Private treatment cost

[hankpym]

Although I am now being treated through the NHS (25 mg a day) I did get recommended for treatment through a private doctor which I was exploring as an alternative if my local GP would not treat and I have just got the quote.

70 pound a month for nature thyroid. Is this usually this high? I notice that it is possible to get this a fair bit cheaper overseas.

No wonder people self treat!

[crimple]

No idea about private docs but 25mgc is a very low dose. What were your blood results before taking the levo? how long have you been on levo? should be tested every 6 weeks and dose increased as appropriate.

[hankpym in reply to crimple]

I did query the low dose but the GP was adamant that was the way to go. My bloods were TSH 9.94 T4 11 and T3 mid range. No antibodies. She will retest in 8 weeks

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to hankpym]

hankypm

Unless you are elderly (that is classed as over 50 where Levo is concerned - good grief!) or have a heart condition then the starting dose of Levo is 50mcg - see

cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...

Initiation and titration

•The dose of levothyroxine (LT4) should be individualized on the basis of clinical and biochemical (thyroid function tests) response. Treatment must be monitored regularly to determine an adequate dose and to avoid both under-treatment and over-treatment.

• The initial recommended dose is:

◦For most people: 50–100 micrograms once daily, preferably taken at least 30 minutes before breakfast, caffeine-containing liquids (such as coffee or tea), or other drugs.

◾This should be adjusted in increments of 25–50 micrograms every 3–4 weeks according to response. The usual maintenance dose is 100–200 micrograms once daily.

◦For people aged over 50 years and people with cardiac disease or severe hypothyroidism: 25 micrograms once daily, adjusted in increments of 25 micrograms every 4 weeks according to response.

So if you are less than 50 years of age you might want to point this out to your GP.

[hankpym in reply to SeasideSusie]

I did point it out the doc but she was unsure if I should be prescribed but relented to a trial. I am 52 so it looks as though she has stuck religiously to guidelines.