Revlimid Medicare Coverage

Revlimid is a prescription chemotherapy medication that contains the active ingredient Lenalidomide. It is typically taken orally once daily for 21 days of a 28-day cycle, at which point the need for the drug is reassessed based on cancer progression or improvement.

Revlimid targets specific proteins within cancer cells and stops cancer from growing.

The major side effects of Revlimid include diarrhea, rash, nausea, constipation, tiredness, fever, itching, swelling of the limbs and skin and persistent cough.

How much does Lenalidomide cost with Medicare?

Lenalidomide 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 Lenalidomide?

According to GoodRx, 98% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Lenalidomide, the generic form or Revlimid, in 2023.¹

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

Revlimid is used to treat mantle cell lymphoma after patients have relapsed or progressed after 2 prior therapies, one of which included bortezomib.  Revlimid is used in combination with dexamethasone in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Serious side effects of Revlimid include birth defects, increased risk of death in people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), risks of new cancers, severe liver problems, severe skin reactions, tumor lysis syndrome, worsening of the present tumor, thyroid problems and risk of early death in patients with mantle cell lymphoma.

A severe decrease in white blood cells, or neutropenia, can occur with Revlimid and may require dose reductions. If neutropenia occurs, you may need an additional medication for adequate management.

Revlimid has also been associated with an increase in arterial and venous blood clots, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction and stroke when used with dexamethasone. If you develop symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain or arm or leg swelling, get medical attention.

Prevention of blood clots with medication therapy is recommended.

You should not use Revlimid if you are pregnant due to the potential for severe birth defects or embryo-fetal death. Two negative pregnancy tests and two forms of contraception are required at least 4 weeks prior to, during and for 4 weeks after Revlimid treatment.

Patients using Revlimid who have kidney impairment may experience an increased rate of side effects.

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.