Antabuse (Disulfiram) Medicare Coverage

Antabuse is a medication that contains the active ingredient Disulfiram. It is used to manage chronic alcohol abuse disorder in people who want to abstain from alcohol.

Antabuse is typically taken as 500mg daily for 2 weeks, then 250mg daily after.

Antabuse, when mixed with alcohol, can cause nausea, vomiting and other symptoms. These undesirable side effects help the person taking it to avoid alcohol.

Common side effects include fatigue, erectile dysfunction, acne, headaches and a change in taste.

How much does Disulfiram cost with Medicare?

Disulfiram 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 Disulfiram?

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

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

Do not take Antabuse for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol or taking drugs that have alcohol in them.

Avoid alcohol and drugs or foods that contain alcohol. This includes alcohol in forms of some sauces, vinegars, topical products and even mouth wash. Do not use any products with alcohol for 2 weeks after Antabuse is stopped.

Liver problems can happen while taking Antabuse. Symptoms of liver problems include dark urine, feeling tired, loss of appetite, upset stomach, stomach pain, throwing up and 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.