Liothyronine sources in Europe.: Hi, I'm new to... - Thyroid UK

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Liothyronine sources in Europe.

alibob63 profile image
53 Replies

Hi, I'm new to the forum so forgive me any mistakes. I've recently stopped taking Levothyroxine (300 mcg!) as I wasn't getting any benefit and felt terrible (as I have for years, and have been also treated for fibromyalgia... Hmmm). I spoke to my GP, whom I have worked with and trusted for some time (or so I thought). She dismissed all my research and told me my fT3 was fine, but I needed to reduce my T4, a little, to 100 mcg. On leaving the surgery I asked reception for my blood test results and discovered that I hadn't even been tested for fT3! I'm so upset. It's a total betrayal of my trust. Anyway, I've started using NDT but still feel terrible (on day 19), and wondered if buying Liothyronine from abroad may be a better option. I'd appreciate any advice and (private message me) any links to European pharmacies that would sell me Liothyronine - I don't travel due to very poor health and lack of money. Thanks

Ali

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Clutter profile image
Clutter

Welcome to the forum, Alibob63.

What dose NDT are you taking and what were your TSH and FT4 on 300mcg Levothyroxine?

alibob63 profile image
alibob63 in reply toClutter

Hiya,

I was on two grains (130mg) NDT, but have been informed I've rushed it (rT3?) , so have gone down to 1.5 grains. I'm just so sick of being ill - about 15+ yr. I only found out about problems converting T4 to T3 in Feb (Trust me I'm a Doctor...). I was led to believe, and accepted that my thyroid was being treated adequately and that I had fibromyalgia. There have been a lot of other physical and mental health problems clouding my understanding - and sadly, a lot of lies & half truths from the medical profession (I was told my fibromyalgia was caused by an addiction to opiate pain killers). I'm getting upset writing this. I've lost so much to this horrible disease. Sorry, back to your question. TSH - 0.28 & fT4 - 21. Thanks for your reply.

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toalibob63

Alibob63,

You can't know whether or not you are a poor converter unless you had FT3 tested at the same time as TSH and FT4. If TSH is low, FT4 high and FT3 low that indicates poor conversion.

If you were taking 300mcg Levothyroxine when you had TSH 0.28 and FT4 21 I don't understand why your GP wanted you to reduce to 100mcg. You will be under medicated on 2 grains. You need to increase in 1/2 grain increments at 2 weekly intervals until your symptoms resolve or you are taking 4 - 4.5 grains NDT. Ideally you will have a thyroid test including FT3 when you've been taking 3 grains for 6-8 weeks to check FT3 remains within range. thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

alibob63 profile image
alibob63 in reply toClutter

The lab recommended the reduction. Thanks for the advice.

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toalibob63

Alibob63,

I still can't see why. TSH is 0.28 is either in range or mildly below and FT4 21 is either in range or mildly above. Neither justifies reducing dose from 300mcg to 100mcg. I think that would be very detrimental to you. Dose adjustments are usually in 25mcg increments.

alibob63 profile image
alibob63 in reply toClutter

The lab didn't recommend it. Sorry.

I don't think my doctor has any idea what she's doing with hypothyroidism. I think they've probably had some kind of practice meeting about T3 prescribing etc and someone's been shocked at the high levo dose. She told me not to take NDT as it was full of 'god knows what' and didn't come from a safe source! At that point I'd given up anyway.

I've never had any improvement, or an increase, in symptoms when levo has been increased or reduced/stopped. Though I did notice some hyper symptoms when I went up to 300mcg. Thanks

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toalibob63

Alibob63,

You weren't biochemically over medicated on 300mcg but if you *felt* over medicated a 25mcg dose reduction would have been in order.

NDT is listed in American and Canadian national formularies and pharmacopeia. If a GP wants to know what is in NDT and in what quantities (excluding Thai NDT) all s/he has to do is look it up instead of making a totally wally of herself.

recovered7 profile image
recovered7 in reply toalibob63

Dear Hiya, i relate so much to what you have said and it's almost me to the T, so to speak. I was a Nurse up until 5 years ago when i contracted Meningitis, and am now a mere shell of my former self. I was also studying Psychology at the time but that also ended and have been ill it seems ever since. I was diagnosed with an Underactive thyroid 12 months later, and have been on everything and anything to try and help my symptoms. It seems that nothing suits me, and have tried just about everything. I felt dreadful even when my tests eventually came back at peak levels which is why I was sent to a, Clinical Physician for a second opinion, and was told that I was suffering from Fibromyalgia and CFS, wow, that started to make sense. I accept now that this is probably the root cause of my feeling so unwell but it hasn't stopped the nasty side effects that i get from taking any medication for the thyroid and in particular Thyroxine, this seems to be the worst for me which is why my GP has cut my dose in half in order for me to be getting at least some treatment. I am only taking half a 50mcg tab every second day and can cope with side effects on this. I'm only telling you all of this in order for you to have somebody to relate to, and understand where you are coming from. I am no longer working so can at least lie down when feeling really bad. It's not the ideal but its okay for me right now. I do so hope and pray your outcome is more positive. I truly wish you all the best and that things will settle down quite soon for you xx

alibob63 profile image
alibob63 in reply torecovered7

Thankyou so much and best wishes xx

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Do you know if your thyroid issue is autoimmune? Have you every had antibodies tested? If they are high then this is autoimmune called Hashimotos (most common reason in Uk for being hypo.)

If you have Hashimotos then changing to gluten free diet often greatly improves symptoms and can reduce antibodies

Get copies of all your recent Thyroid blood tests from GP. You are entitled to them under data rules.

Very common for us to have low vitamin levels. Have you any recent test results for vitamin D, folate, ferritin & B12. Important to also have the ranges (figures in brackets after each result)

If vitamins are low we can't use the thyroid hormones, so important to get these right.

300mcg was high dose. Do you have gut or digestion issues? Been tested for coeliac? Taking other medication?

Do you take thyroid hormones on empty stomach & nothing apart from water for an hour after. No other medication at the same time. Some (like calcium, magnesium, iron or HRT must be at least 4 hours away)

Private blood tests for full thyroid & vitamin tests are available from Medichecks or Blue Horizon - £99 for DIY finger prick or small fee for getting blood drawn via local to you private clinic

See Thyroid UK website - page on private blood tests

alibob63 profile image
alibob63 in reply toSlowDragon

I've got test results. I do have Hashi's, not tested for vits and minerals. I can't afford blood tests unfortunately. I've not been taking NDT on an empty stomach, as I've found lots of conflicting info. So it's better to take NDT on an empty stomach? I don't seem to have any gut issues, but haven't been tested.

Thanks for the reply

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toalibob63

People with Hashimotos don't always get on with NDT

See The Thyroid Pharmacist website

T3 may be another option

silverfox7 profile image
silverfox7

Lots of other info on the Thyroid Uk site as well which may help you. Everything in the Thyroid world works very slowly so please be patient t as rushing it can present more problems. When I changed over from Levo to NDT I stopped the thyroxine 100/125 and started on half a grain and added half a grain each couple of weeks till I was up to 2 grains then went down to a quarter of a grain at each increase and I still ended up taking too much! Don't forget you still had an amount of stored Levo in your body when you stopped it and this helps to tide you over till you get nearcto the dose you need. I got up to 3 grains. Endo told me to drop down to 1.75 but I stayed on 2 for a while but then still needed to drop down again!

We start very low as our bodies need to get used to the T3 as well

alibob63 profile image
alibob63 in reply tosilverfox7

Thanks. As usual I can't wait for anything hahaha. Need to slooow down.

BadHare profile image
BadHare

Hi Ali,

I was also diagnosed with FM, incorrectly, when I have secondary hypothyroidism. After getting no help from my endocrinologists, I self-medicated. I feel much better for taking NDT, but had an issue with Thyro Gold, which is the second one I tried. I was fine when I went back on to WP Thyroid, & also when I added T3. Perhaps the brand you tried does not agree with you, as some contain fillers that disagree with people.

I initially used the Barnes basal body temperature test as a diagnostic

tool, & to help me find the right dose of thyroid hormones to take.

Monitoring your pulse might also be helpful. Now I'm used to how I

should be feeling, after nearly 40 years hypo, & consider a return

of FM symptoms as a sign I'm undermedicated.

It's important to maintain good nutrient levels, so make sure you eat well & take any supplements necessary to convert the thyroid hormones. Some people also benefit from going gluten free, though it takes a while to get out of your system.

Mel

alibob63 profile image
alibob63 in reply toBadHare

My temperature is always around 36.6. Occasionally it goes up to 37 through the day. My pulse and BP are both a little low. x

BadHare profile image
BadHare in reply toalibob63

That's normal. Mine was 35.1 before medicating, warmer at 36.1 now. :)

I buy T3 in France over the counter without prescription. PM me and I will send you the details.

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply to

Bunnyjean,

What brand are you buying OTC? I thought Liothyronine (T3) is prescription only in France.

in reply toClutter

With the debate regarding the NHS stopping the T3 for patients. As I live in France I decided to try for myself, although I don't actually use it. It was just an experiment.

Friday I walked into my local pharmacy which is in a very small town and asked for some without a prescription. The guy went on his computer and told me that he would order it in for that afternoon. I ordered two boxes of Cynomel 0,025 mg. 30 tablets in each box. Two boxes cost me 6.96 euros i.e. around £6. made by Sanofi-Aventis in France.

I wonder what is stopping the NHS buying from a different source, such as this one.

alibob63 profile image
alibob63 in reply to

Apparently it's to do with contracts!? Or sommat like that x

in reply toalibob63

Yes, but why I wonder cannot the NHS buy and arrange the correctly priced product in the first instance. The NHS buyers are not as efficient as those in industry they just don't appear to be accountable.

Caggie61 profile image
Caggie61 in reply to

Nobody in the NHS is accountable. My friend's husband was killed by a consultant administering an unnecessary morphine injection although it clearly stated on his records that he was intolerant and should never be given it. My friend has all documentary evidence and has been to her MP, the Health Minister, the Chief Coroner, the local police and the CID but nobody will touch it. She keeps getting told there's no case to answer. Big cover-up!!! It's going to be televised in the not too distant future, the BBC and Channel 4 are both interested in reporting on it. The complaints system at the NHS is not fit for purpose and all concerned in this investigation have treated my friend with absolute contempt. They have behaved appallingly towards her and seem to have lost total awareness of the fact that she has lost her husband. The care has most definitely gone from the care profession, I'm afraid it's all about money these days and damn the cost to human life.

in reply toCaggie61

That's shocking Caggie61 and, yes, you're right that nobody in the NHS is accountable. As I've found out once you make complaints a code is put on your records meaning that doctors aren't interested in your health. The system stinks.

Do hope that the program will be shown and justice is served although too late for your friend's husband.

BadHare profile image
BadHare in reply toalibob63

Ministers' chums with pharmaceutical shares. >:(

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply to

Bunnyjean,

Thank you.

Kitten1978 profile image
Kitten1978 in reply to

- An "optimistic" version: an incompetent management - the lack of knowledge regarding the quality and prices of different brands of T3 and the lack of motivation to research it;

- A "pessimistic" version: CORRUPTION.

I vote for the second one as I cannot believe they can be so stupid.

in reply toKitten1978

I think they are! They just do not care enough.

Kitten1978 profile image
Kitten1978 in reply to

Forget the ethical reasons. Somebody should seriously go to jail for the how much the NHS has been OVERpaying for the UK-made T3. And they dare to ban this medication on financial grounds... It's hardly surprising the NHS is slowly collapsing if this is how is it being managed.

in reply toKitten1978

Surely if you email your local MP or The Health Minister. Ask about contacts etc, in fact all of the information on T3 and the price.

There must be other people as well what about starting a petition signature usually move something along?

in reply toKitten1978

I have just been online to the NHS Supply Chain Buyers website. The person to contacts is jonathan.kaye at supply chain.nhs.uk

Have a look, I am not sure if the T3 is purchased by each of the NHS trusts or not?

Kitten1978 profile image
Kitten1978 in reply to

Thank you. I have a feeling each trust makes its own decision. At the mo T3 is still available in some counties, but it has been withdrawn in others.

Thank you! I love people with good ideas ;)

in reply toKitten1978

It's been a long time coming but the NHS is in crisis now, perhaps it's too late to fix it?

Kitten1978 profile image
Kitten1978 in reply to

It's hardly surprising it's in crisis, given the way it has been managed.

Caggie61 profile image
Caggie61 in reply toKitten1978

They're all what I refer to as 'non-thinkers' ........just go through the motions to get their paycheck at the end of the month 😜

Kitten1978 profile image
Kitten1978 in reply toCaggie61

Yes, I know the type...They are very common and wide-spread, I'm afraid ;(

humanbean profile image
humanbean in reply to

The NHS does things in a way which is completely the opposite of any other organisation or company.

If a company needs a supplier of 100,000 nails per week to make their product, they have buyers who will do their best to find nails of the right standard at the right price, from a company that is reliable enough and capable of fulfilling a contract every single week of the year, and they will search the market extensively to achieve this.

The NHS doesn't do that.

For drugs, it waits for pharmaceutical companies to come to them. In order to get a contract with the NHS a pharma company has to apply for a license to supply the NHS with a drug that the NHS wants. The company has to pay a lot of money for this license. They also have to jump through lots of hoops to prove that their product is reliable and contains what they say it does.

The fact that the NHS relied on only one company for T3 suggests that the costs involved were too great for other T3 manufacturers to bother applying for a license, when the actual sales they would get in return were small.

I did read recently that one hospital was charged £52,000 for hanging a door - see page 10 :

www1.imperial.ac.uk/resourc...

With that kind of idiocy in the NHS the costs associated with liothyronine are not that surprising.

in reply toClutter

The make is sanofi-aventis made in Paris France. I only did this as an experiment.

I will also try again at another Pharmacy in two weeks when I visit another town close by I will let you know. No prescription in fact I didn't ask. I just walk straight up to the counter an ask for it.

France1 profile image
France1 in reply to

I am not aware that this is normally possible. I have lived in France for years and was not aware of this - thought it would have to be sourced from further afield.

in reply toFrance1

Have you actually tried to buy it yourself in France as I did? I live in a town of only 1100 people right in the middle of France.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply to

We have had a few reports of people unable to buy Sanofi Cynomel, in person, over the years. Also a few reports of people able to buy in the same circumstances.

Wonder if it is supposed to be prescription-only but that this requirement is being unevenly applied? Or could it be like Boots in the UK refusing to sell iron supplements without a prescription, despite such supplements being officially over-the-counter?

in reply tohelvella

Yes you could have a point. I am going to try again in a different town next week. In fact every time I pass a pharmacy I will try to purchase some i.e. simply walking in and asking for it, no more than that. I will report back.

nightingale-56 profile image
nightingale-56 in reply tohelvella

helvella might this be because they get more money for a prescription?

alibob63 profile image
alibob63 in reply to

Thankyou x

Kitten1978 profile image
Kitten1978

alibob63,

Give ndt a good chance to work before you swich to T3. It sounds you haven't been on it for too long. You do need an optimal levels of iron, B12 and D3 for thyroid medication to actually work. "Optimal" doesn't mean "in range". Your iron, B12 and D3 levels need to be optimal for a thyroid patient. HU members will advise you but you need to get the tests done: serum iron, TIBC (or ferritin), B12 and D3. They are basic tests every UK patient is entitled to every 2 years. D3 may be more of a problem as it's expensive and GPs are reluctant to test it. They will have to if you are over 65: blackrockmedicalcentre.ie/P...

It's possible you may need T3 but you won't know it until you get your iron, D3 and B12 within optimal level and stay on ndt long enough to see whether it work for you.

Take care xx

alibob63 profile image
alibob63 in reply toKitten1978

Thanks. I see doc again in a couple of weeks so will ask. Tbh, I've been feeling better for the past 2 or 3 days. I've done more than I've been able to do for years. I have cut back to 1.5 grains too, as I was obviously rushing it (desperation!). Just scared that it's only the placebo effect??? xx

Kitten1978 profile image
Kitten1978 in reply toalibob63

Hopefully it's not just the placebo effect ;) I'm glad you are feeling better.

Please make sure you get the iron, ferritin, B12 and D3 tests done and post them here for advice. Docs have no clue what the optimal levels are for us hypothyroid lot. It's not good enough if they are just in range, they need to be optimal. Vit C and a good vit B-complex is also recommended (e.g. Jarrow B-Right) for good metabolism.

Some people also take adrenal cortex to support their adrenals, if they have suffered (e.g. Thorne Research Adrenal Cortex). It's too early to know whether you need it though. Take your time to adjust your ndt dose and make sure you have the optimal levels of nutrients is the way to go.

Good luck and take care xx

alibob63 profile image
alibob63 in reply toKitten1978

Thanks. I bought some Thorne Adrenal Cortex but I'm unsure when to take it and whether I actually need it. Also starting it now may just confuse things. I did suspect I had adrenal 'insufficiency', as I can't wake up or 'get going' for hours after I get up. That's on top of the hypo symptoms. Taking supplements around my other medications seems like a juggling act. I'm supposed to take regular Calcium D3 but find that really difficult! It would be easier if everything didn't feel like such a mammoth task :-( xx

Kitten1978 profile image
Kitten1978 in reply toalibob63

I agree it's too early to start taking Thorne ACE.

Why are you taking calcium with D3? Optimal level of D3 is very important and it's supposed to be taken with vit K2 (100-200mcg). D3 will increase your calcium levels and K2 will direct calcium away from the soft tissues and prevent their calcification (e.g. calcification of your heart). Most of us get enough calcium from our food and taking calcium in addition to D3 may increase your calcium levels too high.

alibob63 profile image
alibob63 in reply toKitten1978

I have osteoporosis and can't tolerate any of the other drugs. x

alibob63 profile image
alibob63 in reply toKitten1978

600mg Calcium & 10mcg D3 b.d. x

ljk1 profile image
ljk1

I tried to buy cynomel in Calais yesterday and was told it was prescription only, they had never heard of it and looked it up for me,they only had levo.

alibob63 profile image
alibob63

May I say a very BIG Thank You to everyone. Your help and advice has been so kind and absolutely invaluable. I've learnt so much xxx

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