Teva Brand

[Huddy1234]

Hi all,

Just seen my Endo and he’s prescribed me 28 day trial of Teva Levo 25/50mcg alternate days.

Currently on Mercury Pharma 25 and was told to increase to 37.5 a couple of days a week which led to sleepless nights (defeating the object as my biggest symptom with thyroid is low energy/fatigue)

I increased my Mercury Pharma from 25 to 50 back in June this year which led to insomnia, hot sweats day/night, low mood, anxiety, sensitive etc - horrible side effects!

Sooo, basically I’m quite nervous about taking these new brand tablets and having the increase.

I’ve seen people write about TEVA brand on here but never took much notice as didn’t apply to me - has anyone got any advice on this brand please? I’m not lactose intolerant but the Endo said a few of his patients have trialed this when sensitive to Levo increase and it’s helped them.

Any advice would be appreciated thank you.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

The problem is that we have had two extremes of report about Teva levothyroxine.

Some find it the best levothyroxine they have ever taken.

Others, it would appear the majority, find it intolerable.

I have no idea of anything that indicates which response we would most likely have. Therefore the only known way of finding out is to try it. Preferably while having sufficient non-Teva on hand so you can revert should that be necessary.

[Huddy1234 in reply to helvella]

Yes, trying it is the only answer I know.

Oh well, wish me luck!! All this “getting the dose/brand correct” actually affects your life eh.

Thank you for responding.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

In order to tolerate any thyroid hormones we need good vitamin levels

Have you had vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested?

Low Vitamin D often linked to insomnia

drgominak.com/sleep/vitamin...

Sweaty nights can be low B12

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. When on Levothyroxine, take last dose 24 hours prior to test, and take next dose straight after test. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

Post results and ranges if you have them already

[Huddy1234 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi SlowDragon,

Thank you for your response.

I’ve had all these done recently by my Endo and all were within range.

I only had hot sweats and insomnia when I increased my Mercury Pharma tablets from 25 to 50! Don’t normally have these.

I will try the Teva brand from tomorrow for 28 days - who knows, it may even agree with me and actually improve my symptoms??

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Huddy1234]

Always get actual results and ranges on all tests, especially vitamins

They often say results are "normal" or "fine"

That just means they are within range

On Levothyroxine we very often need them optimal

Vitamin D - at least around 80nmol

B12 over 500, and higher may be better

Folate and ferritin similarly over half way in range

Far too often levels are bumping along bottom of range

Some people have to increase dose very slowly. Alternate days 25mcg and 50mcg for week of two, before stepping up to 50mcg everyday

Sometimes even slower than that

[Hidden]

Why didn't you tell him that you wanted a different make at the appointment?

[Huddy1234 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Bunnyjean,

I've tried 2 brands already (Mercury Pharma and Actavis) so quite willing to try anything that may help....... I did remember reading about the Teva brand but couldn't remember if it was positive or negative reviews?

I will try these ones and see how I go on them - you never know, they may even work and make me feel better!!!

[Hidden]

Yes I agree it's all a bit trial and error to make ourselves well. Good luck

[Huddy1234 in reply to Hidden]

Just reading up on here about quite a lot of negative Teva reviews/experiences...... it is a long old road with all this, ups and downs in the way we feel, affecting our everyday lives.

Thank you.