anyone with thyroid problems?

**pop goes the weasel** · 08-07-2009, 04:17 PM

I have been trying to get a different drug than the cytomel I am taking with the synthroid. Mine is underactive.The cost is just too much. I am starting to feel the effects of not having my meds. I can't seem to get it through the receptionists head that they raised the price of my meds and there is no generic version I am so tired and sluggish I feel like a slug. My joints hurt and I have constant heartburn even if I just drink water. I was wondering if anyone has tried any of the natural herbs and meds that are being advertised. I would just go into the dr and try to explain but that would cost me 155.00. This is a walk in clinic mind you. Any info would be greatly appreciated by me and my dh. He's tired of me being tired lol. Thanks

**ladykemma2** · 08-07-2009, 04:23 PM

can you have the doc "call in" a prescription for you?

**frugalfranny** · 08-07-2009, 04:29 PM

Yep, pop, I am with you.

I don't do the cytomel. Quit using synthroid when their prices started doubling after losing the lawsuit years ago. Went to the generic for it.

I have done lots of reading on-line which really helps. Finding a 'regular' dr. that knows much about this is all but impossible here.

Are they doing regular blood tests on you? Not JUST the TSH but insist that they do the T3 and T4 too. The TSH really doesn't say much......other than "you are on the graph".....or off of it as the case may be. It does NOTHING to say HOW your body is using the drug.

Also, almost anything ELSE that you take can affect the way your body is using.....or not using......the drug. Sinus tabs....aspirin....allergy meds...among other OTC drugs......plus blood pressure, etc. This is something a 'regular' dr. might not tell you........or in my case.......DIDN'T EVEN KNOW!

DON'T.........and I repeat........DON'T go off the drug on your own. (not sure about cytomel, but I am talking about synthroid) Been there, done that and was almost hospitalized years ago for doing it!

**pop goes the weasel** · 08-07-2009, 04:48 PM

I had the dr call in ascript but it ended up being more than the cytomel. I finally got them to understand that the problem was the price not the med. and yes I quit by myself. I ran out over a month ago and have been trying ever since to find something affordable. They are going to see if just straight synthoid will work for me. Thats all my daughter takes but hers isn't as bad as mine. So I"m waiting on them to call me back.

**frugalfranny** · 08-07-2009, 04:53 PM

There is a generic synthroid that is 1/3 the price. Levothyroxin.

Can you try that? Most do okay on it.......some don't

**ladykemma2** · 08-07-2009, 04:57 PM

interesting. out of curiosity i googled it and cytomel is T-3 hormone.

it is used, inappropriately, by body builders to beef up their metabolism and burn fat.

Levo-thyroxine (L-T4) (synthroid) is t-4 hormone.

**pop goes the weasel** · 08-07-2009, 04:58 PM

what's really bad is that I have been trying to get things so they are a bit healthier around here. I have scrubbed down the basement walls and put on Drylok to get rid of the mold problem, try and keep the dust to a minimum, canning all the stuff Ican so thereisn't a bunchof crap in them , ect. and all the while I feel lousier an lousier because the drs can't give me something to help that is affordable.

**frugalfranny** · 08-07-2009, 05:05 PM

If you have gone cold turkey off your drugs.......exactly what you described is what will happen.......you slowly have it all out of your system.......you keep dragging and dragging.......the hospital will be the end result. Potential for......heart damage, brain damage.......death.

**ladykemma2** · 08-07-2009, 05:11 PM

Generic Version of Cytomel -- Thyroid T3 Drug -- Approved
Thursday July 16, 2009

Mylan Pharmaceuticals has announced that it has approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its generic version of the drug Cytomel. Mylan has already begun to ship Liothyronine Sodium Tablets USP in three sizes that match Cytomel's dosages: 5 mcg, 25 mcg, and 50 mcg.
Mylan's liothyronine sodium tablets are the generic version of King Pharmaceuticals' drug Cytomel®, which is a synthetic form of the T3 hormone. Cytomel had total U.S. sales of approximately $54 million for the 12 months ending March 31, 2009.

Synthetic T3 is used as an adjunct to levothyroxine or desiccated thyroid treatment in some patients with hypothyroidism, as thyroid hormone replacement for some thyroid cancer patients prior to scans, and in rare cases, as a sole form of thyroid hormone replacement.

Source: Mylan Pharmaceuticals

**Tiajean** · 08-07-2009, 10:19 PM

Pop, there is another option of trying to contact the maker of the drug themselves. Many times they have programs to help people who cannot afford the meds they need. When I was younger, didn't have health insurance, and needed the help, I was on the program through my doctor and they would send my prescriptions to me 3 months at a time. It's definately worth looking into since the worst that could happen is they could tell you no and you're already not taking them. You need these meds, it really isn't something to mess around with!

**Luckybustert** · 08-07-2009, 11:05 PM

I take Armour for my thyroid and it costs me next to nothing to get it filled. I'm not sure the exact amount, but I pay $26/month total for that and two other prescriptions.

**Jamielane** · 08-07-2009, 11:12 PM

I take the generic version of synthroid but I also take a fish oil capsule and a b comples everyday. My suggested I do this and it has helped alot. Back in late winter It was very bad, I stopped having a cycle, my body was so tired and I could hardly hold my head up. I could barely get out of bed some days. My meds had to be doubled. The generic brand of the synthroid at my drug store is less then 15.00 . The vitamins added to my regimen made a huge difference. I can even usually find them at the dollar store. Just check the expiration dates and that they are made in teh us or canada. Fish oil is the same as Omega 3. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

**frugalfranny** · 08-08-2009, 02:29 AM

PGTW.......I also forgot to tell you that the generic....Levothyroxine is on Walmart $4 list. So you can get 30 tabs for $4. I get three months at a time......costs me $12.

What can also be done is find a pharmacy that will price match and have them match WM price. I have done that too. Albertson's will, Rite Aid and Walgrens WON'T. Fred Meyer will too.

**ladykemma2** · 08-08-2009, 07:20 AM

guys,

hormone t-3 is not the same as t-4

**pop goes the weasel** · 08-10-2009, 01:58 PM

My problem is the price of both cytomel and what they clled t-5. Neither are covered under walmart and are expensive here. almost 50 bucks a clip depending on the dosage. Right now I have no insurance to pay for them. I have been taking synthroid so I can get it for 4 dollars. the dr. still hasn't called back. I ahve been going to htis same dr for almost 20 years with no problems. Now there is on woman working the office that makes things difficult. I have talked to the dr about her but nothing has changed. so if she's there I may as well talk to the wall. I'd probably get farther that way.She's the one that toldme that I couldn't pay payments on theoffice visit. I found out other wise but if she's there she'll want all ofit or no appointment. I hate to change drs. but I may have to. I did ask if I could just take the synthroid but haven't heard yet