Re: 🌸 Be Consistent With Thyroid Meds

halfpint1 · ‎03-10-2010

I just got a call from the clinic that my thyroid has gotten high. I take all my meds at the same time. May I shouldn't. He said he will send a suplement. I go back next month. I better start asking and knowing more instead of just taking. I asked what are the causes and all he said was aging.

sophiamarie · ‎08-08-2013

Halfpint: YOu might want to ask your "pharmacist" about this. I believe you should take your thyroid pill first thing in the morning. I leave mine on my night table the night before and take it as soon as I open my eyes in the morning. Then, I get out of bed, do all my stuff, get my coffee, etc. Then, I take all my other pills. By that time, about an hour has passed since taking the thyroid pill.

BUT, pleast check with the Pharmacist. I, also, take Levothyroxine - two different doses on different days. A 90 day supply for both bottles, cost a little over $11 with my insurance.

cherry · ‎03-09-2010

@halfpint1 they can tell by a blood test, if your numbers aren't right. They have raised my dose once, in 5 years, and I felt so much better, when they did

Laura14 · ‎06-09-2014

@halfpint1 I second @sophiamarie pharmacist ask. They'll tell you exactly how to take your meds although the med guide should have had it on there as well and most computer systems scan for interactions as well.

You have to read and follow those pamphlets which I know no one ever really sits and reads so just ask at your next pick up and they'll be happy to help. If you take a lot of meds, you really can't map it out on your own. They'll do it for you and if you have Medicaid or Medicare, they will provide MTM services for free. (Medication Therapy Management).

I already posted this once before in a thyroid thread but it is well known that thyroid medications are not interchangeable. If for some reason anyone's pharmacy isn't aware of that even though they absolutely should be, make sure you refill in sufficient time as someone's doctor said.

Pharmacists can order anything but there is fulfillment time if they don't keep it in stock. A good pharmacy will put it on their regular inventory if you are a long time customer. We used to have bottles marked for specific patients so we knew not to touch that because Mrs. X would be needing that supply shortly.

smb3 · ‎03-12-2010

@tsavorite wrote:
I have had this same experience since my doctor switched me from Armour to Synthyroid 1yr ago. The Armour was fine BUT for whatever reason we were always raising my dose and no matter as it wouldn't budge my T4 levels even into the basement of the range! My T3 only just barely in range. My energy and how I was feeling after 10yrs on Armour made me think maybe I should just step out and try T4 only and see how I do.

I was on some generic T4 brand and my labs were really low...so he raised it up to 112mcg's and they got WAY better. I believe it was this Sandoz brand you mention @x Hedge. However my T3 was in the basment not in range at all still. Since then I tried the brand synthyroid and my labs tanked. Waste of money weak stuff. Then Costco filled the next one with some other generic brand and my labs showed better but the Sandoz one had the highest T4 level I have ever had...160's...but T3 not in range.

Long story short...finally got on synthetic T3....5mcg's then 10mcg's now up to 15mgc's and at least my labs show in the 130 range area. It has been a really LONG process doing this....I do feel better but feel I could use more T3 to get higher in range. Fatigue is a huge problem for me.

I will call Costco to see if they still carry the Sandoz manufacture for my next refill...thanks for posting about this! I need all the help I can get and low lab numbers show I am not optimal as I could be which I believe effects how I am feeling.

Just a note on Armour for me....I wish I could have stayed on it...still think I may go back to it but it is so expensive! And now having to purchase the T3 really has pushed my bill right back up there again. They only make the T3 in 5mcg's or 25mcg's so it is pricey every 90days just for those.

I also think Armour is the best. I was on it years ago, a doctor talked me out of taking it, said it was "antiquated". Then it became very hard to get. I still think it was the best thyroid hormone/medication and regret taking doctor advice. Note: not all doctors are "up" on what is the best for you. Educating yourself is the best thing you can do.

katiemichelle · ‎06-10-2015

I had a total thyroidectomy seventeen years ago. I have been on Synthroid since then, up and down, up and down. I am never on the same dosage, usually having blood tests every 6 to 8 weeks.

For those who don't know, Armour is natural thyroid - dessicated pig thyroid. Synthroid, Levoxy, levothyroxine are synthetic thyroid hormone - manufactured.

My endocrinologist told me to never, ever take generic thyroid hormone. The levels are too inconsistant.

theBabe · ‎06-16-2010

@January121 wrote:

@cherry ..... I can only take Armour also .... my insurance co Express Scripts does not pay one cent towards my Armour medicine ... I pay $50.00 per month (150.00 for 90 days) out of my own pocket .... I can’t take anything else so I have no choice.

I also have Express Scripts, and they will pay most of the cost of Nature Throid. I switched from Armour to this and my labs have been great.

cherry · ‎03-09-2010

My Dr doesn't want me on Nature Throid. I will take it if I can't get Armour. I know for a while it wasn't available..it has really increased in price

highmaintenancejan · ‎03-09-2010

You know, I think there is something to this...even the generic consistency issue...for years I took Walgreen's generic. (Lannett) This year I switched to Walmart insurance and took their generic. Which is Sandoz. Well, guess what? My TSH went up...which means I now need a higher dose of Levathyroxine. Now, I'm wondering if I should splurge for the REAL Synthroid? I forgot to ask my doctor, as I was there for a much bigger problem. I will see him next month and will ask!