Somavert (Pegvisomant) Medicare Coverage

Somavert is a medication that contains the active ingredient Pegvisomant. It is used to treat acromegaly, or abnormal growth hormone disorder, in patients who cannot receive or have had an inadequate response to surgery or radiation therapy.

Somavert is typically injected just underneath the skin once daily. It blocks growth hormone in the body from binding to cells and also decreases other growth factors.

Common side effects of Somavert include diarrhea, back pain, upset stomach, flu-like symptoms, signs of a common cold and runny or stuffy nose.

How much does Somavert cost with Medicare?

Somavert 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 Somavert?

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

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

Somavert is an injection given into the fatty part of the skin in the upper arm, thigh, buttocks or stomach area. Wash your hands before and after use.

This medication should be mixed before use. Do not shake the mixture.

Each day that you give the shot, move the injection site where you give it. Avoid giving the shot into irritated or red skin. Use a new needle with each dose.

Somavert can sometimes cause liver problems. Your doctor will monitor for this, but watch for signs of dark urine, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, throwing up or yellow skin or eyes.  

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.