How Much Does Levothyroxine Cost Without Insurance in 2024? | Mira Health
How Much Does Levothyroxine Cost Without Insurance in 2024?
Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer are conditions that can affect the production of essential hormones and require medication. Medication for hyperthyroidism can range from about $4 to $93 and medication for hypothyroidism can range from about $16 to $25 for 30 tablets.
The Cost of Thyroid Medications
The price of medications depends on what type of medication you get, the dosage, the form of medication, if you get a generic or name brand medication, and where you live. The average retail price for levothyroxine is $15.81, while other thyroid medications range between $4.07 and $93.98.
Costs of Medications that Treat Hyperthyroidism
| Medication name | Generic or Brand | Dosage | Quantity | Average Retail Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levothyroxine | Generic | 50mcg | 30 tablets | 15.81 |
| Euthyrox | Brand | 75mcg | 30 tablet | 4.07 |
| Levo-T | Brand | 50mcg | 30 tablet | 18.24 |
| Levoxyl | Brand | 50 mcg | 30 tablets | 14.33 |
| Synthroid | Brand | 50 mcg | 30 tablets | 58.57 |
| Unithroid | Brand | 50 mcg | 30 tablets | 93.98 |
| Liothyronine | Generic | 5 mcg | 30 tablets | 41.14 |
| Cytomel | Brand | 5 mcg | 30 tablets | 90.74 |
| Nature-Throid | Generic | 65 mcg | 30 tablets | 20.41 |
| Westhroid | Generic | 65 mcg | 30 tablets | 13.21 |
Costs of Medications that Treat Hypothyroidism
| Medication name | Generic or Brand | Dosage | Quantity | Average Retail Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propylthiouracil | Generic | 50 mcg | 30 tablets | 24.69 |
| Methimazole | Generic | 5 mcg | 30 tablets | 16.95 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Thyroid Conditions (FAQ)
What is the thyroid gland?
The thyroid is a gland located at the front of your neck that produces hormones that regulate many bodily functions. For example, the thyroid gland is responsible for temperature regulation, heart rate, brain development, and metabolism.
The names of the hormones that the thyroid gland produces are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
What are hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer?
The most common problems with the thyroid gland are hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer. These medical conditions will likely require medication.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is producing an overabundance of hormones. Some symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, rapid or irregular heart rate, change in menstrual or bowel patterns, and enlarged thyroid gland.
Diseases that can cause hyperthyroidism include:
- Grave’s disease
- Plummer’s disease
- Thyroiditis
According to Johns Hopkins, the following medications are often used to treat people with hypothyroidism by supplementing hormone production:
- Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Euthyrox, Levo-T, Levoxyl, Unithroid)
- Liothyronine (Cytomel)
- Natural thyroid (Nature-throid, Westhroid)
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones needed by the body. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, puffy face, thinning hair, impaired memory, and enlarged thyroid gland.
Conditions that can cause hypothyroidism include:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Response to treatment for hyperthyroidism
- Radiation to treat cancer in the head and neck
- Thyroid surgery
- Medications, such as lithium
Medications used to treat hyperthyroidism by slowing down hormone production include:
- Propylthiouracil (PTU)
- Methimazole (Tapezole)
Thyroid Cancer occurs when a tumor forms on your thyroid gland. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a lump on your neck (thyroid nodules), difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, pain in your neck, and difficulty swallowing. It is unclear what causes thyroid cancer, but exposure to high radiation levels and genetics may increase your risk.
Types of thyroid cancer:
- Papillary thyroid cancer
- Follicular thyroid cancer
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer
- Medullary thyroid cancer
Ways to Get Thyroid Medications at a Lower Cost
Medication to treat thyroid disorders can be expensive. Here are some ways that you can get these medications at the lowest cost:
Look for Generic Medications
Generic medications can be significantly cheaper than their name-brand counterparts. If your doctor prescribes a name-brand medication, you can ask if you can take a generic medication as a substitute.
Check the Price at Different Locations
Pharmacies may offer the same medication at different prices. Therefore, call your local pharmacies or use MiraRx to see how much your medication will cost at different locations.
Alternative Solutions to Get Affordable Scripts
With a Mira membership, members access discounted prescriptions. MiraRx allows you to enter the name of the medication you need and your location to get coupons for discounted prices.
Bottom Line
There are various thyroid conditions, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, typically requiring patients to purchase expensive prescription medications. However, there are ways to afford them, including MiraRx, where members are eligible for up to 80% off prescription medications.