Diamox (Acetazolamide) Medicare Coverage

Diamox is a medication that contains the active ingredient Acetazolamide. Diamox is used to prevent or treat altitude sickness and can also be used to treat swelling due to certain drugs or heart failure.

Diamox is also used in patients with glaucoma with elevated eye pressure and is also used to treat epilepsy.   It is typically taken anywhere from 1-4 times daily, depending on what condition you are using it to treat.

Diamox works to help reduce the build-up of fluids in the body and specifically in the eye.

Common side effects of Diamox include upset stomach, vomiting, change in taste, diarrhea, burred eyesight, fatigue, headache and dizziness.

How much does Acetazolamide cost with Medicare?

Acetazolamide 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 Acetazolamide?

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

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

Diamox should be taken several hours before you go to bed. It can make you urinate more often, which can wake you up throughout the night if you take it too late.

Watch for signs of too much acid in the blood or electrolyte problems. Signs of these conditions include mood changes, confusion, upset stomach, abnormal heartbeat, fatigue and seizures. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Also let your doctor know if you have a change in eyesight, change in hearing or a ringing that happens in your ears while taking Diamox.

Liver problems, blood problems and skin reactions have happened to people taking Diamox. If you experience any abnormal side effects, tell your doctor. Serious conditions are rare while taking Diamox, but they can happen.

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.