New formula Levothyroxine

[Marmie]

visiting daughter in France she asked how UK was dealing with New Formula Levothyroxine. Was not aware of any issues as she said massive repercussions in France. Pick up my prescription to be confronted with New Formula? If I have missed massive debate, I apologise.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Marmie

I believe the Levo that was reforumulated in Franch was made by Merck.

The only one I know of in the UK that has been reformulated recently is Teva when they brought out a lactose free Levo. Many members have said the new Teva has caused them problems, some do OK on it.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to SeasideSusie]

SeasideSusie,

I think you are absolutely right. The main levothyroxine available in France is Levothyrox from Merck Santé S.A.S. (Theoretically, Levothyroxine is also available from Biogaran but I think it has not been available recently.)

Whilst these are two separate products, from different companies, there are interesting parallels:

Both are newly-formulated products

Both are lactose-free

Both contain mannitol

I did a bit of reading around and it appears there are several good reasons to switch to mannitol (not least, providing the lactose-free product patients have been asking for) - but if that is the cause of the admitted Merck issue, and if it became clear it was also an issue in Teva's product, some searching questions are required. And answers.