Propylthiouracil Medicare Coverage

Propylthiouracil is a medication used to treat hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid. Propylthiouracil is only available in its generic form.

Propylthiouracil stops your thyroid from producing thyroid hormones so your thyroid level remains normal. It is typically taken 3 times daily for full benefit.

Common side effects of Propylthiouracil include headache, upset stomach, vomiting, stomach pain, muscle or joint pain, dizziness, sleepiness, hair loss and changes in taste.

How much does Propylthiouracil cost with Medicare?

Propylthiouracil 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 Propylthiouracil?

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

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

Propylthiouracil may not be appropriate for everyone who has an overactive thyroid. It is primarily used by people who have Graves’ disease or a toxic multinodular goiter who are intolerant to other medications, and for whom surgery or iodine therapy is not appropriate.

Propylthiouracil can sometimes cause liver damage. Liver toxicity can happen in people with or without liver disease, and the result can be bad. Your doctor will monitor your liver function closely.

Tell your doctor if you experience signs of liver problems including fatigue, loss of appetite, upset stomach, stomach pain, throwing up or yellow skin or eyes.

Propylthiouracil can make your thyroid function too low, or cause hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include constipation, cold intolerance, memory problems, weight gain and fatigue.

Let your doctor know if you feel like your thyroid is not working properly.

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.