Complera Medicare Coverage

Complera is a medication that includes the active ingredients emtricitabine, rilpivirine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Complera is used to treat HIV-1 infection. Complera is taken once daily. Each drug in Complera interferes with the HIV virus’s ability to replicate in the body.

Common side effects of Complera include headache, upset stomach, insomnia, diarrhea, dizziness, strange dreams, fatigue, nose or throat irritation, signs of a common cold and joint and back pain.

How much does Complera cost with Medicare?

Complera 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 Complera?

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

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

Complera should be taken with food. Meal replacement drinks or protein shakes are not sufficient to take with Complera. Even if you feel well, keep taking Complera as your doctor has instructed.

If you have a hepatitis B infection, it can become worse while taking Complera. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have hepatitis B so they can appropriately monitor your liver function.

Avoid taking antacids within 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking Complera. You should also avoid the drugs cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine or ranitidine within 12 hours before or 4 hours after Complera.

Complera can cause infections to appear that you did not know you had. Talk to your doctor if you experience any signs of infection, even if you have been taking Complera for a long time.

Signs of infection can include fever, sore throat, weakness, cough and shortness of breath.  

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.