Lupron (Leuprolide) Medicare Coverage

Lupron is a medication that is used to treat symptoms in advanced prostate cancer and symptoms of endometriosis. It can also be used to treat early onset puberty. The generic form of Lupron is called Leuprolide.

Lupron is an injection given into the muscle or just under the skin and is given every 1-3 months, depending on the condition you are treating.

Common side effects of Lupron include headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, constipation, upset stomach, vomiting, insomnia, dizziness, irritation where you give the shot, muscle or joint pain and flu-like symptoms.

Women have an increased risk of experiencing side effects such as mood changes, acne, weight changes and feeling nervous or excited.

How much does Leuprolide cost with Medicare?

Leuprolide 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 Leuprolide?

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

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

Lupron is given as an injection. Make sure you know exactly how to give yourself the shot.

Wash your hands before and after injecting. You should move the site where you give the shot each time you use it. Be sure to throw away needles in a sharps container or other disposal box. Never reuse needles.

Women taking this medication usually do not have a period, however this medication should not be used as a form of birth control.

Let your doctor know if you experience signs of high blood sugar while taking Lupron including confusion, drowsiness, increased thirst or hunger, frequent urination, rapid breathing or breath that smells fruity.

Talk to your doctor if you think you may have an infection. Infection symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, pain with passing urine or a wound that will not heal.

Lupron can increase your blood pressure. Talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms of high blood pressure including headache, dizziness, fainting or change in eyesight.

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.