Strange happenings while taking Levothyroxine from MercuryPharma and Teva

[Dot-69]

I'm not at all sure if this is down to those manufacturers but maybe someone else has experienced some of this. I'm on 75mcg daily and fine. I usually have Actavis and Wockhardt. Over the past few months I've been given the above. I've noticed an odd tingling in my lips, almost a tingling itch if you can follow, as if they are slightly sun burned. And feeling very tired and quite emotional, not me at all. Also I've just had a bout of what I thought could be cystitis ( I never get that these days) but I'm now wondering if it is some sort of kidnney or bladder gravel as I feel better after I bleed a bit. And I do not want antibiotics. Went that road once before and my whole system was totally messed up, took months to get back to normal. There is also a very odd slight ache in my chest when I wake in the morning. It usually goes away quite quickly. I've had ECGs etc and there is nothing wrong heart wise. Just all these very odd things I can't put my finger on. I've put my finger on something and got italics, but no idea how LOL

[LaurieRose]

Think it's to do with metabolism and nerves I've had the same. The chest pain was every morning plus difficulty swallowing food getting stuck and throat inflammation.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Loads of people have reported issues with Teva. So much do that they have put in yellow card

You can search on here

It is generally not a good idea to change brands anyway. Many people can only tolerate one sort. They have different fillers and the dose per brand can have different uptake rate in different people. If brand is chsngedm we should get Thyroid retested 6-8 weeks after

Suggest you go back to Pharmacist and ask for previous brands ASAP

[Kathys41 in reply to SlowDragon]

How do i put a yellow card in.

I have taken Actavis since my TT in 2010...the pharmacy have changed me to Murcurypharma - very ill on those and now they have given me Teva.

Really not liking how its making me feel and putting on weight

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Kathys41]

You can start by going to this link:

yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/

[Kathys41 in reply to helvella]

Thank you. Im just completed the online form.

[humanbean]

It would be a good idea to ask your doctor for blood tests for vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate and ferritin (or preferably a full iron panel). Or pay for them to be done privately.

Tingling in various tissues could be allergy, as suggested by others, but could also be a nutrient deficiency (B12? and/or folate?). Chest aches and pains could be iron deficiency.

[silverfox7]

Sensible to start with a medication you are happy with. Fillers can upset you in another brand plus potency can be slightly different as well. So get back in that then after 6 weeks ask for new bloods and also B12, Vit D Folate and ferritin as soon as you can and post with the ranges when you get them please.

I would also retest thyroid meds 6 weeks after you are back on your preferred medication.

[Dot-69 in reply to silverfox7]

The lip tingling has almost gone and I haven't taken the meds for 2 days . Gave docs a note today asking for Actavis or Wockhardt only and I need it ASAP so they are on it. And if the chemist who usually dispense say they can't get them I'll have to change chemists. A shame as I like to support my local one but not if they can't supply the right goods. And many thanks to everyone for replying I will get the other tests done

[Scouser58]

Hello,,, I have just received some levothyroxine from Teva,, ( 50mg) and will take the first dose in the morning normally I have had the Actavis brand,,,so I will watch how this go from then,,oddly the other half of my dose is still from Actavis ( 100 mg) so things could get interesting,,,,watch this space,,,ttfn from karen.

[Dot-69 in reply to Scouser58]

Oh yes they mix the manufacturer when one doesn't make all the doses we need. Doesn't seem to be an answer to that. I have a pill cutter which is OK to do half a tablet but would mess up a quarter. Look forward to hearing how it goes for you

[Scouser58 in reply to Dot-69]

Hello Dot-69...this is new as I have always had the Actavis brand,,,sometimes it has to do with the cost,,,i.e the cheapest one available at the time of ordering,,,I will keep an eye on how things go,,and take steps if this go wrong,,and something happens,,,,keep with the meds,,,ttfn from karen.

[Dot-69]

Well I managed to get the levo I wanted but not until I rang again and was told its too soon after the last prescription! How is it that communication breaks down so easily? Anyway it didn't stop there either. Delivery from chemists was the original makes! Which took another phone call and more persuading to get them. Even then it was what they had in stock, not enough but I hope everyone knows now. I already feel better just for not taking the other brands.