Levothyroxine in France

[Maximan]

Hello! This is my first message on the forum although diagnosed very early by an excellent GP in 1986 following a virus.

Over the years and in different parts of the country and now in France, I have been generally well managed on my doses of Thyroxine and now Levothyrox, I am currently on a dose of 125. My GP here recommended a particular brand which is now no longer available. Since taking the current prescribed Levothyrox for some months, I have insomnia and have been getting cramp and generally 'not right', I would also prefer to just get a 'pure' dose of synthetic thyroid treatment. without the additives of gelatin (I am a vegetarian) and lactose for example. Can anyone advise me on good alternatives please? Thank you.

[Clutter]

Maximan,

There have been several complaints on the forum since Merck reformulated Levothyrox to make it lactose-free. Ask your pharmacist whether there is an alternative to Levothyrox which you can be dispensed.

francetvinfo.fr/sante/medic...

thelocal.fr/20170824/france...

[Maximan]

Thank you very much for your reply. I have looked at both links and they are very helpful. I have already discussed it with the pharmacist but she was unable to help and just said it would be necessary to speak to my GP. I I shall be seeing my GP this week for a new prescription and I will see if I am able to change the medication.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Maximan]

So far as I am aware, the following are the levothyroxine products available in France:

LEVOTHYROX 100 microgrammes, comprimé sécable

LEVOTHYROX 125 microgrammes, comprimé sécable

LEVOTHYROX 175 microgrammes, comprimé sécable

LEVOTHYROX 200 microgrammes, comprimé sécable

LEVOTHYROX 25 microgrammes, comprimé sécable

LEVOTHYROX 50 microgrammes, comprimé sécable

LEVOTHYROX 75 microgrammes, comprimé sécable

LEVOTHYROXINE BIOGARAN 25 μg comprimé

LEVOTHYROXINE BIOGARAN 50 μg comprimé

LEVOTHYROXINE BIOGARAN 75 μg comprimé

LEVOTHYROXINE BIOGARAN 100 μg comprimé

LEVOTHYROXINE BIOGARAN 125 μg comprimé

LEVOTHYROXINE BIOGARAN 150 μg comprimé

LEVOTHYROXINE BIOGARAN 175 μg comprimé

LEVOTHYROXINE BIOGARAN 200 μg comprimé

Not a huge amount of choice if Levothyrox isn't acceptable...

If you are able to get you prescription and order from other countries, the product Tirosint is possibly available from Denmark, Slovakia, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands.

[Maximan in reply to helvella]

Thank you very much I shall check the alternative with my GP.

[babsi in reply to Maximan]

Hi Maxime , are you ok now ? You have probably heared from the scandal about Levothyrox now ?