Recently a GP posted a blog in the online Pulse magazine. She is dependent on Liothyronine but has now found this medication on the newly issued list of 14 items to be taken off prescription. Here is the NHS reason:-
‘T3 is clinically effective but there are cheaper alternatives available’.
It is clearly cost that warrants that decision - health of patients is a poor second place.
There were comments made by other GP's, most unsupportive of T3 in their ignorance. However this one comment by a retired GP summed up what we are all missing in the medical profession. Again I wont name him....
'I have retired now, but was a practicing GP for 36 years. I am in no doubt that some patients although biochemically euthyroid still experience hypothyroid symptoms, some devastatingly. The addition of Liothyronine transformed their lives for the better. Removing this drug from the formulary is as sensible as removing Insulin. Why can't those who make these decisions not listen to those in the trenches who really have the experience. The problem lies with the pricing and purchase, don't make it the patient's problem.'
Concordia issued a statement too - it isnt worth repeating