Problems after changing to New formula TEVA brand!

[red_head40]

Has anyone been having problems with the New formula of TEVA Levo. I have had severe itching since I started it a month ago and wonder if I'm allergic to the fillers. Anyone?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Which products have you previously taken?

Have you ever had any similar issues with any other make of levothyroxine?

Have you tried taking an ordinary over-the-counter antihistamine to see if it helps? That can assist in showing that your issues are related to histamine.

[RedApple Administrator]

As well as a reaction to excipients, severe itching can occasionally be caused by over medication. It's just possible that you are actually absorbing this new formula tablet better than your previous brands.

If antihistamine (as suggested by Helvella) doesn't help, consider getting a blood test to check your FT4 level. In theory, a blood test should always be done whenever a pharmacy dispenses you with a different thyroxine brand to your usual one, but we all know this doesn't happen unless the patient specifically requests it.

[red_head40]

Thank you for your replies hellvella and redapple. Never had issue with TEVA brand Levo before it was changed but have taken an antihistamine now so will see if that helps. Thanks again x

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to red_head40]

It has been completely reformulated as the old Teva (from a few years ago) was failing to deliver the claimed dose of levothyroxine.

[nightingale-56]

red_head40 this was the first sign that I was really having trouble when I was changed from Goldshield Eltroxin to Mercury Pharma Generic Levothyroxine. My skin then began to break out in sticky spots and six years later I am still suffering. See my post on Acacia Powder a few weeks ago. My skin now is very sore.

[red_head40 in reply to nightingale-56]

nightingale-56 that is awful for you. Do you know if I could ask the gp to leave that particular brand off of My repeat prescription? I will have a look at your post on Acadia powder too. Thanks x

[nightingale-56 in reply to red_head40]

red_head40 , my son is also suffering as we were changed at the same time in May 2010. My son is now on Actavis and I am on Aliud. You should be able to be prescribed Actavis, but possibly not Aliud as this is a special order Levothyroxine. I am in talks with my local CCG regarding this at the moment. It is better for me as I cannot also have Actavis, but is by no means as good as Goldshield Eltroxin was. please some other of my posts.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to red_head40]

In my view, the best course of action is to get your pharmacist to put your requirements on their records.

Doctors are rarely properly aware of different makes, etc., and you could end up causing yourself issues. For example, you could persuade your GP to state "Actavis" on your prescription. Then you would likely to be unable to get your prescription dispensed at a pharmacy that stocks Almus - even though they are the exact same product.

[shaws Administrator]

Try taking an anti-histamine tablet today and 1 hour before your next Tevo and if it relieves your itching, you will have to ask your pharmacy (you may need a new prescription) to give you another make of levothyroxine.

[Akita-cross]

I have every time I get the New formula I go back to filling tired no energy

[red_head40 in reply to Akita-cross]

They are horrible! I went to collect my tablets today and they had given me the new kind again. Luckily i checked package before leaving pharmacy this time!

[MayaDominica in reply to Akita-cross]

I've just been given the new formula Teva a few days ago and I am started to feel really tired after finally getting my dose right and feeling well after 2 years - so frustrating! I'm going to take mine back to the pharmacy and get it changed tomorrow

[MrsJonesesThyroid]

I won't use Teva, Mercury Pharma and many other brands except Wockhardt as they all contain a packing agent called 'ACACIA'...it's wood. It made me really ill a few years back, look into that...