BYSTOLIC Prescription and Medicare Coverage

BYSTOLIC is a medication that contains the active ingredient nebivolol and is typically used to treat high blood pressure. It comes as an oral tablet and is currently only available in a brand-name version. Having an insurance plan that provides coverage for prescription drugs helps make the cost more affordable because you may not have to pay as much out-of-pocket. 

Let's take a more detailed look at the benefits of using BYSTOLIC and which Medicare plans can help reduce the cost. 

What To Know About BYSTOLIC

BYSTOLIC is prescribed to help lower high blood pressure, which can reduce your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. The medication works to slow your heart rate and open your blood vessels to reduce blood pressure. The typical dosage for BYSTOLIC is 10 mg and should be taken once per day with or without food. 

BYSTOLIC is considered a beta blocker, which blocks specific natural compounds that usually try to bind to receptors in the heart. Even though the drug has a lot of benefits, taking a beta-blocker may cause you to feel more tired or dizzy, especially in the first few days.

BYSTOLIC Side Effects

BYSTOLIC comes with a few common side effects that you may experience while taking the medication. Some of these side effects can include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Slow heart rate
• Feeling weak
• Drowsiness

You should contact your doctor if you start to experience signs of low blood pressure. Symptoms of that can include headache, weakness, extreme sleepiness, confusion, sweating or shaking. If you start to become dizzy and pass out or experience shortness of breath, noticeable weight gain or swelling in the arms and legs, these are more severe side effects that should also be reported to your doctor. 

BYSTOLIC is not recommended for those with a bronchospastic disease, such as asthma or COPD, or severe liver impairment. If you have diabetes, this medication could increase the risk of hypoglycemia, and it should be taken with caution. 

Is BYSTOLIC Covered by Medicare?

About 79% of Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage for BYSTOLIC. Medicare Advantage plans that offer coverage for prescription drugs are referred to as Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD) and typically have their own drug list, or formulary, that explains which drugs are covered by the plan and how they're covered. 

Drug coverage and availability may vary depending on which Medicare plan you have. How much you pay can also vary depending on what coverage stage you're in. There are two possible stages that you can be in. 

Deductible Stage

Your deductible is the amount of money you pay out-of-pocket for prescription drugs before your insurance plan starts covering its share of the cost. During this stage, you're typically responsible for covering the full cost of your prescriptions. Medicare plan deductibles can vary between $0 and $545. In 2024, Medicare plans can't have deductibles higher than $545.

Typically, you might pay between $42 and $166 for BYSTOLIC during the deductible stage. 

Copay Stage

Once you meet your deductible, you'll move into the copay stage, which is the initial coverage period. When you purchase prescribed medication during this stage, you pay the copayment, which is a flat fee determined by your insurance plan. If you don't have a copayment, you most likely have a coinsurance plan, which means you pay a set percentage of the total cost of the drug and your plan pays the rest. 

A typical payment for BYSTOLIC during the copay stage may be between $27 and $166. 

If you're unsure which Medicare plan option to choose, you can search through the plans that are available in your area. This can help you determine what your preferences are and which coverage options will best fit your prescription drug needs. 

Additional Information About BYSTOLIC

Is It Better To Take BYSTOLIC in the Morning or at Night?

Taking your blood pressure medication at night may be beneficial in the long run. A recent study has reported that waiting until the evening to take your medication may lower your risk of certain cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack, stroke or death due to a blood vessel or heart condition. 

Will BYSTOLIC Cause Weight Gain?

Beta-blockers can sometimes cause weight gain as a side effect of taking the drug. However, rapid or unusual weight gain is a less commonly reported side effect. If you experience this while taking BYSTOLIC, it may be best to check in with your doctor.  

Can You Take Vitamins with BYSTOLIC?

There have been no reported interactions found between BYSTOLIC and vitamins. It may be worth talking to your doctor if this is a concern you have. 

BYSTOLIC may be beneficial for reducing high blood pressure depending on your medical history and condition. Finding the right Medicare plan that meets your prescription drug needs and insurance preferences can help make the drug more affordable if you decide it's the right option for you.