Aprepitant (Emend) Medicare Coverage

Aprepitant is a medication used to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, as well as postoperative nausea and vomiting. The brand name equivalent of Aprepitant is called Emend.

Aprepitant inhibits substances from forming in the body that lead to nausea and vomiting. It is typically given prior to the event that will cause nausea, and it may be administered after as well.

Common side effects of Aprepitant include fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, stomach pain, heartburn, dizziness, headache and burping.

How much does Aprepitant cost with Medicare?

Aprepitant 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 Aprepitant?

According to GoodRx, 99% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Aprepitant in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Aprepitant 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 Aprepitant. 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 Aprepitant to prevent nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, your first dose should be taken one hour prior to chemotherapy on day one. You will then take it once daily on days 2 and 3, after chemotherapy treatment. This helps prevent delayed nausea and vomiting.

If you take Aprepitant to prevent nausea and vomiting due to surgery, you should take one dose within 3 hours before you are given anesthesia. Aprepitant can be taken with or without food, but check with your doctor and follow their instructions, especially before surgery.

Infection can rarely happen after taking Aprepitant. Infection symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum, change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores or wounds that will not heal.

This medication may affect how well birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control works. It is best to use a second form of birth control if needed after taking Aprepitant.

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.