itraconazole is called Sporanox.

Itraconazole is typically taken 2-3 times daily and can sometimes be used for up to a year. Common side effects of Itraconazole include headache, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, runny nose, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite and drowsiness.

How much does Itraconazole cost with Medicare?

Itraconazole 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 Itraconazole?

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

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Itraconazole 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 Itraconazole. 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

If you are taking the oral tablets or oral capsules, take this medication with a full meal.

Tell your doctor if you take antacids or typically have low stomach acid, because you may need to take this drug with an acidic drink like non-diet soda or orange juice. If you are taking the oral liquid version of this medication, take your dose without food.

Itraconazole can make heart failure worse. If you have a history of heart failure or are at risk for heart failure, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking this medication.

Get medical help right away if you experience signs of heart failure such as shortness of breath, a large weight gain, coughing up pink or white mucus, rapid heartbeat or swelling in the arms or legs while taking Itraconazole.

Check with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure that you are not taking any medications that may negatively interact with Itraconazole. Do not take interacting drugs or over-the-counter products while taking Itraconazole or within 2 weeks of stopping this medication.

If you have kidney or liver problems, do not take Itraconazole if you are taking fesoterodine, solifenacin or any other medication that contains colchicine.

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.