Propylthiouracil Medicare Coverage

Propylthiouracil
Chemical name: Propylthiouracil

Typical dosage: 50mg

Typical type: Tablet1

Propylthiouracil is a medication used to treat an overactive thyroid. It is available as a generic only and comes as an oral tablet.

Propylthiouracil is a medication used to treat hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid. Propylthiouracil is only available in its generic form.

Propylthiouracil stops your thyroid from producing thyroid hormones so your thyroid level remains normal. It is typically taken 3 times daily for full benefit.

Common side effects of Propylthiouracil include headache, upset stomach, vomiting, stomach pain, muscle or joint pain, dizziness, sleepiness, hair loss and changes in taste.

Does Medicare cover Propylthiouracil?

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

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Average costs for Propylthiouracil 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 – $79 $3 – $79

Additional information

Propylthiouracil may not be appropriate for everyone who has an overactive thyroid. It is primarily used by people who have Graves’ disease or a toxic multinodular goiter who are intolerant to other medications, and for whom surgery or iodine therapy is not appropriate.

Propylthiouracil can sometimes cause liver damage. Liver toxicity can happen in people with or without liver disease, and the result can be bad. Your doctor will monitor your liver function closely.

Tell your doctor if you experience signs of liver problems including fatigue, loss of appetite, upset stomach, stomach pain, throwing up or yellow skin or eyes.

Propylthiouracil can make your thyroid function too low, or cause hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include constipation, cold intolerance, memory problems, weight gain and fatigue.

Let your doctor know if you feel like your thyroid is not working properly.

 

 

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.