Famotidine (Pepcid) Medicare Coverage

Famotidine is the generic form of the brand name medication called Pepcid. Famotidine is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn and intestinal ulcers.

Famotidine is typically taken twice daily. Famotidine blocks histamine, which inhibits gastric acid from being created in the stomach.

The most common side effects of Famotidine include headache, upset stomach, constipation, stomach pain and diarrhea.

How much does Famotidine cost with Medicare?

Famotidine 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 Famotidine?

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

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

Famotidine can be given as a prescription by your doctor or can be bought over the counter from your pharmacy. You can take Famotidine with or without food. Take Famotidine with food if your stomach is upset after taking it.

Talk to your doctor if you are taking other medications with Famotidine.

Famotidine can sometimes cause liver problems. Signs of liver problems include dark urine, fatigue or yellow skin and eyes. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

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.