Aztreonam (Azactam) Medicare Coverage

Aztreonam is a medication used to treat bacterial infections including urinary tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections, stomach infections and gynecological infections. The brand name version of Aztreonam is called Azactam.

Aztreonam is given as an injection or as IV every 6-12, hours depending on the type of infection you are treating. Aztreonam has an inhaled form that can be used 3 times daily to treat infections in people with Cystic Fibrosis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Aztreonam medication works by stopping bacteria from forming in the body. This allows the infection to heal.

Common side effects of Aztreonam injections include diarrhea and irritation where the shot is given. Common side effects of Aztreonam inhalations include vomiting, coughing, stuffy nose and throat or stomach pain.

How much does Aztreonam cost with Medicare?

Aztreonam 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 Aztreonam?

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

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

Aztreonam is given as a shot into the muscle or as an IV infusion. This injection is usually given in a medical facility or hospital. It is given on a very strict schedule, as you need a constant level of Aztreonam in your blood to help heal the infection.

Diarrhea is a common side effect of Aztreonam, but severe diarrhea can indicate an infection called CDAD, or C diff-associated diarrhea. If you have stomach pain, cramps or very loose, watery or bloody stools, talk to your doctor.

If the inhaled form is being used to treat cystic fibrosis infections, the drug should be used for 28 days, followed by 28 days off of the drug. This type of Aztreonam should be used with a nebulizer.

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.