Question 1

How can I lower the cost of my metoclopramide

Accepted Answer

You can lower cost of your metoclopramide using one of the 4 following drug savings programs: Rx Advantage Card for metoclopramide, Canadian Prescription Savings for metoclopramide, metoclopramide Drug Coupons, metoclopramide Patient Assistance Programs

Question 2

What dosages is metoclopramide available in?

Accepted Answer

metoclopramide is available as a 5 mg and 10 mg oral tablet/orally disintegrating tablet and a 5 mg/5 ml oral solution.

Question 3

What is metoclopramide used for?

Accepted Answer

metoclopramide is a dopamine agonist that is used to treat:
Delayed stomach-emptying caused by diabetes (diabetic gastroparesis) Severe acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) when other medications haven’t worked

Question 4

How does metoclopramide work?

Accepted Answer

metoclopramide mainly works as a dopamine antagonist (blocks dopamine). Dopamine is a chemical made by your brain that affects many parts of your body, including the digestive tract.
Dopamine normally slows down muscle movements in your gut, causing food to stay in your stomach longer. This can lead to nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. By blocking dopamine, metoclopramide helps speed up muscle movements in your gut and relieve these stomach-related symptoms. metoclopramide also tightens a muscle in your gut to stop the backflow of stomach acid into your throat. This helps prevent heartburn.

Question 5

How do I take metoclopramide?

Accepted Answer

metoclopramide is typically dosed at 10 mg to 15 mg by mouth 4 times daily. It should be taken 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. Your dose might be lower if you are older than 65 years old, have liver or kidney conditions, or are taking medications that interact with metoclopramide.

Question 6

Is it safe for me to take metoclopramide?

Accepted Answer

metoclopramide is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have any of the following:

History of TD or dystonic reaction to metoclopramide
When stimulation of gastrointestinal motility might be dangerous
Pheochromocytoma, catecholamine-releasing paragangliomas
Epilepsy
Hypersensitivity to metoclopramide

Question 7

metoclopramide Common Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of metoclopramide:  Restlessness Drowsiness Lack of energy Tiredness

Question 8

metoclopramide Serious Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Serious side effects are rare with metoclopramide. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.  Uncontrolled muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia): sticking out your tongue, puffing out your cheeks, puckering your mouth, lip smacking, chewing, and shaking in your arms and legs Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): very high fever, stiff muscles, problem thinking clearly, very fast or uneven heartbeat, and sweating Suicidal thoughts and behavior Seizures

Question 9

Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on metoclopramide

Accepted Answer

The following medications may interact with metoclopramide:  Antipsychotics: Potential for additive effects, including TD, EPS, and NMS; avoid concomitant use. CNS depressants: Increased risk of CNS depression. Avoid concomitant use and monitor for adverse reactions Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., quinidine, bupropion, fluoxetine, and paroxetine): See Full Prescribing Information for recommended dosage reductions. MAO inhibitors: Increased risk of hypertension; avoid concomitant use Additional drug interactions: See Full Prescribing Information

Question 10

Who makes metoclopramide?

Accepted Answer

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Question 11

Is metoclopramide safe in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

It is not known if metoclopramide will harm your unborn baby. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant.

Question 12

What is the brand name for metoclopramide?

Accepted Answer

REGLAN

Question 13

How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my metoclopramide prescription?

Accepted Answer

After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your metoclopramide prescription

Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.

Question 14

How do the NowPatient metoclopramide savings programs work?

Accepted Answer

After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.

Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.

Question 15

Are the NowPatient metoclopramide savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.

	Rx Advantage Card* for metoclopramide	Canadian Prescription Savings* for metoclopramide	metoclopramide Drug Coupon*	metoclopramide Patient Assistance Program*
Insured (federal, state or government)	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured (Commercial or Private)	Available	Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Uninsured	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company

*This is not insurance.

Question 16

Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of metoclopramide?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below

	Rx Advantage Card* for metoclopramide	Canadian Prescription Savings* for metoclopramide	metoclopramide Drug Coupon*	metoclopramide Patient Assistance Program*
Brand	Yes	Yes	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Generic	Yes	Yes	No	No

*This is not insurance.

Question 17

If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the metoclopramide savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?

Accepted Answer

If you are insured with Medicare and the metoclopramide drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.

If you are denied Medicaid for metoclopramide, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question 18

I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the metoclopramide prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, metoclopramide is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed metoclopramide for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.

Question 19

I am commercially or privately insured and none of the metoclopramide prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.

If you cannot afford your copay contribution, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.

Question 20

If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the metoclopramide prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay contributions?

Accepted Answer

If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:

1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for metoclopramide

If you are having trouble paying for your metoclopramide medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for metoclopramide you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:

Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
metoclopramide is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers metoclopramide
If metoclopramide is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications

You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.

2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for metoclopramide

If you are having trouble paying for your metoclopramide medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for metoclopramide you will need to meet the following criteria:

You live in and are being treated in the United States
You are insured and your plan covers metoclopramide
If metoclopramide is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications

You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.

3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for metoclopramide

Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your metoclopramide treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for metoclopramide you will need to meet the following criteria:

You must be currently insured and have coverage for metoclopramide
You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.

You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.