Download JANUARY Newsletter - Manatee Your Choice

Manatee Your Choice News and Views
Medicine Cabinet Alert!
Healthy Ways to Live Your Days
Telephone Directory
Employee Health Benefits
(941) 748-4501 ext 6403
Member Advocacy
(941) 748-4501 ext 6407,
ext 6409, and ext 6411
Lifestyle Assistance and
Modification Program (LAMP)
(941)741-2995
Diabetes/Nutrition Program
(941) 748-4501 ext 6410
Communications Coordinator
(941)748-4501 ext 3967
Fitness/Exercise Programs
(941)748-4501 ext 3979
Pharmacy Advocate
(941) 748-4501 ext 6406
Optum Rx
(800) 562-6223
Precertification
(941) 741-2963
Visit us online at:
www.ManateeYourChoice.com
January 2016
Thyroid Diseases
What is The Thyroid?
The thyroid gland is very important for your body to function normally. The thyroid is
located at the base of neck. It produces a hormone, called the thyroid hormone, that
acts a messenger in your body and helps control several bodily functions. The most
important function of the thyroid is to control your metabolism. This affects every part
of your body from brain to muscles.
Hyperthyroidism
Sometimes, the thyroid does not work
properly and makes too little or too much
of the hormone. When the body makes
too much thyroid hormone, it is called
hyperthyroidism. Because your body is
making more of the hormone than what it
needs, your metabolism will be
accelerated. This may result in a goiter
forming. This is an enlargement or
swelling of the thyroid gland as shown in
the picture (Above.) Generally, a
www.womens-health-advice.com/assets/images/photos/goiter-diagram.jpg
goiter will go away when the
hyperthyroidism is treated.
One particular form of hyperthyroidism is called Graves disease. This form of
hyperthyroidism is due to an abnormal immune system response that causes the
thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. While Graves disease also has
unique symptom called exophthalmos, which is the bulging of the eyes. It may also
lead to eye discomfort or blurry vision. If not treated, this can cause permanent
vision loss.
Hypothyroidism
On the other hand, it is possible to have a thyroid that does not make enough of the
hormone. This is called hypothyroidism. The most common form of hypothyroidism is
a condition called Hashimoto’s disease. This is a result of a
http:// cdn.thyroid.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/what-is-thyroid-gland.jpg
person’s immune system attacking their own thyroid, leading
to reduced thyroid function.
Note: Armour Thyroid has a new generic product called NP thyroid.
This medication has a narrow therapeutic index. This means that there is a small difference in dosing for this
medication to switch from being beneficial to harmful. Switching from brand to generic may not be appropriate for
everyone.
Patients who are taking this medication should talk to their physician and pharmacist to see if switching to the
generic product is right for them. Some points to consider are listed below:
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You should consider how long have you been taking your medicine. Patients who are controlled on a specific
medication may be better to stay on that medication rather than switching to the generic.
Through Manatee, generic medications have $5 copays for a 30 day supply at preferred pharmacies while
brand medications have $40 copays.
Switching between brand and generic medication may include additional cost due to office appointments and
lab monitoring. It is not as easy as just switching one for the other. An appropriate dose will need to be
determined through monitoring on top of the routine monitoring required by this medication.
What Are Some Signs You Might Have Thyroid Problems?
While anybody can have thyroid disease, it is more common in women. It is also more common in people older
than sixty. Some of the most common symptoms associated with an underactive or overactive thyroid are listed in
the chart below. If you have these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor to have your thyroid hormone levels
checked. Thyroid levels are checked through a blood test. The results of this blood test can be used to diagnosis
thyroid conditions.
Complications
If you have a thyroid condition and do not have it
treated, several complications may arise. Low
thyroid levels can cause high cholesterol which
would put you at risk for a heart attack or stroke.
Low thyroid levels can also weaken your bones.
Likewise, high thyroid levels can lead to heart
failure and also weaken your bones if left
untreated.
Treatment Options
Hypothyroidism is treated with drugs that replace the thyroid hormones. Levothyroxine is the most common drug
used to replace thyroid hormone. Common brand names for this drug include Synthroid, Unithroid, and Levoxyl.
Other drugs that can be used for an underactive thyroid gland include Armour Thyroid and liothyronine. It is very
important for people taking these medications to take them first thing in the morning on an empty stomach at least
one hour before eating or taking any other medications to get the full benefit of the drug.
Hyperthyroidism is treated with drugs that slow down your thyroid. Some drugs that are used to slow a person’s
thyroid are methimazole and propylthiouracil. For some people, medication is not enough and they have to have
surgery to remove part of or all of their thyroid.
Along with medication, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes a balanced diet, exercise, and
getting enough sleep every night. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about diagnosis or treatment of
thyroid disorders.
Manatee New Generic Medication
Brand Name
Generic Name
Abilify Oral Solution
Aripiprazole Oral Solution
Avodart
Dutasteride Cap
Invega
Paliperidone Tab SR 24HR
Patanol 1% Eye Drops
Olopatadine 1% Eye Drops
Indication
Used for the treatment of bipolar disorder,
Schizophrenia, Tourette disorder, and irritability
associated with autistic disorder. Also an add
on treatment for major depressive disorder.
For treatment of symptom of benign prostatic
hyperplasia
For the treatment of Schizophrenia or
schizoaffective disorders
For the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis
These brand prescription medications have recently become available in generic versions. As a
reminder, generic medications have a $5 copay at preferred Manatee locations.
Manatee County Government’s Center for Health & Lifestyle Management * www.ManateeYourChoice.com
Manatee Health Disclaimer
The information in this newsletter is not a substitute for medical advice. It is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for your specific medical
conditions-only a health care provider can do this. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician regarding the use of overthe-counter products to treat any medical condition or consult your physician regarding the use of prescription or over-the-counter products to treat any medical condition
or before starting any new diet, fitness, or supplement regimen.
Prescription Benefit Manager:
Optum Rx
For: Manatee YourChoice Health Plan
Bradenton, Florida
Prepared by:
Pharmacy Healthcare Solutions, Inc.
P.O. Box 101632
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Editor: Melissa Sherer Krause, Pharm.D.
Contributors: Christopher K. Williams, Pharm.D.,
Kathryn Bress, Adam Dashner, Kaysee Gruss,
Pharm. D. Candidates.
Designer: Linda Richardson