Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) Medicare Coverage

Nitroglycerin is a medication used to treat or prevent chest pain and pressure associated with angina. The instructions on how to take nitroglycerin depend on the type of that you are taking.

The brand name equivalents of Nitroglycerin include Nitrostat, Nitrolingual and Nitro-Dur.

Nitroglycerin is able to relax the muscles and blood vessels to relieve pain related to angina. It helps relieve symptoms by decreasing the amount of oxygen your heart demands.

Nitroglycerin is typically well tolerated, but side effects include dizziness and headache.  

How much does Nitroglycerin cost with Medicare?

Nitroglycerin 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 Nitroglycerin?

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

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Nitroglycerin 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 Nitroglycerin. 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 using the sublingual (under the tongue) formulation of this medication, take 1 dose when you feel chest pain. If pain does not go away or worsens after 3-5 minutes after 1 dose, get emergency help.

Nitroglycerin can interact with other drugs you may be taking. Talk to your doctor about all of your medications before starting Nitroglycerin.

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.