Phenadoz (Promethazine) Medicare Coverage

Phenadoz is a medication that contains the active ingredient Promethazine. It is used to treat allergies, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting. It can also be used for sedation.

Phenadoz works on many receptors in the body and has antihistamine effects, which is generally the source of the anti-nausea effects.

Common side effects of Phenadoz include fatigue, blurred eyesight, dry mouth, upset stomach and insomnia.

How much does Promethazine cost with Medicare Advantage?

Promethazine 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 Advantage cover Promethazine?

According to GoodRx, 55% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Promethazine, the generic form of Phenadoz, in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Promethazine 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 Promethazine. We represent carriers such as Humana, Aetna, UHC, Anthem BCBS, Wellcare, Cigna Healthcare, and 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

A rectal suppository such as Phenadoz can be an effective alternative when a person is vomiting too much to keep down oral medication. The rectal suppository is still effective if the person taking it vomits after using it, unlike oral forms of generic promethazine.

Wash your hands before and after use. If the suppository is soft, chill in the refrigerator or run cold water over it to firm it up. Take off foil wrapper and insert suppository into rectum gently, pointed end first.  

If you are using Phenadoz for allergies, take the suppository at bedtime. If you use it 3 times daily, take it before meals, then at bedtime.

If you use Phenadoz for motion sickness, use the suppository 30-60 minutes before it’s needed and repeat 8-12 hours later as needed. For other forms of nausea and vomiting, Phenadoz can be used every 4-6 hours as needed.

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.