Teva issues

[carnation]

For a good few weeks I suffered from from pains in my joints, especially knees and hips. I had a similar problem a few years ago when on Mercury Pharma levo. All those issues resolved when I switched to Actavis.

So after a light bulb moment a couple of weeks ago I realised the symptoms were similar. Wondered what had changed. Checked out the last lot of enalapril tablets - hmm, Teva!

Just over a week on another brand and my knees and hips are fine again, so it's not old age after all!

Can we not trust ANYTHING made by Teva?

[Pinebunny]

Have you filled in a yellow card? I did with Teva and so I get different brands now.

[carnation in reply to Pinebunny]

Not yet, next on my list. Just back from holiday today so in catching up mode. Its so annoying, I've taken any old brand of enalapril for years with no issues, and it took me ages to work it out.

Just managed to get replacements in time for my holiday, thank goodness.

[Karen154 in reply to Pinebunny]

Hi, could you give more information on the yellow card please. I would like to change brands also.

Thanks

[carnation in reply to Karen154]

If you google yellow card scheme - MHRA it will come up there.

The Yellow Card Scheme is the UK system for collecting information on suspected adverse drug reactions to medicines. The scheme allows the safety of the medicines and vaccines that are on the market to be monitored.

Basically you fill in an online form listing your side effects, and submit it.

Then when you get your next prescription go to the pharmacy - or several in my case!! - and ask for the make you want to try. I like Actavis, others disagree I never allow my prescription to be sent direct to a pharmacy, I hold tight to it until I know they have the right make.

[Karen154 in reply to carnation]

Hi thanks for your reply and advise. It must be stressful if your running low on medication and your chasing a brand. Have you tried any of the on line pharmacies? Xx

[Auntyp62]

I’ve been on Teva for 6 months and love it as it’s the only one that keeps me awake, however reading this post has made me consider again as my ankles, knees and elbows have started aching which is something new. Oh dear!

[JOLLYDOLLY]

I don't use Teva now either, currently using Morning side as rarely get Pharma. Morningside are ok actually, been on them for a few months. It is on my file at the chemist - not to order Teva as I can't tolerate it.

[Redcat11]

Yep can’t tolerate Teva either. Even though it’s been apparently reformulated.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Redcat11]

It is the reformulated levothyroxine product - released, from memory, in 2015 - that is the problem. This New Formulation contains mannitol which is suspected of being a problem.

The old version simply did not deliver the claimed dose. A different issue.

[Redcat11 in reply to helvella]

Thanks for that. I didn’t know that about Teva. Good to know as that information could be handy to have when it comes to other medications as well😊

[helvella Administrator]

We have consistently seen some people preferring Teva levothyroxine to any other UK levothyroxine. I'm going to suggest that it is distinctly a minority but wouldn't like to put a number to it - could be 1%, 5%, 10% or more - who knows without proper data collection and analysis.

[Jackobee]

Hi, I have no trouble with Teva but have with Actavis, my prescription states in the notes that I should have Teva brand but is not actually stated on the script item, I hadn't been vigilant enough and have had Actavis packaged as Northstar for the last two months and have experienced hypo symptoms of fatigue and balance issues also aching joints. I think it's the fillers as much as anything to blame and wish Wockhardt or Mercury Pharma 100mcg were available at my local pharmacy as I have no trouble with the lower doses from these companies.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Jackobee]

You could always use internet pharmacies to get your prescription.

For England: nhs.uk/Service-Search/pharm...

[Jackobee in reply to helvella]

Never!! I work in a dispensary in a doctor's surgery and know, only too well, the problems they can cause with unrealistic promises.

[Hashi-hacker]

Joint pain can be related to auto-immunity, so if you have an auto-immune condition such as Hashimoto's (or coeliac and so on) the pain could be due to a flare up and not due to a medication switch (unless of course it's something in the meds).

Here's my go to resource for all things auto-immune thepaleomom.com.

Take care x