Allopurinol (Lopurin/Zyloprim) Medicare Coverage

Allopurinol is a medication used to treat gout. It can also be used to prevent kidney stones and Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS), a condition common in cancer patients receiving treatment. The brand name equivalents of Allopurinol are called Lopurin and Zyloprim.

Your Allopurinol dose will depend on what you are treating and is typically given 1 to 3 times daily.

Allopurinol inhibits the production of uric acid in the body, which prevents gout and kidney stones from occurring. Major side effects that you may experience with allopurinol include upset stomach and diarrhea.

How much does Allopurinol cost with Medicare?

Allopurinol 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 Allopurinol?

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

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

You should keep taking your Allopurinol as your doctor instructed, even if you feel well. For the best results, take Allopurinol after a meal.

It can take several weeks to see the full effect of Allopurinol. Your chance of gout attacks can increase a few months after you start taking this drug. Do not stop taking Allopurinol without talking to your doctor.

Liver and kidney problems have happened while taking Allopurinol. Signs of liver or kidney problems include inability to pass urine, blood in the urine, noticeable weight gain, fatigue and upset stomach.

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.