Changing brand of levo.: I've just picked up my... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

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Changing brand of levo.

GotTheTShirt profile image
8 Replies

I've just picked up my regular prescription and been issued with a different make of levo from the usual Mercury Pharmaceutical that I have been taking for the last 2yrs. The new brand is Actavis.

Is it advisable to change brands? Will it make a difference? I've only been feeling 'normal' for a short while having added T3 self meds and don't want to mess it up now.

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GotTheTShirt
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8 Replies
helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator

There are only three UK makes of levothyroxine. Have a look here:

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/treatm...

If happy and stable on one make, then it is very definitely better to stick to that. Many people take whatever they are given and end up changing and mixing repeatedly. If you want to stick to one make - or to change to another make - I always suggest discussing with pharmacists. Many will try to get whichever you want and stick to that (subject to supply being available).

If you accept the packet in the pharmacy, you will need a new prescription to get more. They are neither allowed nor willing to exchange once you leave the counter. I'd advise always checking the actual packets for what they are, the make, the expiry date, anything else you care about, as soon as you get the bag in your hand.

Many people have changed between Mercury Pharma and Actavis without noticing anything very much. Others care deeply.

Rod

Ansteynomad profile image
Ansteynomad

I took 25mcg of Actavis on Sunday night and now have awful eczema on both hands and can't get my rings off. Coincidence?

I am one of those people that Rod mentions, I take whichever make is dispensed to me and have never noticed a difference in 33 yrs - not to say that there hasn't been a difference, just that I've never noticed one.

annette12 profile image
annette12 in reply to

I have always taken actavis but been feeling terrible this last mth. Just checked my packet of levo and its been changed to mercury it def has something to do with it. Had lots if hypo symptoms. My endo stressed to stick with same brand, but thats not to say it will happen to you tho. I will def not be making that mistake again.

in reply toannette12

Yes for sure, avoid anything that upsets you, and good luck with getting your hands back to normal :-)

Sue777 profile image
Sue777

When I increased my Levo and had to change to Activas I initially got horrible painful acne like the type you get as a teenager. However it has settled down now and actually my skin looks better than it has in years. It used to be really dry but now feels more hydrated and supple also I noticed yesterday that my fingernails look healthier than they have in years! X

mistydog profile image
mistydog

I have 3 different strengths of levo, and they are often ALL different brands!

GotTheTShirt profile image
GotTheTShirt

Thanks everyone for the replies, very helpful.

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