Danazol (Danocrine) Medicare Coverage

Danazol is a medication used to treat endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease symptoms and to prevent swelling in patients with hereditary angioedema. The brand name equivalent of Danazol is called Danocrine.

Danazol is typically taken twice daily for 3-9 months to treat endometriosis unless symptoms persist. In patients taking Danazol for hereditary angioedema, it is typically taken once daily or once every other day and is usually taken for short periods of time.

Danazol helps endometrial tissue grow normally and decreases levels of a substance that contributes to hereditary angioedema.

Common side effects include increased sweating, hair loss, nervousness, mood swings, weight gain and acne. Some women may experience a deepening voice, facial hair or period changes.

How much does Danazol cost with Medicare?

Danazol 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 Danazol?

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

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

Danazol can be especially toxic to an unborn baby. A pregnancy test is required to show that you are not pregnant prior to starting Danazol.

Birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control can be less effective while taking Danazol. Use a second form of birth control while taking Danazol.

Danazol can cause blood clots with continued use. Blood clots can cause symptoms like chest, arm, back, neck or jaw pain, coughing up blood, numbness or weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking, change in balance or eyesight, shortness of breath or swelling in the legs or arms.

Danazol can lead to severe liver problems. If you use danazol long-term, this can lead to severe bleeding in the abdomen. Do not take danazol longer than your doctor tells you to.

This medication can also lead to increased pressure in the brain. This can cause side effects like headache, dizziness, upset stomach, vomiting or seizures. Call your doctor immediately if you experience these side effects.

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.