Nicardipine (Cardene) Medicare Coverage

Nicardipine
Chemical name: Nicardipine

Brand name: Cardene

Typical dosage: 30mg

Typical type: Capsule1

Nicardipine is a medication used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure. Nicardipine is available as a brand name or a generic drug, and it comes as an oral capsule or can be given intravenously in the hospital.

Nicardipine is a medication used to treat a form of chest pain called angina and is sometimes used to lower blood pressure. The brand name equivalent of Nicardipine is called Cardene.

Nicardipine is usually taken 3 times daily. Nicardipine helps your blood vessels relax and increases the amount of oxygen that reaches your heart.

Common side effects of Nicardipine include dizziness, flushing, headache and fatigue.

Does Medicare cover Nicardipine or Cardene?

Yes! 88% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans cover Nicardipine.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 Nicardipine.

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Average costs for Nicardipine 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.
$5 – $1,370 Free – $1,370

Additional information

Nicardipine helps lower your blood pressure, but you may not be able to feel it working. Don’t stop taking Nicardipine without talking to your doctor.

Nicardipine can potentially make you dizzy or make you pass out. Be sure to stand up slowly after you have been sitting or lying down.

Be careful using stairs, driving, and doing any other tasks that require you to be alert.

 

 

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.