Metronidazole (Metrocream) Medicare Coverage

Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat many types of protozoal and bacterial infections, including infections of the brain, heart, bone, stomach, respiratory tract, skin and more.

Metronidazole is usually taken 2-3 times daily, depending on what type of infection you are treating.

Metronidazole kills bacteria in the body to let your infection heal. The brand name equivalents of Metronidazole include Metrocream, Flagyl, Metrologion and Metrogel.

Common side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, metallic taste, fatigue, muscle pain, and joint pain.

How much does Metronidazole cost with Medicare?

Metronidazole 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 Metronidazole?

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

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

Taking metronidazole with food can help if you get an upset stomach. You should take your course dose of metronidazole that your doctor gave you, even if you begin to feel better.

Avoid drinking alcohol or taking any products that have alcohol in them while taking metronidazole. Alcohol and metronidazole can cause cramps, upset stomach, headaches, and flushing.

Nerve problems can happen while taking metronidazole. Talk to your doctor if you experience any dizziness, burning, numbness or tingling, changes in balance or eyesight, passing out, headache, seizures, or trouble speaking.

Metronidazole has shown to cause cancer with long term use. Talk with the doctor about your risks.

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.