This is regarding the Concordia International - Mercury Pharma branded product within the UK. It does not apply to any other country – even Ireland – nor any other product with the same or similar name.
For quite a few years now, Eltroxin has had limited availability. We go many months with hardly a single post or response suggesting that anyone is receiving Eltroxin. Then, suddenly, we see some posts that specifically say exactly that. Just the other day, someone posted a picture of newly dispensed Eltroxin 25 microgram packet:
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Having often wondered why supply is so wayward, lightning struck. Is there a simple explanation?
Last time we saw a mini-flood of Eltroxin was mid-to-late 2016 – when Teva must have been preparing to launch their New Formulation product. And now, the current dribble corresponds to re-formulation of Actavis mentioned here:
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
There has also been at least rumour Actavis will be launching a 25 microgram product.
Eltroxin is regarded as the branded product, the one against which others are measured. But if Eltroxin is not available, no-one can do that, not even the MHRA. Is it possible that these odd releases of Eltroxin occur when the MHRA (or other testers) need to have some to demonstrate bio-equivalence?
(Yes, perhaps not what we regard as bio-equivalence, but what the standards demand.)
Perhaps Mercury Pharma have to provide some on demand? The other option being to relinquish the product’s status. No idea what the impact of that would be.
So each time we see Eltroxin available, we should be asking whether a product is being launched or re-formulated, or the standards are being re-considered.
Any other suggestions or ideas, please respond!
ianessex