Compounding Pharmacy, Adjusting Levo & Cytomel

[TXGrama]

Does anyone know of a good compounding pharmacy?  My doctor is still adjusting the levels of T4 & T3 (From TSH of 10.8, normal FT4 & low FT3 in May).  Last labs:

TSH  0.25  (0.45-4.5)
FT4  1.26  (0.82-1.77)
FT3  2.7  (2.0-4.4)

Reverse T3  341  (90-350)  (My hunch is this was over 350 in May and until we lowered T4 [levo].

I paid for Reverse T3, as I didn't think insurance would pay for it-I'm already battling Medicare on bone density despite on IV Boniva & other issues.

The above labs were while on 88 mcg levo and 10 mcg of Cytomel.  [I was resistant to conversion form T4 to T3].  We have upped the dose to 15 mcg of Cytomel and downed the levo to 75 mcg.  My internist has been good working we me, as I was getting no where with an endo here in TX.

I did consult with, and may again after the 1st of year with an endo in CA.  He had mentioned we could compound the T4/T3 in a slow release capsule, but didn't know if my insurance would pay.  I have since found they will, but I have to pay in advance and then they'll reimburse.  We just have to hit the right dosage first.  Since I have to take the Cytomel 3 times a day, a time release capsule would be nice.

Though so far I have not had any problems with the Cytomel, my internest is concerned about my heart and the risk of atrial fib, as I have had some mild tach w/o any reason.  Stress tests, etc have been normal, but do have some athero.  Cardiologist has me taking the apirin a day.

I had been taking the Armour, but when availability became problem, I was put on levo which did absolutely nothing for my FT3 and didn't make me feel any better.  I did try the generic form of Cytomel, but now make sure it is all brand name.

[TXGrama]

Thanks, Stella, for the info on the Women's Health Network.  Will check it out.  My insurance lists a number of compounding pharmacies in their provider network, but not all of them will do thyroid meds and I want to make sure I get a realiable one.

Hopefully soon we'll get my dosage regulated!

[TXGrama]

I do have Medicare Part B, but NOT Medicare Part D (Pharmacy).

Medicare would probably not pay for compounding.  My 2ndary insurance is BCBS Federal Employees. It is the one that will pay for compounded drugs.  I keep it despite premiums going up because of the Pharmany benefits (also, it's my 2ndary insurance for medical).

Of course with all our Congress is doing with healthcare, it may end up with BCBS not paying for compounded drugs either.  As of 2009 they do pay, but I must pay first & then seek reimbursement.  Also the drugs, must be approved drugs which I interpret to mean if they are paying for the levo and Cytomel individually - they would pay for it as a compounded drug - subject to co-pay.

We'll see if once I can get the dose finally regulated.

[stella5349]

I have a database available for this information. There is a place in Madison called Women's Heath Network that is doing global ships.

[jena64]

When you say your insurance will pay for compounded meds, are you taking about Medicare?  I want to get my meds compounded but I was told Medicare would not pay for them.

[dolphin27]

I was given this website: http://www.iacprx.org.
I am too on Cytomel/Synthroid combo and donot have a lot of relief.
I move to Denver in 2 weeks and want to try the slow release also.
Let me know how it works for you!