Dronabinol (Marinol) Medicare Coverage

Dronabinol is a medication used to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The brand name equivalent of Dronabinol is called Marinol.

Dronabinol is typically taken before chemotherapy to treat or prevent nausea or vomiting. Dronabinol is an active cannabinoid derived from cannabis.

Dronabinol is typically well tolerated but can cause side effects such as dizziness, feeling tired and changes in behavior such as easier laughter.

How much does Dronabinol cost with Medicare?

Dronabinol 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 Dronabinol?

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

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

If you are using dronabinol to help you eat more, take your dose 1 hour before lunch and dinner. If you are using the liquid form of the medication, take it with a full glass of water.

Stopping dronabinol very suddenly can sometimes lead to withdrawal.

Dronabinol can cause you to feel very dizzy or even pass out. Be careful when performing tasks that require your full attention. Do not smoke, drink alcohol or use other forms of cannabis while taking dronabinol.

Dronabinol can cause mood changes when you start taking it and may be habit-forming with long-term use. Talk to your doctor if you have had problems with substance abuse, addiction or mental problems in the past.

If you are 65 or older, you may experience more 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.