Can you get T3 5mcg tablets on prescription in Spain?

[Coachv]

I have been taking 5mcg T3 daily along with 100mg T4. I split the dose of T3. I know it's a low T3 dose but it suits me to keep my TSH within range.

Now GP can only prescribe 20mcg T3 tablets. These are tiny and hard to split into 8 pieces! My friend goes to Spain a lot - does anyone know if you can get T3 5mcg tablets there on prescription?

[helvella Administrator]

The only 5 microgram liothyronine tablets I know of come from the USA. (Sigmapharm, Mylan, Paddock/Perrigo/Mayne Pharma/Libertas or whatever they are called today and Pfizer (formerly King).

I think in general people have said that liothyronine is difficult to get in Spain and there is no Spanish product.

[Coachv in reply to helvella]

Thanks

Do you know if there any other countries in Europe that might have this available? The price in the UK is ridiculous, assuming that the pharmacy could order it in.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Coachv]

As it is a USA product, I'd expect any pharmacy to have to order it in as what we in the UK call a "special" - with consequent high price.

Just so that you know, the exemption which permits us to import prescription-only medicines applies only to us and members of our household. Not to friends or other relatives.

Have you thought about trying the USA?

[Howard39]

Hi

They don’t generally prescribe t3 in Spain. I know my friend sources it elsewhere.

You might be better crushing the tablet and dividing with say a tooth pick. How much are you taking?

I’ve only seen 5mcg in USA and Thailand.

[shaws Administrator]

Our UK T3 is 20mcg only. So it is easy to split into 4 (you don't need to split into 8 pieces).

If you take 25mcg T3 I would also split into 4 i.e. slightly over 5mcg (6) so it will hardly be noticeable.

[Raventhorpe]

Seems strange your GP has said that as I get 5mcg t3 prescribed by my endocrinologist on NHS in the uk, just took prescription to chemist who ordered it as a special picked up the next day,I think they are from the USA originally, can't see why your GP can't do the same.

[Coachv]

I have had it up till now, but the GP and pharmacy now say that the NHS local group will no longer pay for the 5mcg