Amantadine (Symadine/Symmetrel) Medicare Coverage

Amantadine is a medication used to treat or prevent the flu. It can also be used to treat Parkinson’s disease and is used to treat extrapyramidal side effects of some other drugs including muscle spasms, restless muscles, slowed movement, tremors and more.

The brand name equivalents of Amantadine include Symadine and Symmetrel.

Amantadine has anti-virus effects and can help improve muscle symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is typically taken 1-2 times daily, depending on what form of the medication you take.

Common side effects of Amantadine include upset stomach, insomnia, fatigue, headache, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, anxiety and dry nose.

How much does Amantadine cost with Medicare?

Amantadine 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 Amantadine?

According to GoodRx, 74% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Amantadine in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Amantadine 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 Amantadine. 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 take the extended-release tablet form of Amantadine, take in the morning. If you take the extended-release capsules, take your dose at bedtime if taking once a day.

You may need to avoid drinking alcohol with some Amantadine products.

Amantadine can make you extremely tired. Be careful when driving or doing other important activities, as some people have fallen asleep during these activities.

Overdoses can happen with Amantadine. Be careful not to take more than your doctor instructs you to.

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.