Giazo (Balsalazide) Medicare Coverage

Giazo is an Aminosalicylate medication that contains the active ingredient Balsalazide. Giazo is used to treat mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis.

Giazo works by decreasing inflammation and blocking acid production in the colon. It is typically taken 2-3 times daily for 8-12 weeks.

Common side effects of Giazo include headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, nose or throat irritation, common cold symptoms, joint pain and fatigue.

How much does Balsalazide cost with Medicare?

Balsalazide 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 Balsalazide?

According to GoodRx, 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Balsalazide, the generic form of Giazo, in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Balsalazide 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 Balsalazide. 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

Watch for signs of kidney or liver problems while taking Giazo. These can include the inability to pass urine, change in the amount of urine passed, blood in the urine, weight gain, stomach pain, vomiting and yellow skin or eyes.

Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms.

Some people can have a reaction to Giazo that feels like symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Talk to the doctor if you experience cramps, blood in the stool, fever, headache or rash.

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.