Xopenex (Levalbuterol) Medicare Coverage

Xopenex is a medication that contains the active ingredient Levalbuterol. It is used to treat airway diseases that cause spasms (bronchospasms) which can lead to breathing problems. These conditions include asthma and COPD, among others.

Xopenex relaxes smooth muscles in the airways to help breathing return to normal. The Xopenex inhaler is typically used every 4-6 hours as needed. The nebulization solution is used 3 times daily.

Common side effects include feeling nervous or excitable, headache, dizziness, runny nose, throat irritation, shakiness and diarrhea.

How much does Levalbuterol cost with Medicare?

Levalbuterol 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 Levalbuterol?

According to GoodRx, 60% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Levalbuterol, the generic form of Xopenex in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Levalbuterol 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 2024 Medicare Advantage plans include 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 Levalbuterol. 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

The inhaler should only be used by breathing it into the lungs.

Shake well before using the inhaler. Prime the inhaler before first use or when the inhaler hasn’t been used for 3 days or more. Press the button and inhale quickly.

If you have trouble inhaling the medication quickly, talk to your doctor about getting a spacer or using the nebulizer solution.

Xopenex can sometimes cause breathing problems to become worse. Get emergency medical help if you have trouble breathing, breathing that gets worse, wheezing or coughing. Xopenex can also cause high or low blood pressure and low potassium levels.

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.