Help, can’t find 20mcg T3 online

[Janeh1960]

Please does anyone know where I can buy T3 in 20mcg strength online?

I can only find 25mcg & I’ve been taking 20mcg plus 175mcg Levothyroxine for years so worried about taking 25.

I’ve just had the dreaded phone call from my new GP refusing to prescribe T3 anymore, despite me having been on it, with T4, for 14 years, as advised by an Endocrinologist due to conversion problems.

He’s so ill-informed he didn’t even suggest increasing my T4 to compensate just expects me to stop the T3 and have no ill effects at all! They didn’t even contact me to tell me they were stopping it, only found out when I tried to request it as normal. They really do believe that T3 has no effect on us at all, they think it’s a placebo & we’re all lying.

Sorry for the rant, I’m just so tired of having to fight the medical professionals just to be well.

I also have Anti phospholipid syndrome, so high risk of more clots, and Sjogrens so my life is one big balancing act of meds, keeping INR level etc & I’m really well at the moment, the thought of stopping T3 & going rapidly downhill horrifies me.

[Clutter]

Janeh1960,

I've never seen 20mcg Liothyronine available without prescription. Buy the 25mcg for now and use a pillcutter to cut into 3/4 and take 18.75mcg which is the closest you'll get to 20mcg.

Has your GP said why your T3 prescription is being withdrawn?

[Janeh1960 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you. I’ll do that.

GP just quoted the CCG, saying no prescription without seeing Endo again. Refused to give me some T3 to tide me over till I saw Endo, not that I think seeing one will make any difference.

Past experience of this GP shows he has no understanding of Thyroid issues. Sadly my wonderful GP who has managed to fight to keep prescribing for me up to now has left & i’m stuck with someone I have no trust in at all. He once refused to test my mum for under active thyroid because he said ‘she couldn’t have thyroid problems because she still had her eyebrows’!

[Clutter in reply to Janeh1960]

Janeh1960,

I would write to your GP (cc your MP) and tell your GP that the CCG does not have the authority to tell GPs what not to prescribe and you believe your GP is in breach of GMS contract by with-drawing treatment you have been told you need. Say you have been well on Liothyronine and wish to continue taking it. Attach the BTA guidance for patients and GPs.

The BTA issued guidance that patients doing well on T3 should not have their prescriptions with-drawn. See FAQS for patients and GPs in british-thyroid-association...

CCGs do not have the authority to tell GPs what not to prescribe. Individual GPs, not CCGs, could be found in breach of the General Medical Services contract if they do not prescribe treatment patients have been told "they need".

bmj.com/content/358/bmj.j36...

The GPC has warned that GPs would be in breach of the GMS contract and could get into legal trouble by following the orders and refusing to prescribe patients treatments they have told them they need.

gponline.com/gpc-warning-ig...

Furthermore, if the CCG is withdrawing Liothyronine consulting with patients and the public to assess impact the CCG may be open to legal challenge.

mills-reeve.com/files/Publi...

ps, there's no point in sticking with a useless GP. Find a better GP.

[helvella]

Janeh1960,

The only 20 microgram tablets that immediately spring to mind are Henning Thybon from Germany (other than UK tablets). Certainly they are not often found available without prescription - but that is not to say it is impossible.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Put in writing that you will be holding your GP personally responsible for any subsequent decline in your health should they withdraw T3 against your wishes and against clinical guidelines of your endocrinologist

If they wish for your case to be reviewed then GP is OBLIGED to keep your T3 prescription UNTIL an endocrinologist has seen you and considered your case

Make it clear in letter you will be sending copy of this to your MP too

Print this out and enclose

british-thyroid-association...

Would recommend you get DIO2 gene test. If result is positive it will help your case

british-thyroid-association...

[Sususulio]

I share your frustration re INR levels but could I just ask what is the brand of T3 you have been taking? Maybe trying to source this directly might be the answer

Good luck

[Janeh1960 in reply to Sususulio]

Currently on Morningside brand, can’t find that online.

[Janeh1960]

Thank you everyone, I will be writing to my GP, enclosing all this information.

Sadly I’ve been told there is such a shortage of GPS at my practice I can’t choose who I’m allocated to.

The NHS makes me so sad these days.

[Heloise]

T3 is difficult to cut evenly. Perhaps you could just reduce your levo slightly or you could take 150 one day and 175 the next. Levo isn't as specific as T3 since it goes through a longer process before being activated.

[Afaghieh in reply to Heloise]

Thanks Heloise

For some time I was wondering about the t3 that I take. A year ago I was unable to to cut the tablet even by knife. Since the price hype i can half it by hand. I am gradually putting weight and worried that the formula has changed.

[Heloise in reply to Afaghieh]

Maybe you need a raise in dose. Actually the 25 of T3 might be perfect. I don't think the extra 5 mcgs. will be a problem, do you?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Afaghieh]

If you have been taking Mercury Pharma lots on here have found it’s less effective than other T3, it’s also mainly old stock and near its use by date due to so many loosing prescription