Why is viibryd not covered by insurance

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Prescription Drug Coverage

You may be able to find Medicare plan options in your area that cover Viibryd (Vilazodone). Learn more about Viibryd and find Medicare Advantage plans in your area that cover other prescription drugs.

Viibryd is a medication that contains the active ingredient Vilazodone. Viibryd is used to treat major depressive disorder.

Viibryd increases serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain to help improve major depression disorder and anxiety. It comes as an oral tablet that is taken once daily for 7 days.

Common side effects of Viibryd include insomnia, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness and headache.

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Speak with a licensed insurance agent

1-800-557-6059 | TTY 711, 24/7

Does Medicare cover Viibryd or Vilazodone?

Yes, some Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans may cover Viibryd.

• Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD). Most Medicare Advantage beneficiaries (88 percent) are enrolled in MA-PDs.1
• 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 Viibryd.

Find Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage

Or call 1-800-557-6059 TTY Users: 711 24/7 to speak with a licensed insurance agent.

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

Take your daily dose of Viibryd with food. Try taking your dose in the morning if it causes you to have any sleeping problems.

Your dose of Viibryd should be slowly increased.

Viibryd comes as a kit that will instruct you how to take the medication. Typically, you start by taking a 10mg tablet for 7 days, then increase to a 20mg tablet once daily. Your doctor can increase your dose to 40mg after 7 days for full benefit if needed.

Do not take more than your doctor directs you to, and follow instructions on increasing the dose. Increasing the dose too soon could increase your risk of experiencing side effects.

Suicidal thoughts can be increased in young adults who take Viibryd.  It is important to be aware of this risk and get help right away if your depression gets worse or you have other negative mood changes like panic attacks or nervousness.

If any suicidal thoughts or actions occur, tell your doctor right away.

Let your doctor know if you experience signs of bleeding, eye problems or any changes in balance, muscle twitching or seizures, as Viibryd can sometimes cause more serious conditions.

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.

Available to patients with commercial prescription insurance coverage who meet eligibility criteria. Copay assistance program is not available to patients receiving prescription reimbursement under any federal, state, or government-funded insurance programs (for example, Medicare [including Part D], Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Medicaid, TRICARE, Department of Defense, or Veterans Affairs programs) or where prohibited by law.  Offer subject to change or discontinuance without notice. Restrictions, including monthly maximums, may apply. This is not health insurance.

Indication and Usage

VIIBRYD® (vilazodone HCI) is a prescription medicine indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

Important Safety Information

What is the most important information I should know about VIIBRYD?

VIIBRYD and other antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some people 24 years of age and younger, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. VIIBRYD is not for use in children.

Depression or other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. Some people, including those with (or with a family history of) depression, bipolar illness, or a history of suicidal thoughts or actions may have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay close attention to and call your healthcare provider right away to report any new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts or feelings.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:

• Attempts to commit suicide; acting on dangerous impulses; acting aggressive or violent; thoughts about suicide or dying; new or worse depression, new or worse anxiety; panic attacks; feeling agitated or restless; new or worse irritability; trouble sleeping; an extreme increase in activity or talking (mania); or other unusual changes in behavior or mood

Who should not take VIIBRYD?

Do not take VIIBRYD if you take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), have taken or will take an MAOI within 14 days of taking VIIBRYD, or are being treated with the antibiotic linezolid or intravenous methylene blue.

VIIBRYD may cause other serious side effects, including:

Serotonin Syndrome: A potentially life-threatening problem that can happen when VIIBRYD is taken with certain other medicines. Stop taking VIIBRYD and call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you have any of the following: agitation; hallucinations; confusion, coma; fast heart beat; blood pressure changes; dizziness; sweating; flushing; high body temperature; tremors, stiff muscles, or muscle twitching; loss of coordination; seizures; nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

Increased chance of bleeding: Taking VIIBRYD with aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin, or blood thinners may add to this risk. Tell your healthcare provider right away about unusual bleeding or bruising

Manic episodes: Symptoms may include greatly increased energy; severe trouble sleeping; racing thoughts; reckless behavior; unusually grand ideas; excessive happiness or irritability; talking more or faster than usual

Discontinuation symptoms: Do not suddenly stop VIIBRYD without first talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping VIIBRYD suddenly may cause serious side effects including: nausea; sweating; changes in mood; headache; irritability and agitation; tiredness; dizziness; problems sleeping; electric shock sensation; hypomania; anxiety; ringing in your ears; confusion; seizures

Seizures or convulsions

Glaucoma (angle-closure glaucoma): VIIBRYD may cause an eye problem called angle-closure glaucoma. Call your healthcare provider if you have changes in your vision or eye pain

Low salt (sodium) levels in the blood: May be serious and may cause death. Elderly people may be at greater risk for this. Symptoms may include headache; difficulty concentrating; memory changes; confusion; weakness and unsteadiness which can lead to falls

In severe or more sudden cases, symptoms include hallucinations; fainting; seizures; coma; respiratory arrest; death

Sexual problems: Taking VIIBRYD may cause sexual problems. Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop any changes in your sexual function or if you have any questions or concerns about sexual problems during treatment

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking VIIBRYD?

• Tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions or if you:
  • Have or have a family history of suicide, depression, bipolar disorder, mania or hypomania
  • Have or had bleeding problems
  • Have or had seizures or convulsions
  • Have high pressure in the eye (glaucoma)
  • Have low salt (sodium) levels in your blood
  • Drink alcohol
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Taking VIIBRYD late in pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of certain problems in your newborn. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks to your baby if you take VIIBRYD during pregnancy. If you become pregnant during treatment with VIIBRYD, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1‑844‑405‑6185
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if VIIBRYD passes into breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with VIIBRYD
• Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking or plan to take, especially:
  • MAOIs; triptans (medicines used to treat migraines); tricyclic antidepressants; fentanyl; lithium; tramadol; tryptophan; buspirone; amphetamines; St. John’s Wort; medicines that can affect blood clotting such as aspirin, NSAIDs, and warfarin; diuretics; medicines used to treat mood, anxiety, psychotic, or thought disorders, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

VIIBRYD may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how VIIBRYD works. Do not start or stop any medicines while taking VIIBRYD without talking to your healthcare provider.

What should I avoid when taking VIIBRYD?

• Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in other dangerous activities until you know how VIIBRYD affects you. VIIBRYD can cause sleepiness or may affect your ability to make decisions, think clearly, or react quickly. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking VIIBRYD.

What are the most common side effects of VIIBRYD?

• The most common side effects of VIIBRYD include diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, and trouble sleeping. These are not all the possible side effects of VIIBRYD.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Please also see Medication Guide within the full Prescribing Information.