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Adding Cytomel

I'm getting ready to add Cytomel to my Synthroid treatment.

I have been on Levo- then synthroid for 6 months now. I have had a modest (15-20% improvement) but not enough to get work. I am looking at adding Cytomel T3, but my current doctor is uncomfortable with that, so I will have to pony up for a specialist, as I have no insurance. Is there any way to covince my current doctor (free clinic) to presrcibe BOTH t-3 and T4? He has no problem doing JUST T3 Cytomel, but he does not want to do both, but I cant afford a specialist. What are my options?

Thanks
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97953 tn?1440865392
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Your doc must be comfortable with the treatment - that is in your best interest as well as his.  

T3 alone is typically not suggested.

T3 is about 4x as potent as T4 (ie 100mcg T4 is about 25mcg cytomel).

One common protocol is to use 5mcg in am an again at 2-3pm of cytomel.  The T4 dose is then decreased by about 40mcg to accomodate the cytomel (provided the TSH is at target on the current T4 dose).

I have seen cytomel prescribed at T4 doses by docs who don't realize it is 4x as potent -- make sure this mistake is avoided.
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, Combination for thyroid and Cytomel was started.
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A related discussion, cytomel and synthroid was started.
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My doctor won't prescribe Armour due to my thyroid cancer.  Do you think she would prescribe cytomel to go with my synthroid.  What is the difference?  She said Armour was too difficult to regulate, is cytomel the same?
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Avatar universal
Hi -

Ask for Armour Thyroid - it has both T3 and T4 in it.  It is MUCH cheaper than Synthroid+Cytomel.  I pay about $16 for a 90 day supply at my pharmacy.  You regular doctor shouldn't have any problem prescribing it instead of the Synthroid.  It also works really well (at least it has for me).
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