Additive intolerance - Levothyroxene

[lin946]

I thought I would let others know that I had 8 months of agony from severe muscle pains and loss of mobility. I discovered quite by accident that this was caused by the brand of Levothyroxine I was taking. Even my excellent GP said he would not have thought it possible to have such a severe reaction. The only brand I can have is Wockhardt 25mg so I take 7 a day.

[shaws Administrator]

Yes, some people can have reactions to fillers/binders in some products but am glad you've been able to source one which helps you.

[SmallBlueThing]

How long did you have to leave off taking the problem brand(s) before improving?

I changed to a less busy pharmacy, but am now supplied with three brands.

[shaws Administrator in reply to SmallBlueThing]

Three brands are difficult i.e. you wont know which one is affecting you, if you have a sensitivity to one of them.

[SmallBlueThing in reply to shaws]

Indeed, and my GP isn't really on board with brand changes necessitating re-testing, but I'm being tested regularly due to increasing dose, so I'm OK on that score. I feel the 25mcg pills are stronger than they should be, from when I've taken multiples to even out my stock.

I've enough spare packets to be able to run a short test.

[Anthea55 in reply to SmallBlueThing]

Do be careful mixing brands, see the last few paragraphs of this page

thyroiduk.org/tuk/treatment...

Quote from that "swapping between the various brands on a regular basis makes some patients very unwell". Maybe you will be alright.

[Nanaedake in reply to SmallBlueThing]

Yes, be careful swapping or mixing formulations, I've had lots of problems and side effects from various medicines including Levothyroxine. some people are sensitive, not just to fillers but also the way the levothyroxine functions or dissolves.