Meclizine (Antivert) Medicare Coverage

Meclizine
Chemical name: Meclizine

Brand name: Antivert

Typical dosage: 25mg

Typical type: Tablet1

Meclizine is a medication used to treat motion sickness and vertigo. Meclizine is available as a brand name or generic and comes as an oral tablet.

Meclizine is a medication typically used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting or dizziness associated with motion sickness and vertigo. The brand name equivalent of Meclizine is called Antivert.

Meclizine is typically taken as needed for motion sickness 1-4 times daily for vertigo. Meclizine is an antihistamine medication that helps prevent and treat nausea and other symptoms.

Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, feeling tired or weak and throwing up.

Does Medicare cover Meclizine or Antivert?

Yes! 96% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans cover Meclizine.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 Meclizine.

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Average costs for Meclizine with Medicare drug coverage1

Your copay and deductible costs for any prescription drug can vary depending on what coverage stage you’re in.

Deductible stage Typical copay stage
Your deductible is the amount of money you must spend on covered drugs before your Medicare drug coverage starts paying its share of costs.

In the deductible stage, you’re responsible for the full cost of your prescription drugs.

Some Medicare prescription drug plans have a $0 deductible. Medicare drug plans cannot have a deductible more than $415 in 2019.		 After you meet your Part D deductible, you enter the initial coverage period.

During this phase (the typical copay stage), you pay a copayment (flat fee) or coinsurance (percentage) for your covered medications.
Free– $26 Free – $26

Additional information

If you are taking Meclizine for prevention of motion sickness, take your dose 1 hour before travel. If you are taking Meclizine for vertigo, follow your doctor’s instructions.

Meclizine is available as a prescription from your doctor or can be bought over the counter at your pharmacy.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Meclizine. This medication can make you very tired.

Be sure you know how Meclizine affects you before driving or doing other activities. Side effects can be worse if you are over 65 years old.

 

 

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.