Metolazone (Zaroxolyn) Medicare Coverage

Metolazone is a medication used to treat swelling (also called edema) due to fluid retention because of heart failure or kidney diseases. Metolazone uses sodium to help your body excrete extra fluid to reduce swelling.

Metolazone is taken once daily, typically in the morning. The brand name equivalent of Metolazone is called Zaroxolyn.

Common side effects of Metolazone include diarrhea, dizziness, sleepiness, headache, joint pain, upset stomach, bloating and stomach pain.

How much does Metolazone cost with Medicare?

Metolazone 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 Metolazone?

According to GoodRx, 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Metolazone in 2023.¹

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

Metolazone will make you urinate more frequently to get rid of the extra fluid that is causing swelling. Metolazone should be taken a few hours before you go to bed, to avoid night time bathroom trips that disrupt sleep.

If you are taking Metolazone, you may be at a higher risk of electrolyte problems due to fluid loss. Signs of electrolyte problems can include confusion, muscle problems, abnormal heartbeat, extreme thirst, fatigue, dry mouth and upset stomach.

Kidney problems may also arise from an excess loss of fluid. Kidney problems can include the inability to pass urine, blood in the urine or a noticeable weight gain.

If you are diabetic, Metolazone may increase your blood sugar. Liver and pancreas problems have also rarely been reported by people taking Metolazone.

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.