Guest guest Posted March 22, 2000 Report Share Posted March 22, 2000 Hi y'all I've been doing some investigating, since I have no insurance for scripes. Can anyone tell me WHY PTU is so much more LESS expensive? I compared these with a couple of pharmacies, and they were telling me that the price differences were: Tapazole, 90 tablets (10 mg) which is what i am taking would cost anywhere between 65 - 89 dollars whereas the PTU is ONLY about $7 at most places?!?! To me this just makes NO sense whatsoever! My dr knows that I have no insurance, so why wouldn't he opt for he less expensive medication? Does PTU not work as well at Tapazole? I'm freaking out here at what the next 18 months is gonna cost me, in medication alone!! Jewls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2000 Report Share Posted March 22, 2000 , It was in the online pharmacies that I was getting more information about the price of PTU versus Tapazole. In fact, it was Drugstore.com that I found the PTU for $7 for 50 mg. I go back to the dr in 6 weeks, I will question him then (unless I have an adverse reaction to the tapazole), about changing to PTU, mainly for the price. I've already spent the money on getting the Tapazole for this time. From what I understand and have read, the side effects of PTU are pretty much the same as Tapazole, except for reading about problems with pregnancies. I would imagine any medication that is controlling a hormonal part of your body would cause problems in pregnancy. this body is not going to be having anymore children, so for me, that's something I don't need to worry about. I think having a 12 year old and a 7 month old running around the house is enough Incidently, I wanted to tell you all also, that the dr had totally ruled this out as being postpartum thyroiditis. I guess he could tell from the results of the thyroid scan that it was Graves disease without a doubt. Anyway, I am certainly doing the rambling today....off I will go now... Jewls In a message dated Wed, 22 Mar 2000 1:48:38 PM Eastern Standard Time, Shen writes: > > > Jewls: > > I'm in California and I pay about $20 for 100 units of PTU 50mg. However, > I'm waiting to speak with my doctor on the 4th, and if there is new and > convincing evidence that Tapazole is safer, I would consider changing over > even at the greater cost. > > I don't know what the side effects of Tapazole are, but with PTU, there's > complications with pregnancy, possibility of hives, rare possibility of > losing white blood cells. > > Have you checked out purchasing from any of the mail order discount > pharmacies? > > At 12:08 PM 03/22/2000 EST, you wrote: > >From: Freedoverc@... > > > >Hi y'all > > > >I've been doing some investigating, since I have no insurance for scripes. > Can anyone tell me WHY PTU is so much more LESS expensive? > > > >I compared these with a couple of pharmacies, and they were telling me > that the price differences were: Tapazole, 90 tablets (10 mg) which is what > i am taking would cost anywhere between 65 - 89 dollars whereas the PTU is > ONLY about $7 at most places?!?! To me this just makes NO sense > whatsoever! My dr knows that I have no insurance, so why wouldn't he opt > for he less expensive medication? Does PTU not work as well at Tapazole? > > > >I'm freaking out here at what the next 18 months is gonna cost me, in > medication alone!! > > > >Jewls > > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0% > >Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW! > >http://click./1/937/3/_/585824/_/953745800/ > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > >------------------------------------- > >The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not > intended to replace expert medical care. > >Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > >---------------------------------------- > > > > > > > > Shen > Holy Macro! > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > PERFORM CPR ON YOUR APR! > Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as > 0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. > Apply NOW! > http://click./1/2121/3/_/585824/_/953750819/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2000 Report Share Posted March 22, 2000 Both can cause problems for some, but not all, people. I would call the doctor and request more information about the proper dosage as well as the reasoning behind the choice of medications. I would also indicate that you do not have a prescription benefit and ask why the higher price drug was chosen. I have finally been very open and firm about my not having a prescription benefit and that I am a widow on limited retirement income. The doctors too often are not paying attention to the finances of their patients. BTW, I used PTU in 91 before remission, and again am using PTU, both then and now without any side effects. Good luck! Elaine Researching Bohemian Surnames S L E P I C K A and H R U S K A Differences? > From: Freedoverc@... > > Hi y'all > > I've been doing some investigating, since I have no insurance for scripes. Can anyone tell me WHY PTU is so much more LESS expensive? > > I compared these with a couple of pharmacies, and they were telling me that the price differences were: Tapazole, 90 tablets (10 mg) which is what i am taking would cost anywhere between 65 - 89 dollars whereas the PTU is ONLY about $7 at most places?!?! To me this just makes NO sense whatsoever! My dr knows that I have no insurance, so why wouldn't he opt for he less expensive medication? Does PTU not work as well at Tapazole? > > I'm freaking out here at what the next 18 months is gonna cost me, in medication alone!! > > Jewls > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0% > Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW! > http://click./1/937/3/_/585824/_/953745800/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2000 Report Share Posted March 22, 2000 >From: Freedoverc@... >Reply-To: graves_supportonelist >To: graves_supportonelist >Subject: Differences? >Date: Wed, 22 Mar 2000 12:08:08 EST > >Hi y'all > >I've been doing some investigating, since I have no insurance for scripes. >Can anyone tell me WHY PTU is so much more LESS expensive? > >I compared these with a couple of pharmacies, and they were telling me that >the price differences were: Tapazole, 90 tablets (10 mg) which is what i am >taking would cost anywhere between 65 - 89 dollars whereas the PTU is ONLY >about $7 at most places?!?! To me this just makes NO sense whatsoever! My >dr knows that I have no insurance, so why wouldn't he opt for he less >expensive medication? Does PTU not work as well at Tapazole? > >I'm freaking out here at what the next 18 months is gonna cost me, in >medication alone!! > >Jewls Jewls, Both propilthiouracil (PTU) and methimazone (Tapazole) prevent the thyroid from manufacturing thyroid hormone. But they have some particularities, and perhaps yr doctor had them in mind when he prescribed them for you. PTU has a short duration of action, and it is necessary to have them every 6 to 8 hours, at least to begin with. Many people have difficulty remembering the midday doses. Methimazole (tapazole) has longer duration of action and allows it to be taken once a day by most patients. Some patients (abt. 5%) develop allergic reactions, and/or lower resistance to infections(due to a decrease in neutrophils, a type of white blood cells). Both problems are more common in patients given propilthiouracil (PTU). Hope this helps. Join: http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/atomicwomen Visit Atomic Women's site: http://members.tripod.com/~LittleRed_2/ Join us sending a blank mail to: Atomicwomen-subscribeonelist ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2000 Report Share Posted March 22, 2000 Jewls: I'm in California and I pay about $20 for 100 units of PTU 50mg. However, I'm waiting to speak with my doctor on the 4th, and if there is new and convincing evidence that Tapazole is safer, I would consider changing over even at the greater cost. I don't know what the side effects of Tapazole are, but with PTU, there's complications with pregnancy, possibility of hives, rare possibility of losing white blood cells. Have you checked out purchasing from any of the mail order discount pharmacies? At 12:08 PM 03/22/2000 EST, you wrote: >From: Freedoverc@... > >Hi y'all > >I've been doing some investigating, since I have no insurance for scripes. Can anyone tell me WHY PTU is so much more LESS expensive? > >I compared these with a couple of pharmacies, and they were telling me that the price differences were: Tapazole, 90 tablets (10 mg) which is what i am taking would cost anywhere between 65 - 89 dollars whereas the PTU is ONLY about $7 at most places?!?! To me this just makes NO sense whatsoever! My dr knows that I have no insurance, so why wouldn't he opt for he less expensive medication? Does PTU not work as well at Tapazole? > >I'm freaking out here at what the next 18 months is gonna cost me, in medication alone!! > >Jewls > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0% >Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW! >http://click./1/937/3/_/585824/_/953745800/ >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >------------------------------------- >The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. >Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. >---------------------------------------- > > Shen Holy Macro! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2000 Report Share Posted March 22, 2000 >I don't know what the side effects of Tapazole are, but with PTU, there's complications with pregnancy, possibility of hives, rare possibility of losing white blood cells. I got horrible hives from Tapazole...none so far, with PTU (it's been five months, now). No other side-effects, either, thank goodness (from the medicine, anyway....). Kari Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2000 Report Share Posted March 22, 2000 I think a major concern of doctors is that we will miss doses when using PTU. I am asked every single visit if I have problem with remembering doses. I cannot imagine why anyone would *not* remember medicine that makes them feel better, but I guess it happens. I believe there also is now available a time release ATD medication but I don't know anything about it. I reassure my doctor every visit that I have *no* problem remembering my medicine <smile>. Elaine Researching Bohemian Surnames S L E P I C K A and H R U S K A RE: Differences? > > > >I don't know what the side effects of Tapazole are, but with PTU, there's > complications with pregnancy, possibility of hives, rare possibility of > losing white blood cells. > > I got horrible hives from Tapazole...none so far, with PTU (it's been five > months, now). No other side-effects, either, thank goodness (from the > medicine, anyway....). > > Kari > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > MAXIMIZE YOUR CARD, MINIMIZE YOUR RATE! > Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as > 0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. > Apply NOW! > http://click./1/2122/3/_/585824/_/953752024/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2000 Report Share Posted March 22, 2000 Jewls, My ophthalmologist is a woman who has suffered serious Graves after each of two pregnancies. After time she went into remission. She loves to tell me this when examining my thyroid eyes! Anyway, I hope that you are blessed with the same good luck. Elaine Researching Bohemian Surnames S L E P I C K A and H R U S K A Re: Differences? > From: Freedoverc@... > > , > > It was in the online pharmacies that I was getting more information about the price of PTU versus Tapazole. In fact, it was Drugstore.com that I found the PTU for $7 for 50 mg. > > I go back to the dr in 6 weeks, I will question him then (unless I have an adverse reaction to the tapazole), about changing to PTU, mainly for the price. I've already spent the money on getting the Tapazole for this time. > > From what I understand and have read, the side effects of PTU are pretty much the same as Tapazole, except for reading about problems with pregnancies. I would imagine any medication that is controlling a hormonal part of your body would cause problems in pregnancy. this body is not going to be having anymore children, so for me, that's something I don't need to worry about. I think having a 12 year old and a 7 month old running around the house is enough Incidently, I wanted to tell you all also, that the dr had totally ruled this out as being postpartum thyroiditis. I guess he could tell from the results of the thyroid scan that it was Graves disease without a doubt. > > Anyway, I am certainly doing the rambling today....off I will go now... > Jewls > > In a message dated Wed, 22 Mar 2000 1:48:38 PM Eastern Standard Time, Shen writes: > > > > > > > Jewls: > > > > I'm in California and I pay about $20 for 100 units of PTU 50mg. However, > > I'm waiting to speak with my doctor on the 4th, and if there is new and > > convincing evidence that Tapazole is safer, I would consider changing over > > even at the greater cost. > > > > I don't know what the side effects of Tapazole are, but with PTU, there's > > complications with pregnancy, possibility of hives, rare possibility of > > losing white blood cells. > > > > Have you checked out purchasing from any of the mail order discount > > pharmacies? > > > > At 12:08 PM 03/22/2000 EST, you wrote: > > >From: Freedoverc@... > > > > > >Hi y'all > > > > > >I've been doing some investigating, since I have no insurance for scripes. > > Can anyone tell me WHY PTU is so much more LESS expensive? > > > > > >I compared these with a couple of pharmacies, and they were telling me > > that the price differences were: Tapazole, 90 tablets (10 mg) which is what > > i am taking would cost anywhere between 65 - 89 dollars whereas the PTU is > > ONLY about $7 at most places?!?! To me this just makes NO sense > > whatsoever! My dr knows that I have no insurance, so why wouldn't he opt > > for he less expensive medication? Does PTU not work as well at Tapazole? > > > > > >I'm freaking out here at what the next 18 months is gonna cost me, in > > medication alone!! > > > > > >Jewls > > > > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > >GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0% > > >Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW! > > >http://click./1/937/3/_/585824/_/953745800/ > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > > > >------------------------------------- > > >The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not > > intended to replace expert medical care. > > >Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > > >---------------------------------------- > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Shen > > Holy Macro! > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > PERFORM CPR ON YOUR APR! > > Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as > > 0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. > > Apply NOW! > > http://click./1/2121/3/_/585824/_/953750819/ > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > > ------------------------------------- > > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > > ---------------------------------------- > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 2.9% > Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW! > http://click./1/936/3/_/585824/_/953752505/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2000 Report Share Posted March 22, 2000 Jewls, Here's something else to consider. PTU is categorized by the US Department of Health and Human Services as a " probable carcinogen. " I don't have the test results at my fingertips, but the drug caused thyroid cancer in lab rats and in 4 out of 350 people who took it for more than a year. The information is on the web under " national toxicity program " or in the health and human services web site. . . I searched PTU on Yahoo and found it listed in all of these online books about toxic substances and how to handle them. I brought the Health and Human services report to my endo, who knew nothing about it. When I went to the mayo clinic, I was told simply that PTU was the more toxic of the two drugs. It's a small risk -- estrogen is also on the list as a probably carcinogen. So you have to put it in context. Just thought it would be good to have all the info at hand. ly, as someone who has often been without health insurance and will again be next year probably, I might place more weight on the money issue than the cancer risks, which again, are small but exist. Differences? > From: Freedoverc@... > > Hi y'all > > I've been doing some investigating, since I have no insurance for scripes. Can anyone tell me WHY PTU is so much more LESS expensive? > > I compared these with a couple of pharmacies, and they were telling me that the price differences were: Tapazole, 90 tablets (10 mg) which is what i am taking would cost anywhere between 65 - 89 dollars whereas the PTU is ONLY about $7 at most places?!?! To me this just makes NO sense whatsoever! My dr knows that I have no insurance, so why wouldn't he opt for he less expensive medication? Does PTU not work as well at Tapazole? > > I'm freaking out here at what the next 18 months is gonna cost me, in medication alone!! > > Jewls > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0% > Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW! > http://click./1/937/3/_/585824/_/953745800/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2000 Report Share Posted March 22, 2000 Elaine: Do you keep track of you white cell count? I am always at the low end of normal, so I'm a little concerned. I'm going to research how to boost those levels, maybe nutritionally (?). I agree that it is not hard to remember to take the pill - it's past time if I start yelling at people in the late afternoons! At 02:17 PM 03/22/2000 -0500, you wrote: > > >I think a major concern of doctors is that we will miss doses when using >PTU. I am asked every single visit if I have problem with remembering >doses. I cannot imagine why anyone would *not* remember medicine that makes >them feel better, but I guess it happens. I believe there also is now >available a time release ATD medication but I don't know anything about it. >I reassure my doctor every visit that I have *no* problem remembering my >medicine <smile>. > >Elaine > >Researching Bohemian Surnames >S L E P I C K A and H R U S K A > > RE: Differences? > > >> >> >> >I don't know what the side effects of Tapazole are, but with PTU, there's >> complications with pregnancy, possibility of hives, rare possibility of >> losing white blood cells. >> >> I got horrible hives from Tapazole...none so far, with PTU (it's been five >> months, now). No other side-effects, either, thank goodness (from the >> medicine, anyway....). >> >> Kari >> >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> MAXIMIZE YOUR CARD, MINIMIZE YOUR RATE! >> Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as >> 0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. >> Apply NOW! >> http://click./1/2122/3/_/585824/_/953752024/ >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> >> ------------------------------------- >> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not >intended to replace expert medical care. >> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. >> ---------------------------------------- >> >> > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0% >Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW! >http://click./1/937/3/_/585824/_/953753071/ >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >------------------------------------- >The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. >Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. >---------------------------------------- > > Shen Holy Macro! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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