Nicardipine (Cardene) Medicare Coverage

Nicardipine is a medication used to treat a form of chest pain called angina and is sometimes used to lower blood pressure. The brand name equivalent of Nicardipine is called Cardene.

Nicardipine is usually taken 3 times daily. Nicardipine helps your blood vessels relax and increases the amount of oxygen that reaches your heart.

Common side effects of Nicardipine include dizziness, flushing, headache and fatigue.

How much does Nicardipine cost with Medicare?

Nicardipine 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 Nicardipine?

According to GoodRx, 82% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Nicardipine in 2023.¹

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

Nicardipine helps lower your blood pressure, but you may not be able to feel it working. Don’t stop taking Nicardipine without talking to your doctor.

Nicardipine can potentially make you dizzy or make you pass out. Be sure to stand up slowly after you have been sitting or lying down.

Be careful using stairs, driving, and doing any other tasks that require you to be alert.

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.