Is Levothyroxine the same as thyroxine sodium?

[DonnyJam]

Hello

Could someone answer the question in the title please?

And also, can I use thyroxine sodium to top up on my prescribed levo?

I'm looking around the sources for levo and came across thyroxine sodium, they state it's also called levothyroxine but I'm not sure if it is the same thing?

thanks, DonnyJam

[helvella Administrator]

DonnyJam,

A few years ago, the usual name Thyroxine was changed to Levothyroxine in order to avoid any possible confusion with another form (which is hardly ever even mentioned, let alone used).

In the early days of manufacturing and testing levothyroxine, it was realised that adding sodium to it ensured better characteristics for a tablet. Although it would be possible to substitute something else (possibly potassium or even hydrogen) I am not aware of any current pharmaceutical product which does not have that sodium atom.

Therefore, for all real-world practical purposes:

Levothyroxine = Thyroxine sodium

As they are the same thing, there is no issue in "topping up" other than getting the dose right for you.

[DonnyJam in reply to helvella]

Thank you for the reply helvella.

Well I'm hoping my GP will be onboard with increasing my dosage but if not it'll be self medicating with increases of 25mcg at a time and then I will probably get private tests done 6 weeks after each increase.

[helvella Administrator in reply to DonnyJam]

Also bear in mind...

Many people find that the different makes have at least slightly different effects on them. If you have two different products, which is implied by the different naming standards used, they might not be exact equivalents.

[DonnyJam in reply to helvella]

Yeah that is a concern but I imagine it will be better to be taking slightly different meds rather than being under medicated. I know it's far from ideal but if the GP's aren't willing to help I don't have many options.

[sarbizz in reply to DonnyJam]

I didnt feel right...i kept getting the gp to increase. My blood tests came back ok (i checked levels myself also and compared to pre underactive thyroid) but i felt awful. Then my gp dropped my dosage...i feel so much better!!! Sometimes you need to drop the dose as you may be getting to much! Have you ever been on a dose where you have felt ok for a while?

[Glynisrose]

Sounds the same to me!