Is Armour Thyroid Covered By Insurance

What Is Armor Thyroid

armor thyroid is a brand name prescription thyroid medication. it replaces thyroid hormones in people with an underactive thyroid and suppresses the growth of thyroid nodules, goiter, and thyroid cancer.

armor thyroid tablets contain dry extract of pig thyroid glands . the tablets are taken to treat hypothyroidism in doses ranging from 60 to 120 mg daily. The exact amount of thyroid hormone in an Armor Thyroid tablet can vary depending on the strength of the tablet. For example, a 60 mg tablet or 1 grain contains 38 micrograms of the hormone thyroxine and 9 micrograms of the hormone Liothyronine .

Thyroid medications, such as armor thyroid, are not prescribed for people with high levels of thyroid hormones or uncontrolled adrenal gland problems.

How Do I Store And/or Throw Out This Drug

Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets. Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

What Is Armour Thyroid Used To Treat

Doctors prescribe Armour Thyroid for:

• Hypothyroidism, a disease where the thyroid does not produce sufficient levels of thyroid hormones
• Thyroid nodules and multinodular goiter, different types of lumps that form inside of the thyroid
• Hashimotos thyroiditis, a disorder where your immune system attacks your thyroid
• Some forms of thyroid cancer

Don’t Miss: What Blood Test Checks Thyroid Function

Information For The Patient

Patients on thyroid hormone preparations and parents of children on thyroid therapy should be informed that:

1. Replacement therapy is to be taken essentially for life, with the exception of cases of transient hypothyroidism, usually associated with thyroiditis, and in those patients receiving a therapeutic trial of the drug.

2. They should immediately report during the course of therapy any signs or symptoms of thyroid hormone toxicity, e.g., chest pain, increased pulse rate, palpitations, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, nervousness, or any other unusual event.

3. In case of concomitant diabetes mellitus, the daily dosage of antidiabetic medication may need readjustment as thyroid hormone replacement is achieved. If thyroid medication is stopped, a downward readjustment of the dosage of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agent may be necessary to avoid hypoglycemia. At all times, close monitoring of urinary glucose levels is mandatory in such patients.

4. In case of concomitant oral anticoagulant therapy, the prothrombin time should be measured frequently to determine if the dosage of oral anticoagulants is to be readjusted.

5. Partial loss of hair may be experienced by children in the first few months of thyroid therapy, but this is usually a transient phenomenon and later recovery is usually the rule.

The American Thyroid Association’s Opposition To Natural Desiccated Thyroid

Most endocrinologists take their direction from the ATA, which maintains that the guidelines and recommendation for levothyroxine and against NDT and combination T4/T3 therapy are evidence-based. There are, however, some disputable or questionable elements in their claims about NDT. On the ATA’s information page on thyroid hormone treatment, they make the following statements , to which I’ve offered my rebuttal:

While the unquestioned “superiority” of levothyroxine compared to “old-fashioned” NDT drugs has become accepted dogma in the endocrinology community, it’s clear that the research does not support it. This raises a question: Are the ATA’s “evidence-based” guidelines being unfairly influenced? Given what we know about the influence of drug companies, it’s a valid question.

The ATA panels that create guidelines are supposed to operate without bias. At the same time, the ATA itself, as well as panel members, are frequent recipients of grants, funding, and financial support from drug companies whose products they are in a position to recommend. In fact, according to the 2016 ATA annual report, pharmaceutical company Abbvie, – manufacturer of the Synthroid brand of levothyroxine – is one of the ATA’s top corporate donors. No manufacturers of NDT are major donors to the ATA or funding sources for its guidelines panel members.

You May Like: Treatment For Thyroid Cancer That Has Spread To Lungs

How To Get Thyroid Armor Without Insurance

Armor Thyroid can be an expensive prescription drug for many people, and monthly refills can be difficult to afford over time. In addition, people without commercial health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid may have to pay full retail price for shielded or similar thyroid medications.

abbvie is the maker of armor thyroid and currently offers a patient assistance program that can help cover armor thyroid coverage. check their website for exact eligibility requirements. If you dont qualify to save through the manufacturer, there are other ways to save money.

How To Save On Armour Thyroid

There are a number of ways you can save on Armour Thyroid prescription prices. With SingleCare, your drug costs can be reduced by up to 80%. For instance, you can pay as low as $26.69 for 30, 60mg Tablet when you use the SingleCare discount program or Armour Thyroid coupons. These discounts are redeemable at many major pharmacies. Plus, coupons from our site or mobile app are free for all customers to use on every refill. They are not limited to time or dollar amount.

Also Check: Breast Cancer Metastasis To Thyroid

Indications And Usage For Armour Thyroid

Armour® Thyroid tablets are indicated:

1. As replacement or supplemental therapy in patients with hypothyroidism of any etiology, except transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis. This category includes cretinism, myxedema, and ordinary hypothyroidism in patients of any age , or state primary hypothyroidism resulting from functional deficiency, primary atrophy, partial or total absence of thyroid gland, or the effects of surgery, radiation, or drugs, with or without the presence of goiter and secondary , or tertiary hypothyroidism .

2. As pituitary TSH suppressants, in the treatment or prevention of various types of euthyroid goiters, including thyroid nodules, subacute or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis , multinodular goiter, and in the management of thyroid cancer.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Thyroid hormone preparations are generally contraindicated in patients with diagnosed but as yet uncorrected adrenal cortical insufficiency, untreated thyrotoxicosis, and apparent hypersensitivity to any of their active or extraneous constituents. There is no well-documented evidence from the literature, however, of true allergic or idiosyncratic reactions to thyroid hormone.

What May Interact With This Medicine

Do not switch brands of this medicine unless your health care professional agrees with the change. Ask questions if you are uncertain.You will need regular exams and occasional blood tests to check the response to treatment. If you are receiving this medicine for an underactive thyroid, it may be several weeks before you notice an improvement. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve.It may be necessary for you to take this medicine for the rest of your life. Do not stop using this medicine unless your doctor or health care professional advises you to.This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar as directed.Some brands of this medicine may have a strong odor. This does not mean that the drug is spoiled.You may lose some of your hair when you first start treatment. With time, this usually corrects itself.If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

Recommended Reading: Can Taking Thyroid Medication Help You Lose Weight

How Much Will I Pay Out Of Pocket For Armour Thyroid With Medicare Part D

If your plan does not include Armour Thyroid in its formulary, you must pay for the entire cost of the drug out of pocket. Under a plan that does cover Armour Thyroid, the amount that you would pay out of pocket depends on where you are in your coverage as follows:

• Pre-deductible. Until you have paid your deductible, you will usually have to pay for the entire cost of the drug.
• Post-deductible. Once your deductible is met, your plan will pay for the drug, and you will likely only be responsible for a copay or coinsurance.
• Donut hole. After you have reached the donut hole for Medicare Part D coverage, you will usually be responsible for roughly 25% of the cost of your drug.
• Post donut hole. When your total prescription costs exceed the donut hole limit, you enter catastrophic coverage. Your insurance company will begin paying for the drug, and you will typically only have to pay a copay.

Donut hole levels vary from year to year. In 2021, the donut hole began at $4,130 and ended at $6,550.

Armour Thyroid Side Effects & Armour Thyroid Drug Interactions

As with all medications, Armour Thyroid can cause side effects. When these occur, the most common will likely be:

Sometimes, people that take Armour Thyroid can experience more serious side effects. These can include:

• Heart disease and other heart problems, including cardiac arrest
• Severe allergic reactions to the medication caused by thyroid hormone toxicity
• Hair loss in children

Armour Thyroid can interact with other medications, which can change how Armour Thyroid and the other medications work. It can also make some side effects more likely. These medications include:

• Insulin, or any other diabetes medications that can reduce your blood sugar levels
• Cholestyramine and colestipol, taken to reduce your cholesterol levels
• Any oral anticoagulants, taken to reduce your risk of blood clots
• Any medications that contain estrogen, such as the oral contraceptive pill
• Any medications or dietary supplements that contain iodine

Read Also: What Are The Symptoms Of Too Little Thyroid Medication

How To Get Armour Thyroid Without Insurance

Armour Thyroid can be an expensive prescription drug for many people, and monthly refills can be hard to afford over time. In addition, people without commercial health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid may have to pay full retail price for Armour Thyroid or similar medications.

AbbVie is the manufacturer of Armour Thyroid, and they currently offer a patient assistance program that may help cover the cover of Armour Thyroid. Check their website for exact eligibility requirements. If you dont meet the requirements to save through the manufacturer, there are other ways to save money.

Is Prescription Hope An Armour Thyroid Coupon Card Generic Or Insurance Product

Prescription Hope is not an Armour Thyroid coupon card or insurance policy. Our program is also not an Armour Thyroid Generic. Prescription Hope is a national advocacy program that works with any coverage you may already have. Although Prescription Hope is not an Armour Thyroid coupon, individuals looking for an Armour Thyroid coupon can find more savings through Prescription Hope!

When you obtain your medications from Prescription Hope, it will never cost more than $50.00 per month for each medication. If we cannot help you obtain your prescription medication, we will never charge a fee for that medication.

Also Check: Thyroid Diet Plan For Weight Loss

Is The Armors Thyroid Covered By Insurance

See also: Why am i paying so much for car insurance

Health insurance plans may or may not cover armor thyroid and other porcine thyroid medications. instead, health insurance plans typically cover synthetic thyroid hormone medications such as levothyroxine. Some medicare part d plans may help cover the cost of shielded thyroid.

What Are The Side Effects Of Armour Thyroid

Common side effects include fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat, insomnia, nervousness, headache, diarrhea, tremor, and intolerance to heat. Some children experience a bit of hair loss when they first start taking thyroid replacement medication, but the hair loss is usually temporary and tends to grow back. Talk to your health care provider if you experience these or other symptoms. Let your doctor know if you may be allergic to any of the ingredients in Armour Thyroid. This is not a full list of possible side effects and others may occur, including serious side effects such as chest pain and serious heart problems.

Read Also: How Long For Thyroid Medicine To Work

Did U No Medicare Is Removing Armour Thyroid From Formulary

Question posted by meyati on 9 Nov 2012

Starting New Years Day, Medicare is removing Armour thyroid extract for hypothyroid from its pharmaceutical formulary of approved medications. I received the notice today. My HMO won’t cover the cost of my Armour thyroid now. What makes it ridiculousness is that I called some pharmacies about the approved thyroid and was told that there’s a shortage of some of them-back ordered. It appears the new new thyroid hormone replacements have T 4 in them and are lacking T 3. I’ve been reading articles and comments on how many people don’t seem to have the ability to break T 4 down into T 3. These people just don’t feel well-still gain weight-lose hair.

Hi pmwilson: I called my pharmacy as soon as I read your comment about Nature-Throid. They told me they didn’t have any in stock, and had it back ordered for a while now, but can’t seem to get it for now! Great! You have to do what you think will work for you. I also have Hashimoto’s.I called the naturopath that I used to go to and discussed it with her. I am going to wean off my Nature-Throid and go back to the thyroid supplements I used to take years ago before getting put on Synthroid by an endocrinologist. I did not do well on Synthroid either. I am not recommending that you do what I am doing. I will come back and post again and let you know how it is going for me. I just get tired of dealing with the side effects that come from prescription medications.

Thank you! I will look into that!

Medication Guides For Medicare Eligibles

The Medication Guides are updated monthly. Links are included below to the Medicare approved Formularies and the most recent updates to the printed version of the Medication Guide for Medicare Eligibles.

• BlueMedicare Plan Information

Please have your patient refer to the pharmacy endorsement or rider issued with his or her contract, Evidence of Coverage, member handbook or certificate of coverage to determine whether a particular medication listed is covered. If your patient is unsure about particular coverage/benefits or has questions about the Medication Guide, please have the member call the Customer Service number on his or her ID card. The fact that a particular drug is listed in the guide does not necessarily mean that it is covered under each member’s contract, Evidence of Coverage or certificate of coverage.

1If you are not sure if your group is a small-group or large-group, please ask your HR administrator.

Don’t Miss: How To Check For Thyroid Problems

Are There Alternatives To Armour Thyroid

The standard prescription drug for hypothyroidism and thyroid suppression is levothyroxine, also known by the brand name Synthroid. Levothyroxine contains a synthetic version of T4, and it is usually covered by health insurance.

Armour Thyroid alternatives typically include other desiccated thyroid extracts, which are not approved by the FDA. In addition, one or more of them may not be available at your local pharmacy. Instead of a local chain or grocery-store pharmacy, you may be able to purchase porcine thyroid tablets from a compounding pharmacy.

Armour Thyroid and levothyroxine alternatives include Thyrolar , which contains a combination of synthetic T4 and T3. Cytomel is another alternative that contains a synthetic version of T3. You should check your plans drug formulary to see whether your thyroid medication is covered.

Some over-the-counter medications and supplements may help relieve the symptoms of an underactive thyroid, but none of them are approved to replace low levels of thyroid hormones or help suppress thyroid growths, such as goiters, nodules, and thyroid cancer.

How Do I Apply For The Armour Thyroid Patient Assistance Program

Our process makes it as easy as possible to apply for the Armour Thyroid patient assistance program. Begin by completing the enrollment application form on our website. Tell us about any medications that you are taking, including Armour Thyroid. You must also provide details about your healthcare provider, your insurance plan, and your household income. This is required by the pharmaceutical manufacturers wholl supply the medication, so it is important to make sure this information is accurate and up to date.

We will review the information that you have provided to determine whether you are eligible for patient assistance. If we can pre-qualify you for assistance, NiceRx will handle the full enrollment process on your behalf. If you are approved by the pharmaceutical company, youll typically start receiving your medication in 6 8 weeks.

You May Like: Symptoms Of Thyroid In Cats

Carcinogenesis Mutagenesis And Impairment Of Fertility

A reportedly apparent association between prolonged thyroid therapy and breast cancer has not been confirmed and patients on thyroid for established indications should not discontinue therapy. No confirmatory long-term studies in animals have been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential, mutagenicity, or impairment of fertility in either males or females.

Thyroid hormones do not readily cross the placental barrier. The clinical experience to date does not indicate any adverse effect on fetuses when thyroid hormones are administered to pregnant women. On the basis of current knowledge, thyroid replacement therapy to hypothyroid women should not be discontinued during pregnancy.

Compare Armour Thyroid Prices To Related Drugs

Drug name See updated prices

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs. The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under Savings options to see updated drug prices.

Don’t Miss: Prescription Thyroid Food For Cats

What Best Describes Your Health Insurance Coverage

You may be eligible to receive free Armour Thyroid if you:

• Have been prescribed Armour Thyroid.
• Have limited or no health insurance coverage
• Live in the United States
• Are being treated by a licensed U.S. health care provider on an outpatient basis

If you have insurance, we will review your qualifying financial need based on a combination of your insurance coverage, household income, and out-of-pocket medical expenses during the application process. To help you understand the income guidelines that we use to evaluate qualifying financial need, weve provided the table below:

If you would like to apply, you should work with your healthcare provider to submit a program application. To avoid delays, please follow the instructions on the first page and submit all requested information. Please download the application below.

Medicare patients may qualify for Extra Help from Medicare.