Ondansetron (Zofran) Medicare Coverage

Ondansetron is the generic form of the brand name medication Zofran. Ondansetron is used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting after operations, chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

Ondansetron is typically taken as needed to control nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron blocks serotonin in the brain and in the chemotherapy receptors to prevent and treat nausea.

Common side effects include headache, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue and anxiety.

How much does Ondansetron cost with Medicare?

Ondansetron 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 Ondansetron?

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

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

For the dissolvable tablet, place on tongue and let it dissolve. Water is not necessary. If you are using more than 1 dissolvable tablet, let each tablet dissolve one at a time.

Call your doctor if you experience fast or abnormal heart beat or if you pass out. This may be indicative of a more serious heart problem.

Serotonin syndrome can happen with Ondansetron, usually if you take it very often. Call your doctor if you experience agitation, changes in balance, confusion, fever, abnormal heartbeat, flushing, muscle problems, shaking, sweating, upset stomach or headache.

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.