different brands of thyroxin

[richie296]

Anyone found a difference in the brands of thyroxine. Bear in mind i get 2 months supply. A small difference in strength over that period (i would have thought) can have an effect. I have had different brands and have had my prescription changed 25mg higher and lower a few times because of occurring thyroid symptoms. I am sure the brand is responsible. Anyone experienced this.

[shaws Administrator]

Yes, we can be sensitive - not to the T3 or T4 but to the fillers/binders.

That's why it is advisable to get the same makes each time, although sometimes the company can change them if the run out. As you comment a 25mcg may be slightly different to 50mcg even though it's from the same pharma.

[richie296 in reply to shaws]

Thank you i thought it was just me. Ps been diagnosed for 6 years. Normally i am on 125mcg but twice over the years it has had to be increased to 150 then decreased back to 125 again. This is the 3rd time at present and i am on 150. I have noticed different packaging. This is how my question came about.

[shaws Administrator in reply to richie296]

This is a link which I thought might interest you. The first question only. Links within might not work.

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

Dr Lowe, before his death, was an Adviser to Thyroiduk.org.uk

[Clutter]

Richie296, I prefer Actavis to Mercury Pharma as palpitations were worse on MP. Other people feel Actavis lacks the potency of MP. Wockhardt was often supplied when I needed 25mcg doses. I was never aware of any problems possibly because Wockhardt has less fillers than the other two. You can ask your pharmacist to supply your preferred make. If they can't/won't ask for the prescription back and get it filled elsewhere.

I haven't experienced different brands necessitating dose adjustments.

[richie296 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you i thought it was just me. Ps been diagnosed for 6 years. Normally i am on 125mcg but twice over the years it has had to be increased to 150 then decreased back to 125 again. This is the 3rd time at present and i am on 150. I have noticed different packaging. This is how my question came about.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

You can see what is available in the UK here:

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

Many, many people notice a difference. I do.

[Hidden]

Yes I have noticed a difference in the strengths of different makes. I stick to MP. I think the variance in the fillers/binders makeS them absorb differently in some people. We are often advised to stick to one make only. Find the brand you like and stick to it. I go to one chemist only where I know he supplies MP.

[silverfox7 in reply to Hidden]

Yes I noticed years ago that there was a difference in different brands so I now stick to MP but get the FP to name the brand in your script then the pharmacy have to source it for you.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Yes, when I was first diagnosed I use to get different brands, as was just prescribed generic Levo. I found by experience that it did make a difference.

I have found that Mercury Pharma suits me. (Used to be called Eltroxin)

Your GP can put brand name in brackets on prescription.

You might need to vary your pharmacy to always find same brand of Levo, rather than sticking to one pharmacy and accepting different brands of Levo