Is levothyroxine actavis generic or prototype? Since I started taking it, I have put on weight. Could it be a side effect?

[VickyB12]

TSH is 2 and no other tests were done as per NHS guidelines. I have had Hashimotos and since I changed to Levothyroxine actavis I have put on a lot of weight. I am menopausal and I know it doesn't help but I am just wondering whether switching to the prototype would make a difference. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[shaws Administrator]

Your TSH could be lower. Many people do put on weight with levothyroxine but it may not be an optimum dose yet.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Clutter]

VickyB12,

First of all check that you are optimally dosed because being undermedicated can cause weight gain. If you are, ask your pharmacist for an alternative to Actavis. There are 3 others, all generic, available in the UK:

Mercury Pharma 25, 50 & 100mcg

Wockhardt 25mcg

Teva 12.5, 50, 75 & 100mcg.

[VickyB12 in reply to Clutter]

How do I find out if I am optimally dosed? I have asked for ft3 and ft4 but they said that if the tsh is normal, the lab won't do any other tests. Do I need the Rt3 too? thanks

[Clutter in reply to VickyB12]

VickyB12,

You can order private thyroid tests via thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin... Medichecks offer #ThyroidThursday discounts. I've never felt it necessary to have rT3 tested. If you decide to have it you will require a phlebotomist to draw blood.

[silverfox7]

They look to be forcing you to be tested privately. The most important test for us is the FT3 which is the last thing they will tell. It's essential if taking any form of T3 as the FT3 result is the only accurate one if that's the case. Otherwise you are left with TSH and FT4. FT4 an be high and look good but FT3 could be higher and above the range which is a no no or FT3 could be on the floor and you aren't converting well so need to know that are you will go down hill fast.

It is useful but can feel costly to get the full tests and also antibodies as well. Thyroid UK who run this forum recommend Blue Horizon or MediChecks and both have offers from time to time. MediChecksxoften advertise them on Thyroid Thursday if you order the kit on the sayvofcfgecofder so well worth looking at both to see what they do so he am an be prepared if a good offer comes along.