So what do people think of teva (new formulatio... - Thyroid UK

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So what do people think of teva (new formulation) levothyroxine?

ThyroidObsessed profile image
β€’87 Replies

This basically carries on from my first post if u would like to read your more than welcome..

So new formulation from teva, levothyroxine was introduced oct 2016 i think maybe before, have been told by people on here their license was withdrawn in 2012/2013 and this is why they brought the new formualtion out, i have asked chemist this and my doctors who havent a clue about it, but obviously they wouldnt admit either way...

So has anyone had any problems taking the new formulation? Or even just the teva brand itself?

Im trying to figure out why my bloods went haywire around this time with tsh over 100 and if the symptoms of anxiety/restlessness/too much energy/ severe ibs symptoms loss of appetite were just due to too much levo or the new formulation, or that my tsh just went high after not taking them for 2 weeks? but the symptoms of anxiety etc dissapeared...

been off levo for 3 week now no signs of hypo symptoms as of yet and waiting for my t3 results that i should get mon/ tue next week which i will post on here, and im thinking of not taking levo until i see the endo in around 4 weeks..

Any opinions?..

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87 Replies
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miglet54 profile image
miglet54

It made my top lip tingle.

maes3552 profile image
maes3552β€’ in reply tomiglet54

If you're in the UK you can buy generic levothyroxine here without a prior script with an easy online medical consultation reliablepharm.com

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator

Do not like the taste - a strange salty-sweet with a hint of bitter. Of course, that isn't important, and it is not so bad that I wouldn't put up with it, but am surprised how I notice the taste however quickly I take some water and swallow.

Am wondering, where were yours made?

The Patient Information Leaflet for mine says PLIVA Croatia Ltd. - in Croatia. Teva have not put the PILs on the EMC site, and the one available on their site does not identify where it is manufactured.

At present, reserving judgment. Certainly don't want to either put people off, nor endorse as the best thing ever!

ThyroidObsessed profile image
ThyroidObsessedβ€’ in reply tohelvella

Im not sure where mine were made to be honest, i have now removed all traces of it from my home since getting the actavist brand instead, as do not want to accidentaly take the teva instead!.. strange about the taste though didnt notice that when i was on them!..

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorβ€’ in reply toThyroidObsessed

Maybe it is my particular way of throwing them into my mouth? :-)

radd profile image
raddβ€’ in reply tohelvella

? ? .... :o) ..

RedApple profile image
RedAppleAdministratorβ€’ in reply toradd

Like this? emoticonsof.com/design/clip...

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorβ€’ in reply toRedApple

Very good!

ianessex profile image
ianessexβ€’ in reply tohelvella

Thought you were on actavis with a hint of unithyroid added in,, have you changed brands

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorβ€’ in reply toianessex

When Teva launched their new formulation and included a 12.5 microgram tablet, I thought I would try it instead of my Uni-Pharma 12, but still alongside 100 microgram Actavis. Would save me cost and effort if it works out.

Have taken Teva for two weeks, last night swapped back to Uni-Pharma, as I am trying to see if there are any differences. Will report back when my opinion is settled. :-)

ianessex profile image
ianessexβ€’ in reply tohelvella

Have you noticed them being larger than others at all ?

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorβ€’ in reply toianessex

No - the 12.5 ones are very small. Certainly smaller than 100 Actavis or 12 Uni-Pharma.

I guess, if they use exactly the same mixture for all their tablets, then a 100 would be the same volume as eight of their 12.5 tablets. Which would be quite large compared to many.

LindaB25 profile image
LindaB25β€’ in reply tohelvella

I've been taking the 25mcg and they are larger than the 100mcg, I've stopped taking them due to sickness and nausea

Biddy51 profile image
Biddy51β€’ in reply toLindaB25

What are you taking now?

DOKbob profile image
DOKbobβ€’ in reply toianessex

YES.

β€’ in reply toianessex

I have just gone into teva levothyroxine and I have noticed they are larger. Don't know if it is coincidental but I have been tired since switching around a week ago.

dfran profile image
dfranβ€’ in reply to

I've got a lot of aching muscles , is that what you mean by being tired?

Gillybabe48 profile image
Gillybabe48β€’ in reply tohelvella

The minty taste is probably the mannitol which seems to have replaced lactose. I got teva 25mg for first time yesterday and checked ingredients. Have not taken one yet as I always have Almus 50mg and 25 Wockhart.

silverfox7 profile image
silverfox7

May be if you are not happy with it you should fill out a yellow card. That way if many have problems it will be looked into

ThyroidObsessed profile image
ThyroidObsessedβ€’ in reply tosilverfox7

Hi, well this is what im trying to figure out before i see the endo.. blood work has gone haywire had been since august last year, plus since october i have been having bad side effects since the new formulation of teva was introduced,... i took one 50mcg after 2 weeks off of them and ended up in a&e with some kind of shock to my body, shaking uncontrollably heart racing, chest pains, sweating, nausea! Not took them since so have now been off them 3 weeks, doctor has provided another brand which is actavis, but dont want to take anything until i see the endo really...

Ellishq profile image
Ellishqβ€’ in reply tosilverfox7

What's a yellow card? Thanks.

LindaB25 profile image
LindaB25β€’ in reply toEllishq

You fill in a yellow card if you have any undesirable effects of any medicines

Ellishq profile image
Ellishq

I've definitely noticed the difference since the change. All the old hypo symptoms (plus extras like splitting headaches every day) back with a vengeance. I'm presuming it's just my body adjusting, I've been on it about 2 weeks now. Not sure there's an alternative?

ianessex profile image
ianessexβ€’ in reply toEllishq

What were you taking before teva ?

Ellishq profile image
Ellishqβ€’ in reply toianessex

I don't have any left to check but after google imagine I think it was Activis for the 50 and Wockhardt for the 25's...now it's both Teva. Do you know what the difference is?

Ellishq profile image
Ellishq

Google 'imaging' I meant!

Ellishq profile image
Ellishq

Just to update this thread. I found a couple of my old Actavis levo tablets at the back of the cupboard and took those as an experiment, within hours the constant headache I'd had for 3 weeks straight (that painkillers weren't touching) had gone, that night I slept through and I generally started to feel back to normal. I've since been back to the pharmacy and they've swapped my Teva supply for Activis and made a note on my file. I'm so relieved. I have no idea what's in / not in the Teva supply but its was as though I wasn't getting enough or even any of the thyroxine I need, I'm just surprised it took me 3 weeks to work out what was so wrong. The pharmacist said I was the first to complain but I expect I won't be the last! Thank you to this site for being there when I googled "Levothyroxine new formulation" and affirming my concerns.

β€’ in reply toEllishq

It has been the same for me Elishq.

Have steadily felt so unwell since taking tevo brand.

Been to my pharmacist today and asked for my old Activis brand of levothyroxine. Trouble is, he only had 100mcg tabs, so asked me to cut a tab into quarters to allow me the full 125 mcg daily dosage.

So grateful to know it's not just me.

Thanks

Biddy51 profile image
Biddy51β€’ in reply to

Dose that mean NHS not using Actavis anymore do you think?

vwyness profile image
vwynessβ€’ in reply toEllishq

I experienced similar symptoms last month as I was teva for a few weeks - migraines, palpitations, anxiety and sweating, alongside feeling pretty terrible in general. Gone back to activis and apart from feeling drained and really lethargic - all the other side effects have gone.

vwyness profile image
vwynessβ€’ in reply tovwyness

Also my skin went really dry, still is, hair started falling out again and I had severe pains down my left arm and shoulders.

Pascha1 profile image
Pascha1β€’ in reply tovwyness

I had the same I even had to have steroid injection in shoulder , hair fell out in mass amounts my house was covered in my hair i lost about a third or more of it, ears kept popping , migraines , now on mercury

Biddy51 profile image
Biddy51β€’ in reply toEllishq

I’ve just been given Teva Brand and not happy that they have just swapped me on to it! Have been taking Actavis Brand for a few years now. Have read NHS now using Teva. Does that mean no more Actavis? Been through too much to swap meds now! Really worried. πŸ˜•

HashimotoSandy profile image
HashimotoSandy

I'm not doing well at all. I actually considered whether the new formulation was a placebo. My joints ache, skin dry, hair falling out and I'm so tired I could curl up and die. All my symptoms have returned. I feel like crap. Anyone else ?

Kay2016 profile image
Kay2016β€’ in reply toHashimotoSandy

I've been feeling the same way. I just found out Milan the manufacturer added sucrose to the levothyroxine. I believe that's the reason I've been feeling so bad. My joints ache, malaised, nausea, stiff all over. I contacted my doctor and she told me to contact the pharmacist and well that's how I found out the change made. It makes sense based on all I've been reading now. We're taking nothing but a sugar pill. I'm getting my levels checked now to see how they measure up.

ThyroidObsessed profile image
ThyroidObsessed

Well unlucky for me i changed to actavis and although i have been alot better i still have the anxiety on and off and drastic mood shifts that are like i get a wave of horrible feeling of depression then happy again 5 minutes later so strange, anyone else?

Waiting to see the endo as my bloods are out of whack so hoping for answers...

Dee1304 profile image
Dee1304

I too have recently swapped to Teva Levothyroxine, only on 50mg at present as I have only been recently diagnosed. I am so upset to find that these new formulation tablets are pretty useless at dealing with the daily grind of hyperthyroidism. My original tablets were like little magic pills, I had approx 13 hours of 'normal' and it felt marvellous. 2 days of the new formulation and digestive tract is poor, sweats off and on but feels overwhelming, carpel tunnel, tennis elbow and shoulder pain are back, hips are hurting again despite recent injections, painkillers don't touch it and I've hardly slept because of the pain ............... I too wondered if this is a placebo as it certainly doesn't feel like it's doing anything positive - be interested to hear from others. Denise x

DOKbob profile image
DOKbob

I have been on Actavis Levothyroxine for years and have had no trouble. Got a new prescription which was TEVA and YUCK, when I took my first dose this morning. I shall have to cut out all salt in my diet now as these three pills must be over my daily allowance and I nearly spat them out. If this is a new formula, I hate to think what the old one was like.

Ellishq profile image
Ellishq

I had an almost immediate positive response to changing back to Activis but then after a day or two I felt a bit all over the place - like someone mentioned above - I could feel terribly deeply depressed for about half an hour and then totally fine, very weird! It took a good couple of weeks at least to feel better all round, but I still don't feel quite like I think I should. Ive only ever had TSH bloods done, I definitely feel better when I eat gluten free, but I know I should get the full bloods done privately if I have to and go from there. I don't know what that TEVA thing is all about, I just know it was hideous for me! And my poor MIL who is 82 also got switched on to it (for 4 months) - she felt literally at deaths door, and of course being that age never questioned it might be the "new formulatio" Teva. When I shared my thoughts she switched back to Activis and is slowly on the mend but it's taking its time. On the TEVA she had no good days, now she is at least having good days interspersed with very very tired ones. Before the TEVA she was in tip top condition, 82 going on 60!

SYLVIE15 profile image
SYLVIE15

hI I have just had a months TEVA never had this one before the 100 mg is Teva the 25 mg is lockhardt however since this new lot i am itching from head to foot with little tiny spots coming manic itching till i bleed so sleep is non existant this has only happened since i had the new tablets so i am going to doctors tomorrow to have my bloods done i feel rubbish and keep putting weight on the amount was increased in January so i am either under or over need to know i used to have a coffee after my tablets and after 15 years have just found it it makes absorption of throxin between 23 and 55 % less stopped doing that 6 weeks ago so maybe i need less so have to use a process of elimination to pin down the problem maybe its the new tablets any one else had this

sgodsave profile image
sgodsave

Hi all, I was moved from Actavis to Teva some time ago. I still need to check the exact date with the GP. I of course noticed the change in brand, but to be honest, thought nothing of it at the time. About 3-4 months ago I went to see my GP as I thought the level of medication may need adjusting, as symptoms reminiscent of those I associate with under activity were back. GP weighed me and I'd put on 2 stone in a couple of months. Both really surprised! My GP booked me in for blood test T4/TSH and results were normal. He also booked me for a blood test to test for menopause. This came back positive. I've struggled on, thinking that my symptoms are related to menopause, but reading the posts, I'm not so sure now. My symptoms are as follows. All of which I experienced when I was under active.

Trouble sleeping, including getting to sleep and waking during the night

Low energy

Irritability and can snap quickly

Mild clinical depression, it's like I am living behind a fog and can't engage or find enjoyment in life

Lack of focus, difficulty reading a remembering a recipe (even simple stuff)

Can't learn and can't retain information

Hate sexual contact

Terrible short term memory

Weight gain and now difficult to lose weight

Dizzy spells, had to stop driving

Tinitus back again

Palpitations

Hair is thinning again

I've made an appointment with my GP and am going to request to switch brands back to Actavis. If my symptoms ease, then I will know that it was linked to change in brand and not the menopause. I'll let you know the outcome.

flo1 profile image
flo1

The surgery issued script with 'New Formulation' a month ago, been on 100mcg Levo around 6 yrs...I have been to HELL AND BACK , 5 times with stomach trouble, incredible pain and pains all over the place..TEVO MUST BE AVOIDED!!!! I complained to the Doctor today and told him after research and finding out more here that many, many hypo's were extremely anxious on this new stuff, they have put a note on my records that I must only have Actavis thank the GODS!! I am booked to see a Gastro in July they are going to do tests hopefully this will now subside, no idea what is in them but I have been dire and my gut feels like it will explode ..at the Pharmacy the woman quipped 'its the coating'???????????????????? I asked what did she mean? No reply...you have all been warned no probs up until this Tevo so avoid it what ever you do , its deadly.

ianessex profile image
ianessexβ€’ in reply toflo1

Prob the acacia in teva,, will take little while to settle.

julie1111 profile image
julie1111β€’ in reply toianessex

I wasnt fussy and just took what the pharmacy gave - 6 weeks on teva - and my world went to hell. I am now fussy and would warn everyone to avoid Teva new formula lest they too would like the symptoms similar to guillain barre - which seems to be what zero T3 feels like... Back to actavis and slowly coming back - I am angry that 3 months of my life were made a living hell..

Mrsamb profile image
Mrsambβ€’ in reply toflo1

Hi can I ask how long it took you to start to feel ok again after stopping Teva? I've been suffering really bad for a year same symptoms as you with stomach aches & pains, feeling sick, itching, feeling very weak & tired, only just realised it could be down to the switch πŸ˜”

flo1 profile image
flo1β€’ in reply toMrsamb

Not long about a week before sypmtons reduced. Well worth the switch. Teva is known to put in binders if you were not aware ..so you need to ask them , but I would only now use brand name and brand only...drugs more effective and not so much on side effects although I do need to keep adjusting dose , which I think is something many do..I go so long then I need to hike up again..but the brand is cleaner and crisp..I would not touch TEVA again!

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorβ€’ in reply toflo1

flo1,

I am really not sure what you mean about "brand name" medicines - regarding levothyroxine.

We have five different formulations available in the UK. All are packaged with the name of the licence holder on the outside of the packaging. (A few are also supplied under own label supplier branding but the original manufacturer/licence holder is clearly visible.)

UK Levothyroxine Tablets

βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–

Last updated 13/04/2020.

This is a list of currently marketed levothyroxine tablets in the UK.

Please note that re-branding (whether by a manufacturer or as an β€˜own label supplier’ - which has happened with several products) does not mean any change to formulation.

β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”

πŸ”Ή Accord – formerly Actavis (manufacturer)

50

100

β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”

πŸ”Ή Advanz – branded both β€œMercury Pharma Levothyroxine” and β€œMercury Pharma Eltroxin” which are identical (manufacturer)

25

50

100

β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”

πŸ”Έ Almus – (an β€˜own label supplier’ brand owned by Walgreen Boots Alliance – Boots pharmacies and Alliance distributor)

50 – This is repackaged Accord – formerly Actavis.

100 – This is repackaged Accord – formerly Actavis.

β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”

πŸ”Ή Aristo – (manufacturer)

100

β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”

πŸ”Έ Northstar – (an β€˜own label supplier’ brand owned by McKesson – Lloyds pharmacies and AAH distributor)

25 – This is repackaged Teva. ❗

50 – This is repackaged Accord – formerly Actavis. ❗

100 – This is repackaged Accord – formerly Actavis. ❗

β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”

πŸ”Ή Teva – (manufacturer)

12.5

25

50

75

100

β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”

πŸ”Ή Wockhardt – (manufacturer)

25

βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–

πŸ”Ή – identifies manufacturers.

πŸ”Έ – identifies β€˜own label supplier’ products.

❗ – Take particular note of the actual product which varies by dosage.

β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”

Numbers refer to tablet dosages in micrograms.

If there is anything inaccurate in this information, please let me know by Private Message:

healthunlocked.com/user/hel...

βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–βž–

This document is available as a PDF here:

dropbox.com/s/6h3h0qi4eqwi6...

flo1 profile image
flo1β€’ in reply tohelvella

I am using Eltroxin this is no generic so brand

flo1 profile image
flo1β€’ in reply toflo1

I had to research a brand in UK as this is all that came through.. so switched using over a year now and thankfully doing well.. most of our meds are generic cheaper versions and although did okay on activis I could not get a 25mcg on dose..so it caused troubles! This one is fine..hope that helps I have severe genetic lung disease same thing with azithromycin which I am prescribed 3 x weekly until a brand was allocated infection control was high..so insisted on brand and touch wood since switch have fared a great deal better..you are able to insist on this. Maybe it's my chemistry? I am sensitive to meds so this could explain my being a pest..but doubt it. I believe my thyroid meds are Mercury.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorβ€’ in reply toflo1

Mercury Pharma levothyroxine is absolutely identical to Mercury Pharma Eltroxin.

We don't have anonymous, unbranded levothyroxine products. And, because they are usually dispensed in their manufacturer's or own-label outers, we can readily see what they are.

I think it has been somewhat different in some countries where we hear of an anonymous pot of anonymous tablets, which might change every time they are dispensed.

Although people have (very) strong opinions about which products they are happy to accept, I don't think we can say that one make/formulation is necessarily better than another in general.

Mrsamb profile image
Mrsambβ€’ in reply toflo1

Thank you, I've been off it for about a week, I have started to feel like I have more energy but stomach still hurts a bit every now & then, maybe need a bit longer to get over it as Id been taking it for 1 year. I'll never go back on it again either can't believe how bad its made me feel, I'm back on Almus now which I've taken for years so fingers crossed my body will sort itself out properly soon, thanks again.

dizzy864 profile image
dizzy864

I'd been on actavis for many years and no problems. Then 6 weeks ago my pharmacy told me that atavis had merged with teva and I would be given teva in future. I was told not to worry as it would be the same as atavis in every way just different packaging!!

As I still had 10 days of atavis left, I alternated them. I did notice a few minor problems - restless and a lot more sleepy. When my atavis ran out I went full time on Teva. Then my problems really started. In it's favour, I'm sleeping better than I have for years. Unfortunately, every couple of hours I'm waking up with a really dry mouth and also desperate for the toilet. I have a drink of water and then go back to sleep immediately - such luxury for me! The problem is I can't wake up in the morning. Instead of getting up 7.45 - 8 as I usually do, I'm forcing myself out of bed at 9.30 - 10.

I'm really tired all day. I'm also having lots of stomach problems - desperate to pass water all the time and a really upset stomach. I seem to alternate between being ravenously hungry and having no appetite. It's really odd.

My restless leg syndrome in my hands has got infinitely worse. But far and away the worse problem is anxiety. I have a lot of periods when I'm really scared and worried - about anything and everything.

I was given my second lot of teva this morning. I returned it to the pharmacy. As luck would have it when I got there my hands would not stop shaking. I showed the pharmacy my hands, told her about the problems with teva. She's ordering atavis for me to pick up tomorrow morning.

The annoying thing is that I do not hava pharma levo or lio because they contain acacia, which I know I'm allergic to. After much searching on the net this morning, I discovered that teva contains acacia as well. I do not believe that all my problems with teva are down to acacia, I think something else was going on.

In fairness to teva, I would add that I am extremely sensitive to all meds.

ianessex profile image
ianessexβ€’ in reply todizzy864

First I've heard of any merger. helvella this surely isn't true is it ?

Netteann profile image
Netteannβ€’ in reply todizzy864

Me I thought I was going to die . Never felt so bad since I was diagnosed 25 yrs ago , never will I take this brand again ... 4-5 months on them has been hell ...

I can’t get out of bed like someone has sucked all my life out of me ! ... tired all day then I can’t sleep when I should be ... body’s all out .... aching everywhere and gained 1st in a month ! Told doctor had bloods all in range ... but higher than I’m normally... 2.54 .. I work better in the 0. Region...

just got my normal brand tablets today and have taken them I hope I start to feel better soon .. like my old self ...

as I’m just a tired person at the moment... with no life ...

MiimiArchie1 profile image
MiimiArchie1β€’ in reply toNetteann

Hi I am really concerned and wonder if you can help I was given new formulation 100mg Teva 30.4.18 I didn’t think anything more I then got test results back and I was just over so they reduced me to 75mg on the 20.5.18 from around the 14.6.18 I started to feel really strange really irritable and so hot, I thought I had a viral infection hoarse throat and sleeping lunch time bad stomach I went to the doctors who said nothing wrong with throat checked results said will put you back on 100. I have also been in tears. Other symptoms headache yesterday threw up bile. This has now interfered with my job. I’ve not been able to find any of my old tablets. Can you tell me what the normal brand of tablets is. I am so sorry you are feeling like this I really understand, I hope things are sorted. I am back to my docs tomorrow if I can get an appointment but I hate going there they don’t seem to understand.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorβ€’ in reply toMiimiArchie1

The other UK makes are Wockhardt (25 only), Actavis (50 and 100) - which is also sold as Almus and Northstar, and MercuryPharma (25, 50 and 100) - also sold as Eltroxin.

MiimiArchie1 profile image
MiimiArchie1β€’ in reply tohelvella

Thank you very much I was on wockhardt and Mercury Pharma I will start with the pharmacy tomorrow, I never thought to look I have never felt so ill this could have cost me my job I kept going back to doctors I am so glad that I found this site. Really exhausted with it all. Thank you 😊

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorβ€’ in reply toMiimiArchie1

Quite right too.

I entirely understand why you posted on this thread, but it is over a year old so might not be noticed by many members. If you need more help, suggest you write a brand new post.

If you feel up to it, please put in a Yellow Card report about the product:

yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/

That will help to make sure that no-one can say we didn't tell them!

MiimiArchie1 profile image
MiimiArchie1β€’ in reply tohelvella

Hi I have done the yellow card and been back to doctors have new brand will start tomorrow so fingers crossed thank you so much I don’t think my work understand but that’s life as long as I can get back to normal I will be happy 😊

dizzy864 profile image
dizzy864

I don't believe there was a merger - I could not find any reference to it on line. I do not know why I was told that there was. Usually, my pharmacist is really helpful. They know about my sensitivity to different meds. It was not the pharmacist that told me there was a merger it was an employee in the pharmacists. I assume I was told that because they thought I would object to just being switched to a different brand after being on atavis for so long.

I'm sure it all comes down to cost.

I looked up the history of teva. It's disgraceful the way they've performed over the last few years. I suspect their tablets are cheaper than other brands to encourage pharmacists to issue them. They are also not keen on publicizing the contents of their meds either. I did find the contents but it wasn't as easy as it is with some other brands.

Been on Teva Levothyroxine for over a week and suffering with nausea quite badly.

Saw the pharmacist today and he said there's nothing he can advise to ease this. He also said he has no control over what brands he gets in. So I can't even request another brand for next time.

I had what I thought might be side effects from the Wockhardt brand so was happy to see that the brand had been changed when I went to pick them up, I was eager to try them. But now I'm feeling so ill on this with different side effects!

Just wish I could find the right meds and start feeling as well as I was before I was put on Levothyroxine!

lucylocks profile image
lucylocksβ€’ in reply to

HI Kanga57

when I was taking levothyroxine I told the pharmacist I could only take the Actavis brand as the Mercury Pharma brand he once gave me made me feel sickly.

After this he specially ordered the Actavis brand for me.

I should have another word with your pharmacist and tell him this, if he still insists he can't do it try another chemist.

Good luck.

β€’ in reply tolucylocks

Thank you lucylocks.

Sounds like you had a helpful pharmacist there.

I will try at another chemist tomorrow, as I got the impression he either wasn't interested or simply didn't know very much.

It's good to know that they will change the brand for you if you're having problems.

Thanks again.

Bertwills profile image
Bertwills

Hi I've had a really bad 3 weeks on Teva. Hot flushes waking me at night, racing heart at night, achingly cold feet in bed in 23 degrees temperature bedroom, sprained wrist etc. Stopped Teva on Friday and have had no flushes etc.

Going today to get a replacement if poss. Also filling out a yellow card.

NellieFlindt profile image
NellieFlindt

Much relieved to discover it's not just me suffering from Teva side-effects. Will fill in yellow card now.

Paws21 profile image
Paws21

I changed to the Teva brand 3 months ago. I've had a slight heady feeling pretty much all the time since so I've asked for a different brand this month to see if this heady feeling goes.

Supersleuth profile image
Supersleuth

Teva gives me headaches, muscle aches, nausea and restlessness. It's horrible stuff. I've tried it twice and its effects only stop when I switch to Wockhardt.

Sanjita123 profile image
Sanjita123

I was swapped from actavis to teva 5 months ago and have developed post nasal drip which has irritated my throat terribly. I've also had many of the other symptoms mentioned in these posts. Been told I have to take what they have - at my wits end :(

ThyroidObsessed profile image
ThyroidObsessedβ€’ in reply toSanjita123

U do not have to take what they have, the law gives u the right to take your prescription to ant pharmacy u like... phone around different pharacists and see what brands they stock...

I have done this as i cannot tolerate teva and also cannot tolerate actavis im still trialing a different one so please dont think u have to accept anything they give u!...

Sanjita123 profile image
Sanjita123β€’ in reply toThyroidObsessed

Thanks so much for the priceless advice... hope you get sorted - keep me posted πŸ™πŸ»

ThyroidObsessed profile image
ThyroidObsessed

I will and u too..

SmallBlueThing profile image
SmallBlueThing

My current prescription for 175mcg daily has just been supplied as 100mcg Teva; 50mcg Mercury Pharma; and 25mcg Teva. This is the first time I've seen Teva.

I tend to get rare side effects, initially at least, from the meds I take, and have just had yet another painful experience from starting a new one at too high a dose. I'll give Teva a shot, but am really looking for consistent dispensing of one brand, that hopefully works well, not the lucky dip I experience every two months. I asked my GP to specify the brand: this was only done for the 100mcg tablets, and even then has been ignored.

Netteann profile image
Netteann

Me I thought I was going to die . Never felt so bad since I was diagnosed 25 yrs ago , never will I take this brand again ... 4-5 months on them has been hell ...

I can’t get out of bed like someone has sucked all my life out of me ! ... tired all day then I can’t sleep when I should be ... body’s all out .... aching everywhere and gained 1st in a month ! Told doctor had bloods all in range ... but higher than I’m normally... 2.54 .. I work better in the 0. Region...

just got my normal brand tablets today and have taken them I hope I start to feel better soon .. like my old self ...

as I’m just a tired person at the moment... with no life ...

Currangollop profile image
Currangollop

I have been taking the Teva new formulation for about 6 weeks now and I am wondering if this is something to do with my itchy skin I have developed over the last 4 weeks . I seem to be coming out in hives . I am 51 and have been happily taking the old ones for 14 years with no problems . Could it possibly take a few weeks for it to show a reaction and build up in my system.? I just can't stand this itching much more . Any advice?

julielou67 profile image
julielou67β€’ in reply toCurrangollop

I had a similar problem came out in itchy rash across cheek and spots on jawline which I initially put down to a reaction to face cream. After putting up with it for 6/7 weeks I saw posts about Tevo new formula. Stopped taking 25mg found a few old brand in cupboard within 48 hours face rash and spots on jawline gone.

whispers60 profile image
whispers60

Just been given teva 100 in place of my actavis, this is the second time and I have them straight back, I refuse to put myself at risk of them not working well when I'm already not right on what I am taking, my pharmacist is trying to order my usual but says he too just gets sent what the supplier has in and he can't specify a brand, as prescriptions are now electronic I'm not sure how I can go about getting my usual from another chemist if he can't get it in :-(

red_head40 profile image
red_head40β€’ in reply towhispers60

Hi Did you get your usual brand without too much hassle? My chemist is now trying to say they are struggling to get my usual brand and i may have to take the alternative which happens to be the new TEVA! Think i will be ringing round the local pharmacies and you should too.x

whispers60 profile image
whispers60β€’ in reply tored_head40

Hi, no I didn't , it was mercury pharma on the second delivery, but I have had that before so took it,

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorβ€’ in reply towhispers60

whispers60,

As far as I am aware, you do not have to accept electronic prescriptions. You can ask for paper.

whispers60 profile image
whispers60β€’ in reply tohelvella

Thank you I will ask

Zeeble profile image
Zeeble

I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2000 After a thyroidectomy I have been taking Levothyroxine since then, never having a problem. Until the beginning of 2016 when I started to feel very unwell. Tiredness, urine infections, atril fibrilation weight loss. My thyroid levels all over the place. By chance, I noticed on a new box of thyroxine a banner With New Formulation on it. Curious I googled Teva and saw many posts with people having similar problems. I rang my G P who told me he had another patient with the same problems after taking Teva Levothyroxine. I don't know how long I was taking for as the box is very similar to my usual brand.I changed back to my usual brand, and after some months slowly started to feel better. I dread to think of the damage this drug may have done to me, as it's a slow acting drug. it could be sometime before I find out. I have filled out a yellow card on the advice of my G P. I don't know what effect this may have but I did feel that I had made some point.

Be very cautious about taking it.

Mrsamb profile image
Mrsambβ€’ in reply toZeeble

Hi I've only just realised that Teva could be to blame for making me feel so unwell for the last year. I stopped taking it last week and have gone onto my old brand, can I ask how long it took before your started feeling better again? Thank you

I have used most brands and currently taking the new formulation Teva brand with no issues and no obvious differences from the other brands

Biddy51 profile image
Biddy51

Do you have to take the Teva Brand if they give it to you? Can you insist on having Actavis Brand? Will the NHS only stock the Teva Brand now? I feel that I have been through enough as it is without being messed about with my meds! Can you buy Actavis on the net?

SamanthaVictory profile image
SamanthaVictory

I'm just adding my experience in case anyone else is in the 'desperately googling' situation I was in'. After a few days of Teva I started to wake up at 4am feeling very anxious, heart palpitations, headaches, additional body aches and coma like fatigue. I'd had my dose upped slightly so initially thought I was just adjusting to this but after a week or so I had the worst head and face pain I've ever had along with my eyes feeling like they would pop, dizziness and nausea - felt like migraine symptoms though I don't get migraines. Thanks to everyone commenting on this group I realised it was the Teva and my pharmacy have swapped it out and after just 2 days I've started to feel better :).

care123 profile image
care123

Just wanted to share that I have been on the TEVA tablets since last August 2017 (including New Formulation) and was shocked to learn from my doctor two weeks ago that my TSH levels has dropped a huge amount (to 15.8) back into "Abnormal " level once more. I had gained weight, lost hair, had water retention and lots of the thyroid symptoms but because I took medicine I assumed it was due to other causes (too much food and drink, late nights etc...). Now I realise it must be the TEVA brand. I have switched to Mercury Pharma brand and my doctor re-tested me and already the blood levels are starting to improve. So thank you on this website for pointing out that a brand name can make a difference. It had never occurred to me!

Mollymalone79 profile image
Mollymalone79

Have just yellow carded Teva brand. I believe it causes very upsetting nightmares which leave me upset and anxious on waking. Chemist has made a note on my file to be given Mercury Pharma only.

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