Why Does Armour Thyroid Cost So Much

Armour Thyroid Warnings & Precautions

Armour Thyroid isnt suitable for everyone. Dont take the medication if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient porcine desiccated thyroid
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Armour Thyroid
• Are allergic to any products derived from pigs or cows
• Have uncorrected adrenal gland problems
• Have hyperthyroidism , Armour Thyroid is for hypothyroidism

Talk to your doctor before taking Armour Thyroid if you:

• Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Armour Thyroid
• Have heart disease

What Are Some Side Effects That I Need To Call My Doctor About Right Away

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect: Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash hives itching red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever wheezing tightness in the chest or throat trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. Chest pain or pressure. Fast or abnormal heartbeat. Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs. Lump on the neck. Headache. Feeling nervous and excitable. Shakiness. Trouble sleeping. Bothered by heat. Sweating a lot. Feeling more or less hungry. A change in weight without trying. Diarrhea. Stomach cramps. Throwing up. Feeling irritable. Fever. Leg cramps. Muscle weakness. Period changes.

How Much Does Armour Thyroid Cost Without Insurance

Without insurance, the cash price of Armour Thyroid averages $47 for 30, 60 mg tablets. However, the out-of-pocket expense will depend on your plans formulary, the determined copay, whether youve met the deductible, and the dosage prescribed.

There are no generic versions of Armour Thyroid. If you dont have insurance coverage for Armour Thyroid, you may be able to switch to a different porcine thyroid tablet, such as NP Thyroid and Westhroid. Check with your healthcare provider before doing so.

Also Check: Can Thyroid Disease Cause Hives

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.

Armour Thyroid Vs Synthroid Comparison

Below is a chart comparing the basic attributes of Armour Thyroid with Synthroid. As you can see, both medications have similar medical uses, are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies, and are available on a prescription-only basis. That said, Synthroid has attained FDA approval whereas Armour Thyroid was never formally approved.

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Differences: Armour Thyroid Vs Synthroid

There are some notable differences between Armour Thyroid and Synthroid as a treatment for hypothyroidism. Key differences between the two treatments include: FDA approval status, formatting , and popularity. Some believe that specific differences may make one agent more advantageous than the other.

Do Some People Feel Better On Armour Thyroid

Anecdotal reports claim Armour Thyroid leads to increased feelings of wellness and reduced symptoms as compared to Synthroid.

Studies suggest up to 15% of people with hypothyroidism dont see complete improvement on Synthroid .

In a double-blinded study of 70 participants, those taking Armour Thyroid lost nearly three pounds more than those taking Synthroid. Also, 49% of participants said they preferred Armour Thyroid based on improvements in symptoms and mental wellbeing .

However, this is only one study of many.

Its possible a small percentage of people feel better with Armour Thyroid because of the T3 component. This may have to do with genetics.

Some people with specific genetic mutations may not be able to either convert T4 into T3 or transport T3 in and out of cells from the blood. Blood tests do not always accurately reflect the levels of T3 inside tissues such as the brain and liver .

This means people may still experience the side effects of hypothyroidism, yet appear to have blood levels of T3, T4 and TSH within the normal ranges.

Summary: Some people claim to feel better when using Armour Thyroid, but there is limited evidence supporting this opinion. Its possible increased feelings of wellbeing could be attributed to low T3 levels.

Also Check: How To Stop Thyroid Medication

What Is Desiccated Thyroid

Desiccated thyroid is a combination of hormones that are normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body’s energy and metabolism. Desiccated thyroid is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own.

Desiccated thyroid treats hypothyroidism . Desiccated thyroid is also used to treat or prevent goiter , and is also given as part of a medical tests for thyroid disorders.

Desiccated thyroid should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems.

Desiccated thyroid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Can I Buy Armour Thyroid Online

Armour Thyroid medication requires a prescription before it can be dispensed by a pharmacy. One cannot just get Armour Thyroid OTC or buy Armour Thyroid online in the US. However, Push Health can connect people who need an Armour Thyroid prescription with licensed medical providers who can prescribe Armour Thyroid medication, including Armour Thyroid 60 mg tablets, when appropriate to do so.

Also Check: Over The Counter Thyroid Booster

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.

My Theory: Follow The Money

So why is the FDA interested in, or cracking down on Acella and RLC, but NOT AbbVie?

FOLLOW THE MONEY.

Theres an established pipeline of payments that go from pharma companies to FDA advisory and regulatory committees. Science Magazine is one of many sources that have documented conflicts of interest between FDA advisors, who receive payments from big pharma companies before, during, and after drug reviews and approvals.

Smaller pharmaceutical companies like Acella and RLC simply dont have deep enough pockets to be able to spread around that kind of money to FDA advisors.

Also, not a day goes by that AbbVie lobbyists arent walking the halls of the FDA, and in contact with FDA decision makers. AbbVie even has its own political action committee AbbVie PAC which has donated almost $1.5 million to candidates during the 2020 election cycle.

As you would expect, small pharma companies dont have big teams of lobbyists.

And did you know that pharma companies even sell each other vouchers that allow them to speed up the FDA approvals process? Back in 2015, AbbVie paid another pharma company a record $350 million for a voucher that let them cut time off the FDA review process for a new drug.

AbbVie is in an enviable position. If the FDA officially declares NDT a new drug, all the NDT drugs will have to go through the new drug application approvals process. At the same time, during the NDA process, the FDA may:

1. require NDT drugs to go OFF the market entirely or

Read Also: Location Of The Thyroid Gland

It Is Not The Name Brand Of Np Thyroid

This is important to understand because your pharmacy likely considers Armour thyroid to be the name brand for NP thyroid.

Both medications are formulations of Natural Desiccated Thyroid but they are certainly not the same.

Both medications have the same amounts of T4 and T3 in them grain for grain but they do differ in their inactive ingredients.

Armour thyroid contains the following ingredients :

• Minor amounts of calcitonin, T1, T2, and proteins

Why does this matter?

Because the inactive ingredients found in these medications may have an impact on how well you tolerate it!

Switching from Armour to NP thyroid or from NP thyroid to Armour may actually be enough to trigger the onset of hypothyroid symptoms.

You should be aware of the difference between these medications so that you know if your pharmacy tries to swap the medications on you without you knowing it.

And yes, pharmacists can do this because these medications are considered “bioequivalent” from the insurance perspective.

So if your insurance wants the cheaper formulation , your pharmacist can make the switch.

If you want to ensure that you get Armour thyroid filled you may need to have your doctor write “dispense as written” on your prescription.

In addition, you can make a special request for Armour thyroid when you go to pick up your medication and just pay the cash price.

Don’t be afraid to do this, especially if you feel worse on NP thyroid, because the cash price is typically around $20-30 per month.

Is Nicerx An Armour Thyroid Coupons Provider

NiceRx is not an Armour Thyroid coupon, Armour Thyroid discount card, or Armour Thyroid copay card provider. We dont offer Armour Thyroid manufacturer coupons, Armour Thyroid discounts, rebates, Armour Thyroid savings cards, trial offers, or free Armour Thyroid samples. We are a service provider that helps eligible individuals access the Armour Thyroid patient assistance program.

Recommended Reading: Different Types Of Thyroid Tests

How Is Armour Thyroid Supplied

Armour Thyroid are supplied as follows: 15 mg are available in bottles of 100 . 30 mg are available in bottles of 100 and unit dose cartons of 100 . 60 mg are available in bottles of 100 and unit dose cartons of 100 . 90 mg are available in bottles of 100 . 120 mg are available in bottles of 100 and unit dose cartons of 100 . 180 mg are available in bottles of 100 . 240 mg are available in bottles of 100 . 300 mg are available in bottles of 100 . The bottles of 100 are special dispensing bottles with child-resistant closures.

Armour Thyroid are evenly colored, light tan, round tablets, with convex surfaces. One side is debossed with a mortar and pestle beneath the letter A on the top and strength code letters on the bottom as defined below

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.

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Consumer Information Use And Disclaimer

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Armour Thyroid Vs Synthroid: An Unbiased Look At The Evidence

Home » Hypothyroidism » Armour Thyroid vs. Synthroid: An Unbiased Look at The Evidence

Armour Thyroid and Synthroid are medications used to treat hypothyroidism .

Synthroid is the most commonly prescribed, however some claim Armour Thyroid produces better results.

So, which is the best treatment for you?

This article looks at the evidence for both to help you decide.

Contents

Read Also: Doctors Who Specialize In Thyroid

Do I Qualify For Armour Thyroid Patient Assistance With Prescription Hope

Prescription Hope works with thousands of Americans every month, obtaining prescription medications on their behalf for the set price of $50.00 per month per medication.

The income guidelines to qualify for Prescription Hope are as follows

• An individual earning up to or around $30,000 per year
• Households with a combined income of up to $50,000 per year
• Guidelines can increase in families making up to $100,000 per year

Keep in mind, if our advocates cannot obtain your Armour Thyroid medication for you, we will never charge a fee for that medication.

Once you apply for Prescription Hope, our knowledgeable advocates start to work for you. Within the first 48 hours, we will determine whether or not you are eligible for any patient assistance programs for the medications you applied for. If we find a program that will work for you, we will reach out to you for any additional information needed, and reach out to your doctor for the prescription. Once we receive this information back, we immediately order your medication for you. After that, we work to manage, track and refill your medications on time, maintain up-to-date records, and renew your prescription medications every year. Once your application is approved, the first shipment of prescription medication typically arrives within four to six weeks. We also place refills to come in on a regular schedule.

Converting From T4 Medications To Armour Thyroid

Another important topic to cover as it relates to your dose is converting from other forms of thyroid medications to Armour thyroid.

This is an important point because typically this is done incorrectly.

The standard advice when transitioning from levothyroxine/Synthroid to Armour thyroid is to replace every 100mcg of Synthroid with 60mg of Armour thyroid.

The problem with this advice is that it typically results in underdosing of Armour thyroid.

Why?

Because each grain of Armour contains only 38 mcg of T4 and 9 mcg of T3.

When you transition from 100mcg of T4 down to 38 mcg of T4 + 9 mcg of T3, the patient typically feels worse because they are taking a smaller dose of thyroid hormone than they were previously.

So, instead of following this standard advice, just be sure that you are aware that the conversion isn’t perfect and it may require a higher dose than you or your doctor anticipate.

As long as you are aware of this, you shouldn’t be surprised if your labs look ‘worse’ upon your transition.

They will improve with time and as you adjust your dose appropriately.

In my experience, 100mcg of T4 is probably closer to 1.5 grains or Armour thyroid than the 60mg that most places recommend.

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What Is Armour Thyroid

Armour Thyroid is a brand-name prescription thyroid medication. It replaces thyroid hormones in people with underactive thyroid and suppresses the growth of thyroid nodules, goiters, and thyroid cancer.

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

Thyroid medications like Armour Thyroid are not prescribed in people with high levels of thyroid hormones or uncontrolled adrenal gland problems.

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.

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Before Taking This Medicine

Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body, almost anyone can take desiccated thyroid. However, you may not be able to use this medication if you have a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or an adrenal gland problem that is not controlled by treatment.

To make sure desiccated thyroid is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease, angina

• any type of diabetes or

• problems with your adrenal gland.

Desiccated thyroid is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, but your dose needs may be different during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.

Small amounts of desiccated thyroid can pass into breast milk, but this is not expected to harm a nursing baby. However, do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.