I've been to my local Superdrug pharmacy for my repeat prescription of Mercury Pharma 50mcg Levothyroxine and been told that they can only order in bulk 1000 tablets at a time and that it's now called Amdipharm. They don't want to order them because I'm the only patient of theirs that gets this medication but I've had allergic reactions to other brands. Is what Superdrug telling me correct? They've lied to me in the past so I'm naturally suspicious.
Thank you for your replies.
TT x
Written by
ThyroidThora
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Perhaps Superdrug can only order 1,000 tablets a time through their distributor. Take your prescription to another pharmacy. Independent high street pharmacies aren't necessarily tied to distributors and if they don't have MP 50mcg in stock can usually order for next day delivery. Contact Concordia if you have difficulty concordiarxinternational.co...
I've never had a problem getting Mercury Pharma Levothyroxine/Eltroxine from my local Superdrug before. I've been getting the tablets for nearly 5 years so, I'm shocked that they suddenly are saying that they can only buy 1000 tablets at a time now. I've looked on the companies website and it appears it can be bought in a plastic container containing 28, 56, 112 and 1000 tablets whereas I normally get the 28 tablets blister pack. I'll ring Concordia on Monday and see what is happening.
Thanks for your help and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
I know your post was 2 years ago, but I am wondering what is happening to you now with MP thyroxine? I have been having difficulty obtaining it for months now and was told by Boots they are currently being repackaged. I have been given Actavis brand, but am very reluctant to take it as I too have found MP to be the best for me.
I have contacted Advanz Pharma who have taken over MP and asked them what is happening and if they are repackaging will the formula be the same. I am waiting for their reply. I contacted MP twice, but they have not replied. Please let me know how you are getting on.
I'm still managing to get MP Levothyroxine but I've noticed that the packaging has changed to state it as Eltroxin levothyroxine. I get my prescription from Superdrug so, perhaps you could change to them. I'm not aware of any problems with supply but I am aware that pharmacists can change the brand to a cheaper one without your permission so it might be better to get your GP to name the brand on your prescription so the pharmacist has to get you the one you need.
Thanks, Thora. My GP has put MP on, but Boots just keep saying they can’t get it. They gave me 5x25mcg Eltroxin 2 months ago and last month I had to get my GP to change my prescription to 2x50mcg (given as MP) and a 25mcg of Eltoxin. I have always had the 25 as Eltroxin, which is MP anyway. I had a reply from Advanz and they say there is no shortage, but do not answer my question about it being MP, or if not named MP now, that it is the same formula. Unfortunately we don’t have a Superdrug pharmacy in our small town, so I really don’t feel any further forward. I may try ringing Advanz (previously Concordia) as suggested by helvella below. This whole scenario seems so ridiculous, and we can’t even blame Brexit!!!
Boots own the distributor that supplies MP and Eltroxin so, they can get it. I had the same problem a couple of years ago when Superdrug said they couldn't get for me. I rang Concordia in London and told me of the dilemma. I was advised that there wasn't a shortage and they rang Superdrug for me who then managed to order it in. They've managed to do this every since without any problems. Perhaps you need to ring the company direct and get them to ring Boots on your behalf. If you still struggle PM me and I'll do my best to help your further.
Thanks, I will do that. I am still waiting for a reply from Boots HQ. I will ring them on Monday if I do not hear by then(I am childminding my 3 granddaughters today).
Hi Chriskisby. I replied to you on another post today. I cannot get 50mcg MP through boots and they said they’ve contacted 3 distributors about it.
I contacted Concordia in 2017 and they said: Our customer service have also confirmed that our medicine is supplied by AM , AAH or Alliance.
Alliance is part of boots so they would have tried that. I’m wondering if MP is coming out as Eltroxin again and if the distributor doesn’t click it’s one and the same the pharmacists are wrongly informed? Eltroxin was available for a few months c.2017-2018 then replaced by MP dispensed in pots. Maybe they’ve switched again?
I am getting more and more confused! Concordia is now known as Advanz, and they now own MP. I wasn’t aware Boots had anything to do with Advanz. If they do why can they not obtain these supplies?I still wonder if it is down to price differences. Do you have any idea if Almus is anything like MP? I am so reluctant to try it, but may have to if things don’t change in the next week or so when I run out of MP.
I tried Almus (Actavis) initially and I felt well on it until I started to take the 100mcg tabs instead of 2x50mcg. Had very odd symptoms as if my brain was focusing, like a lens, can’t really describe it. My bloods were good, conversion was best ive ever had (I self source t3). That’s when I switched to MP and used it since. I think almus may be stronger or I was absorbing it better or faster but I don’t want to have to switch unless I’ve no choice.
Thanks for that. I have been given 100mcg Almus and 25mcg Eltroxin (MP, of course). All this chasing it up is exhausting, I am sure you agree! See how we both get on on Monday.
Thanks, Sybilla. I collected my MP today from my Boots branch and they have kept three boxes for me for the next three times. I was told the confusion arose because the 100mcg of MP is now dispensed as Eltroxin, as it has been for 25mcg all along, so they are now ordering that and obtaining it without any problems (I will reserve judgement to see if it continues in the future). I too have had communications with both Boots and Advanz. Boots HQ was totally useless, not answering my question at all, but I had the same answer from Advanz as you. I was going to takeit along with me today if Boots hadn’t got MP for me today. I feel such a sense of relief. It has been like Chinese torture this past month, will they, won’t they! Thanks for your help and support in this. It is always good to know I am not alone in this!
I don't think Almus is anything to do with MP. It's only recently (in the past couple of years) that there have been new brands of T3 on the market and I think that the pharmacies are pushing these because they are much cheaper.
Yes, Almus is separate to MP. I don’t think T3 is available now unless it is prescribed by a endo, but all I am asking for is for MP T4, which suits me so well. That too is probably a few pennies dearer than the others, but not worth the saving if it causes ill health for we who need it!
I've just checked my recent prescription and my 50mcg tablets are Eltroxin (as per usual) and my 25mcg tablets are Levothyroxine but both have Mercury Pharma logo on them. Perhaps the PL number will help with ordering. The 25mcg tablets PL number is 12762/0016 and the 50mcg tablets are PL 10972/0031.
No, they don't have the same PL numbers. I've checked the packaging of my meds and the numbers are definitely different as noted in my previous reply above.
Different dosages have different product licence numbers, but Eltroxin has the same PL as MP Levothyroxine at the same dosage according to the Summary of Product Characteristics documents on Electronic Medicines Compendium:
Thank you for your interest in learning more about our company.
We care about your questions and concerns.
To speak to a customer service executive about any of our products, to check availability of any products, or for any issue related to products or services, please do not hesitate to contact us at the below details.
Our normal opening hours and Monday to Friday GMT 08:30 TO 17:30.
Details of our 24/7 emergency Medical Information contact details can be found on the Adverse Event Reporting page (see menu on right).
Capital House, 85 King William Street London EC4N 7BL United Kingdom
I'm taking Mercury Pharma ELTROXIN Levothyroxine, and I have no problem getting them from my chemist. I was taking 125mcg, but changed recently to 100mcg. Mercury sold out to AMCo Pharmaceuticals, and Concordia International brought AMCo out. Mercury comes under the umberella of Concordia International, along with AMD Pharmaceuticals, Abcur Pharmaceuticals, and Focus Pharmaceuticals. I hope that's helped.
The pharmacist said that the tablets will have AMCo written on them. I don't mind provided that the ingredients are exactly the same because I've had allergic responses to other brands.
I always used to support my small local pharmacy. However, over the years they started replacing my usual brands (without telling me or asking if it would be ok) by cheaper ones. I took them back and explained I only wanted my usual brands (I did try to see how the other brands work first for certain medicines: they did not work for me...). To start with the pharmacist told me they would put a note in their order book regarding the brands I required. That worked for a while.. then they started swapping my brands again... when I refused to take them I was told they could not obtain my usual brands anymore.. COST cutting regardless to the fact they did not help me! SO I asked my GP to issue me with different prescriptions - stating the Brand name - and take my prescriptions to a Boots pharmacy (in the nearest small town, 5 miles away), that way I still have the same brands. I still use my local pharmacy for certain medicines in the meantime.
Basically it is a cost cutting situation.... so it might be a good idea to take your prescriptions to Boots or any other pharmacy, if you can, in order to obtain the brands that work best for you, but phone them first to ask if they will be able to supply the brands you need.
My Boots quite clearly said they only stock Almus (or, possibly, Actavis at times - same thing) in 50 and 100 microgram tablets. They do have Mercury Pharma 25 microgram tablets - simply because Actavis do not make such a dosage.
I think the problem is that each pharmacy whether a large chain like Boots or Superdrug have their own wholesale suppliers and some wholesale suppliers only deal with certain drug manufacturers. I know that Concordia deal with Alliance Healthcare Wholesalers and if the dispensing pharmacist does not have an account then they cannot provide the drugs.
Alliance is a part of the Walgreen Boots Alliance megagroup. And if Boots can supply 25 microgram Mercury Pharma they obvious have the necessary trading links. So non-supply must be a policy decision, at least, that is how it appears to me.
But what a terrible situation that we patients need to try to understand any of this.
I agree...it's a cost cutting exercise. They don't give a fig about the effect it has on their patients because, according to them, the active ingredient is the same so there shouldn't be a problem. They don't realise that the fillers and binders are the problem for me and plenty of other people.
I don't have Mercury pharma Levo but Actavis for the 100 mcg and Wochhardt for the 25 mcg. I used to obtain these from my local pharmacy. Then without telling me they swapped these usual brands by trying to push Teva ... was furious as I had previously told the pharmacist I did not want to change my brands and he had made a note in their order book. It was ok for a while then they plaayed their dirty trick again... so left all the drugs a pharmacy and told them I therefore would get my thyroixine from Boots, from now on where they would not swap my brands. I felt quite crossed as I have been trying to support the small local pharmacy. The pharmacist told me their pharmacy group "could not obtain what I wanted"... told him it was all about cost, and he agreed.
Don't let these people fob you off... and take care.
You're right cost seems to be the driving force. I found out that the pharmacists were I live have been told to prescribe the cheapest product were available.
My pharmacy also cannot get my Mercury pharma Levo anymore. They say it's not available on their suppliers catalogues to order. They gave me TEVA which I refused. Something must be going on for multiple pharmacys to be having trouble getting hold of the 50mcgs?
Long story short! For me, after problems over the last few years I no longer accept ANY medication made by TEVA. IMO a very substandard pharmaceutical company. I have seen other posts here re TEVA problems so I don't believe it's just me.
I agree. In fact that'smy guess. I discovered thru trial and error that generic TEVA levo-in fact for me- generic TEVA ANYTHING is awful. I no longer accept any meds at my pharmacy from TEVA.
My Pharmacist was giving me TEVA 100mcg Levothyroxine, and Wockhardt 25mg Levothroxine. After feeling ill for so long, I did some research, and found that TEVA have an extra filler/ingredient in called Microcrystalline Cellulose, but the Wockhardt ones didn't. I found an old packet of Mercury Levothyroxine, and found that they did not have it in them. I took the Teva for over a year, and was extremely poorly, and at the same time, I found that a prescribed antihistamine, and a diuretic made by Activis, also had Microcrystalline Cellulose. I was itching from head to toe, my hair starting falling out, I put on over 2 stone in weight, insomnia, brain fog so bad, I couldn't string a sentence together, thrush, chronic fatigue, sweating in my head, face, and neck. These are a few of the symptoms I had, some I still have 18 months later. I'm off to see a specialist tomorrow to see if I can get some answers, and to see if the Microcrystalline Cellulose has caused all the problems I have, or wether it is just coincidence. I have had an underactive thyroid for nearly 20 years, and I have never felt so unwell, or had so my problems. Also, although i've always been overweight due to major back problems, my weight for the past few years has remained stable. After doing all of my research into different manufacturers, I went to my doctor armed with all my findings, and said I refused to take TEVA, or Actavis, or anything that contained Microcrystalline Cellulose, and that I wanted Mercury Eltroxin. My doctor told me that when they write the prescriptions out they only write Levothyroxine and the dosage, the Pharmacist then gives us what they have been sent. When I order my repeat prescription from my surgery, I order Eltroxin Levothyroxine as that's what my doctor changed it to on my notes. I guess TEVA and Actavis are cheap, and the Pharmacists have been told to push them. My Pharmacist can't get anything too replace my diuretic, because all he gets sent is Actavis. I have done my own research, and can't find anything either, without them, I have extremely swollen legs, and feet.
Your symptoms are exactly the same as mine when I was given TEVA and Wockart. I believe it is the binders and fillers and the Microcrystalline Cellulose used probably caused my problems. cellulose is a plant sugar extracted from tree bark, but the ingredients don't state which plant it comes from. I'm allergic to loads of plants and foods and Zylatol is a low GI plant sugar extracted from Birch tree bark and I'm allergic to Birch tree bark. I suspect that it's used in medicines and that this was my problem.
As regards cost, Mercury Pharma Levothyroxine isn't expensive to the NHS. When I last checked out the cost it was less than a cuppaccino at McDonald's.
Do you take blood pressure tablets? I ask because your swollen legs and feet could be a sign of high blood pressure or perhaps you need a higher dose of the Mercury Pharma Eltroxin/Levothyroxine. I got swollen ankles when I was on a very low dose of Levo.
It's some years since I had Wockhardt so the ingredients may have changed, but I was aware that they were investigated and fined by the Federal Drugs Agency in the USA for poor manufacturing practices at their plant in India. Raw ingredients were stored in open vats in extremely hot temperatures when they should have been refrigerated. Plus, the production staff weren't allowed comfort breaks so they were having toilet breaks were they where working. They've probably cleaned up their act since then but, I don't want to risk it!
Hi Thora. I just googled Microcrystalline cellulose -a filler used more and more commonly, it seems, as a filler in meds and foods. It is defined as refined (powdered wood pulp). I 'fast-read 'thru several sites and what I got was what felt to me as info that seemed to downplay any side effects/dangers/etc. One wonders who funded these studies. Pharmaceutical companies do you think? I can't imagine ingesting ground up wood pulp for any reason can be healthy. The one site that gave a little more info was celiac.com. If anyone is interested, try typing in microcrystalline cellulose and read about it. Also, the website drugs.com lists meds that use this as a filler. One person did talk about her hair falling out and another mentioned getting symptoms after eating packaged shredded cheese that contained this cellulose as apparently it is used in foods as an anti-caking agent. I know that packaged pre-shredded cheese, at one time, had corn starch added to keep it from clumping together. I started shredding my own cheese. As bad as the corn starch (probably from GMO corn) was at least it is food. But wood pulp? It's generic term is just cellulose so I would probably read labels and if I saw cellulose I would avoid and assume it's wood pulp. Don't you love truth in advertising? The article mentioned it is also used in some NDT products. irina1975
I have suffered from swollen feet and ankles since 1990 after having a spinal fusion operation. I had to lay flat for 3 1/2 weeks before being put in a plaster cast. As I had to lay flat for all of that time, and because of the kind of operation i'd had, they fitted me with a catheter so that I had minimal movement. A few months later, my feet and ankles starting swelling, and I was put on diuretics by my doctor. If I stop them, my feet and legs swell. One of the diuretics I have taken for all those years, now contains Microcrystalline Cellulose, and it's manufactured by Actavis. Unfortunately, there is no one else who does the diuretic as its a potassium sparing one. My doctor prescribed me something else, but when I went to get it from the chemist, it came back Actavis again. Not having taken the said drug for months now, has caused my feet, and legs to swell continuously. I did see a specialist today, although my doctor didn't send me to the correct one, so now waiting to be referred to an Endocrinologist. He told me that feet, and legs swelling is also a thyroid problem. I have never suffered with high blood pressure, and it has been taken quite regularly in the past few months. My Levothyroxine dose was changed from 125mcg to 100mcg in December because my TSH went down to 0.3. The specialist told me today that my last TSH blood test showed it had gone up to 2.6 and is stable again.
Oh gosh you've really gone through the mill just like me.
I thought you swollen legs and ankles was thyroid linked but I didn't want to alarm you. I think your dose of Levothyroxine needs to be higher because your TSH is quite high even though it is within the range. The swelling is evident that there is a problem. Do you stop taking your Levothyroxine before you have your blood tests done? If not, then they are testing the drugs and not your actual hormone levels. Please PM me and I will do my best to help.
I thought my TSH level was quite high too, even though, as you say it is within range. My TSH is usuallyaround 1.6. After seeing 4 GP's and a hospital appointment over the past 18 months, I am now being referred yo an Endocrinologist. I have said for months, and months that all my symptoms are thyroid related, but no one wants to listen to the patient. On Monday I had an appointment with a hospital consultant in Elderly Care lol, just because my very young doctor though my swollen feet and ankles was to do with my heart. I have argued with my GP, and told her that I was not being rude, but if she didn't know anything about thyroid problems, to send me to an Endocrinologist so that I can get the help I need. Going to the appointment for Elderly Care, I got the answers I wanted, and someone who agreed with me, and who is willing to tell my GP that I need to be referred to get my thyroid problems soeted out. Actually, I was quite disgusted that I was sent to Elderly Care, i'm only 69 this year lol. I don't stop taking my Levothyroxine before a blood test, I will PM you.
I've phoned Concordia today and spoken to a Customer Service Advisor whom was very nice and helpful.
According to my conversation with the Customer Service Advisor there are no problems with production or supply of 50mcg tablets of Mercury Pharma Levothyroxine. He said to go get my prescription filled by Boots but I explained that it is sent electronically to Superdrug and that they said they could no longer get the blister packs and would have to order 1000 tablets at a time, and that I was the only patient on this brand. He is going to investigate the matter and speak to the pharmacist at my local Superdrug on my behalf to sort it out. Fingers crossed he will sort it out for me.
As regards future repeat prescriptions, I'm getting worried because my local GP surgery is insisting on all repeat prescriptions being sent to one pharmacist electronically and if that chosen pharmacist cannot get your particular medication it will be very hard to shop around to get the medication you need. I've been getting my repeat prescriptions sent to Superdrug for 5 years now and I've not really had much bother until recent months. Superdrug have always managed to accommodate my medical needs.
Thank you to everyone for your replies, your help has been very helpful.
You can refuse to have your prescription sent electronically to local pharmacy and then collect your prescription from surgery. I have told my GP I do not wish for my prescription to be sent automatically to local pharmacy because they give me any cheap old rubbish....
The doctors want to make their lives easier and they are probably getting more bonus points by using the local pharmacy. Also by doing so they are getting MORE control over us, the patients, to do as they please, giving us the cheapest, nastiest medicine they can prescribe. Their is NO consideration about the patients' wellbeing. We must not accept to be led like a herd of sheep... and keep some independence regarding the drugs we are willing to take.
Doctors do not have any right over our bodies, our life.
I've been getting my prescription filled by Superdrug for nearly 6 years now. I tried local independent pharmacists and Boots and was led a merry dance trying to get my prescription filled because they were unhelpful and reluctant to provide me with the medications I need. Superdrug, on the other hand, were very helpful and would just order in my prescription without fuss. However, the last few months have been rather different. I've been to Superdrug this afternoon and been told that they are having problems getting my Mercury Pharma Levothyroxine because the distributor, Alliance Healthcare, are no longer letting them order the 50mcg blister packs but can only order 1000 tablets at a time. I explained that I'd spoken to Concordia and been told that there isn't a problem. My pharmacist at Superdrug let slip that Alliance Healthcare is owned by Boots. I said that this is unfair and means that Boots can monopolise the situation. I explained that the assistant I'd spoken to at Concordia had suggested that I go to Boots for my prescription because they had all strengths in stock. This ties in with what the pharmacist at Superdrug told me.
Hello, date 15.3.21_____I have had problems trying NO 100 mgs. Today I have been told by my local chemist that he has 10 x 100 boxes and after that none.. I guess I shall have to go and source my supply elsewhere. They who me best of all other medication. I have had trouble anyway getting to the chemist during lockdown. I am 82years of age and the doctor will only prescribe one month at a time. You can imagine what it is like when the chemist gives you the wro n tablets. Fed up, depressed and worried. Cannot cope with this attitude and behaviour. Am I still living in GB? The health service is disappointing. Connie confused.
Hi - Thanks for the info' - It really is upsetting. I feel very annoyed that for the past 25 years, I haven't had any problems receiving tablets, other than changing the supplier due to odd side effects - now all this is quite worrying and sad. - Fed up old lady !!!! Frankiexx2
I had a problem getting my Mercury Pharma a couple of years ago. My pharmacist said it was an issue with supply so, I contacted Mercury Pharma (details below - see Helvella) and it turned out that there wasn't an issue at all. The local CCG was preventing my local pharmacists from supplying it and wanted everyone changing to a cheaper brand. Mercury Pharma contacted my pharmacist to sort out supply and my GP changed my repeat prescription to provide Mercury Pharma brand. You might have to do the same.
Hi - I cannot thank you enough - I am going quite mad with the attitude.
My surgery has stopped giving me more than one packet at a time. I have written to the Surgery Manager - no reply. I have been two weeks sorting out this prescription - and I have to look forward to having two weeks without worry - then two weeks pleading for my tablets. It is making me quite ill and cannot sleep. Thank you for your answer - at least I know there is someone OUT there. Frankie xx2
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.