Hypothyroidism Treatment Cost

Typical costs:

• For patients covered by health insurance, the typical cost of hypothyroidism treatment will include doctor copays and prescription drug copays. Hypothyroidism treatment typically is covered by health insurance.
• For patients not covered by health insurance, hypothyroid treatment typically costs $15-$100 per month -- or $180-$1,200 per year -- for the synthetic thyroid hormone typically prescribed. For example, Drugstore.com charges about $15-$20, depending on the dose, for a one-month supply of the brand-name drug Levothroid, or $25-$45 for a one-month supply of the brand-name drug Synthroid. Drugstore.com charges up to $100 or more for a one-month supply, depending on dosage, of the brand-name drug Cytomel. Many doctors do not recommend generic levothyroxine because potency can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and there is no way to make sure the patient gets the generic drug from the same manufacturer each time; changing potency can cause side effects ranging from a high heart rate or dizziness, if the patient gets too much of the drug, to exhaustion or depression, if the patient gets too little.

• The doctor typically will prescribe the hormone levothyroxine^[1] , which is typically taken orally every day. Brand names include Synthroid^[2] and Levothroid^[3] . Within a few weeks, symptoms should begin to lessen. In some cases, a doctor might prescribe another drug, such as liothyronine sodium (brand name Cytomel).
• After a few months of treatment, the doctor typically will perform follow-up thyroid tests to make sure the dosage is correct. In many cases, the doctor will make changes to the dosage once or more, depending on the test results. Patients typically must take this medication for life.
• The Mayo Clinic offers an overview of hypothyroid treatment^[4] .

• Patients with hypothyroidism should visit the doctor regularly for follow-up and monitoring as often as the doctor recommends.

• Some clinics offer specialist care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a locator for clinics^[5] that provide discounts on an income-based sliding scale.
• Many doctors and hospitals give discounts of up to 30% or more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. For example, Washington Hospital Healthcare System^[6] in California offers a 35% discount.
• Some drug manufacturers offer free or discounted medicines to patients in need. For example, Abbott Laboratories^[7] , the maker of Synthroid, has a patient assistance program.

• A primary care physician can make a referral to an endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating problems with the endocrine system. Or, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists offers a doctor locator^[8] by city and state. To help patients find an endocrinologist who focuses on thyroid problems, the American Thyroid Association offers a thyroid specialist locator^[9] by state.

1.  www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682461.html
2.  www.synthroid.com/
3.  www.levothroid.com/
4.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypothyroidism/DS00353/DSECTION=treatments%2Dand%2Ddrugs
5.  findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx
6.  www.whhs.com/about/washington-hospital-discount-policy-for-uninsured/
7.  www.abbviepaf.org
8.  /www.aace.com/resources/find-an-endocrinologist
9.  www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/endocrinology-thyroid-doctor/

Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care		How Much Does Growing Medical Marijuana Outdoors Cost?		How Much Do Crutches Cost?		How Much Do Eyeglasses Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

It's not too late for a flu shot. Need help uncovering your driveway? You may need a snow removal service. A space heater can keep you warm on chilly December nights. If you are planning a trip to the slopes this winter, you might needs snow tires. Who is planning your big holiday event? A catering company may be able to help.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Bat bite Paid: 0.00 On October 25th I was bitten by a bat during mid morning, animal control told me to get the rabies shots due to the fact that several rabid bats had been found in the area... [more] -Rita W Rabies Vaccine Cost 7 stitches to shin Paid: 371.00 My son had 7 Stitches to his shin he fell in the woods and was cut by a old fence. They were super nice in and out, in about one hour. 155.00 for the visit and the remainder was for the Stitches ... [more] -Tavanna Stitches Cost 2 Car Garage Paid: 1700.00 Looks FANTASTIC! The guys done a fabulous job and did it in one day! Highly recommend! 615-739-2146... [more] -Chad Dunn Epoxy Flooring Cost Commercial Real Estate Brochure Paid: 200.00 Quick turn around time! 4 revisions with PDF and hyperlinks embedded. Website management available too... [more] [email protected] Graphic Designer Cost Fairly priced Paid: 0.00 My baby boy choked on some food this evening. While we were on the phone to the emergency services the blockage cleared. Ambulance was sent anyway to make sure everything was ok... [more] -Thank you NHS Ambulance Cost Ripped Off Paid: 46.00 I asked the nail technician how much for a full set. He said he will let me know as soon as he gets the nails on my fingers (WTH?) ... anyway on the board the price said $28 and up...... [more] -Kay. Manicures and Pedicures Cost