Is Synthroid a Tier 3 drug?

Asked by: Montana Beier  |  Last update: September 24, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (39 votes)

Medicare prescription drug plans typically list Synthroid on Tier 3 of their formulary. Generally, the higher the tier, the more you have to pay for the medication.

Is Synthroid expensive?

The cost for Synthroid oral tablet (50 mcg (0.05 mg)) is around $152 for a supply of 90 tablets, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Quoted prices are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans.

Is Synthroid better than levothyroxine?

Is generic levothyroxine as effective as Synthroid? It depends. As previously mentioned, one version isn't technically better than the other. Both generic levothyroxine and Synthroid should work equally well for the treatment of hypothyroidism.

Is thyroid medication covered by Medicare?

Both Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans cover the cost of thyroid medication. Medicare Part A also covers the cost of surgery if a doctor deems it necessary to remove the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small hormone-producing gland in the neck.

What is the generic for Synthroid?

Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery.

How to take Levothyroxine (Synthroid) Correctly | Side Effects All Patients Need to Know

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Is Synthroid really better than generic?

Generic levothyroxine is just as safe as the brand names—in the United States, these include Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, and Tirosint—because it has the same FDA-approved active ingredient (levothyroxine).

Why is brand Synthroid better than generic?

Fillers and additives such as dyes, gluten, and lactose are also less consistent in generics than brand-name options because they originate from different manufacturers. If this is a concern for you, ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients in your prescribed drug.

What tier is Synthroid on Medicare?

Medicare prescription drug plans typically list Synthroid on Tier 3 of their formulary. Generally, the higher the tier, the more you have to pay for the medication. Most plans have 5 tiers. Does your plan have restrictions?

What tier is thyroid medicine?

Medicare prescription drug plans typically list levothyroxine on Tier 1 of their formulary.

What is the most expensive thyroid medication?

Armour Thyroid is the most expensive brand of desiccated thyroid extract, but other DTE brands like Nature-Throid, NP Thyroid, and WP Thyroid are comparable or cost less than brand names of levothyroxine.

What is the strongest Synthroid?

Synthroid strengths

Synthroid comes as tablets that you swallow. It comes in the following strengths: 25 micrograms (mcg), 50 mcg, 75 mcg, 88 mcg, 100 mcg, 112 mcg, 125 mcg, 137 mcg, 150 mcg, 175 mcg, 200 mcg, and 300 mcg. It's important to note that Synthroid is dosed in micrograms.

What is an alternative to Synthroid for hypothyroidism?

  • Levoxyl.
  • Tirosint.
  • Euthyrox.
  • Liothyronine.
  • Cytomel.
  • Levo-T.

Is Synthroid the best medication for hypothyroidism?

Key takeaways: Synthroid (levothyroxine) and Cytomel (liothyronine) are both medications for hypothyroidism. But there are important differences between them. Synthroid contains levothyroxine (lab-made T4) and is the first-choice option for treating low thyroid hormone levels.

Can I live without my Synthroid?

If you stop taking your thyroid medication, you can expect your hypothyroid symptoms to return. Typically, the longer you go without your medication, and the more severe your thyroid disease is, the higher your risk for severe and even life-threatening conditions.

Do you take Synthroid for life?

Synthroid (and levothyroxine) is considered a safe and effective therapy. Eventually, you and your healthcare provider will settle on an effective dose for the long haul. People take these medicines for decades—usually for a lifetime.

Is Synthroid a lifetime medication?

Hypothyroidism is generally a lifelong condition requiring lifelong treatment. By continuing to take Synthroid as your doctor prescribed and getting your levels checked regularly, you can help keep your thyroid hormone levels where they should be.

How to save money on Synthroid?

Patients with insurance can use the synthroid Co-Pay card to pay no more than $25 for a 30-day prescription. Patients without insurance can use the Synthroid Coupon to receive $3 Off of a 30 day prescription or $10 Off a 90 day prescription. Eligibility restrictions apply.

What is considered Tier 3 drugs?

Level or Tier 1: Low-cost generic and brand-name drugs. Level or Tier 2: Higher-cost generic and brand-name drugs. Level or Tier 3: High-cost, mostly brand-name drugs that may have generic or brand-name alternatives in Levels 1 or 2.

What is a Tier 3 prescription?

There are typically three or four tiers: Tier 1: Least expensive drug options, often generic drugs. Tier 2: Higher price generic and lower-price brand-name drugs. Tier 3: Mainly higher price brand-name drugs. Tier 4: Highest cost prescription drugs.

What is better than 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 (4).

What category class is Synthroid?

Synthroid belongs to a group of drugs called synthetic thyroid hormones. These drugs work by raising reduced levels of natural thyroid hormone in the body.

Is Synthroid $25 a month?

With the Synthroid Delivers Program, everyone with a Synthroid prescription pays the same price, every time, with no hidden out-of-pocket costs or price fluctuations. Pricing as low as $25 a month with a 90-day prescription. Other pricing available for 30 and 60 days.

How much is Synthroid compared to generic?

Synthroid is a long-standing brand name version of levothyroxine. You are right that it is more expensive than the generic medication. Synthroid runs between $45 and $67 for 30 pills. The generic version costs between $12 and $16 for the same 30 tablets.

What are the side effects of Synthroid?

Common side effects of Synthroid include:
  • fever,
  • hot flashes,
  • sensitivity to heat,
  • sweating,
  • headache,
  • nervousness,
  • irritability,
  • nausea,