Seeing Endo Today...

[MKlacza]

Ok... I am seeing my Endo today one week after surgery. What can I expect? I asked Dr Lupo what my dr would put me and he said levothyroxine. After reading several posts... sounds like no one really does well on this drug. Is this the same thing as Synthyroid or the generic version of this drug? I just want to be straight forward with my Dr and tell him I know I am not a dr but I want something that will at least get me out of bed in the morning... I have 2 kids tocare for under 3yrs and I heard Levo was a foggy foggy drug. Maybe I have no clue as to what I am talking about.  

[thyroidbride]

I think you should ask to just be put on Synthroid instead.  My Dr. wrote me a script syaing I could have either.  When I went to fill it the pharmacist gave me Levo, so I just asked to have Synthroid instead and it wasn't a problem

[whittie918]

I'm on levothyroxine, which is the generic of Synthroid.  I feel just fine ~ except when I get up at 4:30 am but hey, thats a whole different subject!

[shannon828]

My Endo said that the most important thing is that whatever drug you start on to continue on it since each manufacturer's dosages are different.  He says people complain about their levels, but are literally taking a different medicine every month and that can be problematic.  He also recommended that I do a name brand (like Synthroid) rather than a Generic.  Of course I still have my thyroid so what the heck do I know?  :)

[MKlacza]

Thanks... I'm just going to ask for the name brand!!! Shouldnt be a problem I wouldnt think. what the heck does he care, I'm paying for it!!! Dont Dr's usually give generic to save us the money??? I'll pay a few extra bucks for the name brand!

[Thypatient]

I had a TT and because of that my dr insists I stay on a brand name.  Levoxyl (a brand name levothyroxine) works out well for me but many people do great on Synthroid, or one of the few other brands.

I don't know what state you live in but in my state the dr must put a check in the box indicating 'fill exactly as written' on the script in order to get the brand name.  Otherwise the pharmacy 'must' fill with a generic form of the drug - which would be any generic form of levothyroxine.  Even if the dr write 'Snynthroid,' or 'Levoxyl,' but doesn't mark that box, the pharmacists must override it and give the generic.  Perhaps other states have this law too.  So make sure if you want a brand name, you're getting it.  I always check when I pick-up and if it's wrong I call the dr.

Good luck.

[redhed87]

Synthroid is used for thyroid cancer patients.  I guess with generic, the formulation can be different each time and since we are supposed to be supressed, it has to be consistent.  I wish I could get generic.  I pay over $40 a month for my synthroid.  I would only have to pay $4 for generic.

[shannon828]

I have the home delivery mail order thing on my insurance and went online to see how much my Sythroid would be and it wasn't bad.  With these programs you generally get three to six months supply of your medicine for the price of one month and it's delivered to your door.  I was quoted for a 90 day supply of 125 mg of Synthroid $25.00 which works out to $100 a year.  I can handle that :)

[Thypatient]

That's good if you can get it, my insurance has that kind of program too.  The problem is, so far, my dr won't write a large amount perscription.  I guess the reason is in case my dose has to change (hasn't yet) I won't have to throw away meds.  It kind of frustrates me a bit.  Even though my insurance picks up the cost either way I feel guilty not going the cheapest root.  Plus, I can't stand going to the pharmacy so often.

I wonder if anyone else has had this experience?  I did have other issues so maybe that played into it, but still.  Those things have settled down now so I'm going to broach this subject again at my next appt.  I'm glad you're reminding me.

I hope it works out for you.

[Thypatient]

...actually my dose changed once, but it was so early - the first week.  Hasn't changed at all in the last 19 mths.

[MKlacza]

Question... redhead87 said Synthyroid is for Cancer patients... only cancer patients?? Is Levoxyl better for someone like me with no cancer but TT??

[skeeter42]

I was put on synthroid after a total TT and had no cancer.  

[kitty9309]

I think when redhead87 said Synthroid, she meant it should be brand name rather than a generic.

[KelDC]

Have you checked with your pharmacy about what the cash cost of the Synthroid is? There is a coupon on Synthroid's website that you can use if you pay cash (not through insurance) for it.  

I asked at my pharmacy, and paying for a 30 day supply of Synthroid out of my own pocket is about $18.  With the $3 coupon on their website, I will pay $15. If I use my prescription insurance, it would be $30!

I have to get Cytomel for after my surgery, and it costs $27 without insurance or $30 co-pay.  Crazy!  

It is worth it to ask the pharmacist what the cost is for Synthroid - it's doesn't seem to be an expensive drug. You'd think they automatically tell you if a drug is cheaper than your co-pay, but that doesn't seem to be the case!  

[kitty9309]

I use the Synthroid coupons as well, since I have no rx coverage.

Thanks for mentioning it!

It is also cheaper to get a 90 day supply vs. 30 days once you are on a stable dose.

[MKlacza]

I went yesterday for a 30 day supply and using my insurance it was $19.18. Not sure if thats good or not...

[KelDC]

Yes, that's good.  Definitely ask about the "cash price", too, though it's probably very comparable to your insurance payment. I think the Synthroid site even gives a "national average" price for a 30 day supply. It also depends on the dosage.  

How did the appt go yesterday????