Metronidazole (Metrocream) Medicare Coverage

Metronidazole
Chemical name: Metronidazole

Brand name: Metrocream, Metrolotion, Metrogel, Flagyl

Typical dosage: 500mg

Typical type: Tablet1

Metronidazole is a medication used to treat a variety of infections. Metronidazole is available as a brand name or a generic and comes as an oral tablet, oral liquid and oral capsule.

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.

Does Medicare cover Metronidazole or Metrocream?

Yes! 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans cover Metronidazole.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 Metronidazole.

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Average costs for Metronidazole 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.
$1 – $54 Free – $54

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.