Levothyroxine sodium 50mg

[Cockapoo]

Hi, have just joined this group. I’ve been taking the Murcury Pharma brand of tablets for 2 years and I’ve got on great on them. A few months ago I was given a different box of tablets (Teva) and they made me feel very unwell (same symptoms as before my under active thyroid was diagnosed/before I started treatment. Local pharmacists are now unable to get my Mercury Pharma brand as it’s too expensive. Has anyone changed from Murcury to another brand with no problems? If so, which brand. A brand which one pharmacist stocks is Wockhardt so looks like I’ll have to try that. Thank you.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Don't believe pharmacy. It's perfectly possible to get Mercury Pharma, but you may have to try several different pharmacies until you find a helpful one

Small independent pharmacies are often more helpful

Many many people find they react badly to Teva. It's a marmite brand, people either love it or hate it

healthunlocked.com/search/p...

[Cockapoo in reply to SlowDragon]

Many thanks for your reply. I’ll go round all the pharmacists - especially the independent ones.

[Kazbe in reply to Cockapoo]

Hi Cockapoo

Boots pharmacy if you are in the UK can order mercury pharma in for you ! If the pharmacy says they haven’t got it I would go somewhere else if I were you Wockhart have less fillers but still contain lactose and sucrose I think I’ve tried these but went back to mercury pharma in the end .

Good luck hope you find a brand that suits you

Kazbe 😀

[Cockapoo in reply to Kazbe]

Many thanks. Yes, in UK. Will try Boots again, but initially they said they could only get 100mgs😒

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Cockapoo]

Where I live large chains will only supply what they have in stock. Not prepared to order MP even though its stated on my prescription that only brand to be supplied is Mercury Pharma

Fortunately have found an extremely helpful and understanding independent pharmacy who will always supply Mercury Pharma (or any brand requested)

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Cockapoo]

50mcg is only a starter dose. Dose s usually increased slowly in 25mcg steps until TSH is around one and FT4 towards top of range and FT3 at least half way in range

Are your symptoms completely gone

What were your most recent blood test results and ranges

[Cockapoo in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi, symptoms gone. Last blood check was 8 June. I must admit I’ve never asked to see the results/ranges. I’ve been advised that all results ok (apart from when first diagnosed obviously).

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Cockapoo]

Strongly recommend always asking for printed copies of your blood test results and ranges at every test

Or get online access to all blood test results, if available at your surgery

[Cockapoo in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi, one chemist has said they can get 25mg Mercury Pharma, but would obviously need a prescription for the right dosage before dispensing. Do you think taking 2x25mg is the same as taking 1x59mg? I shall continue to visit chemists though and if I get no luck will speak to doctor.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Cockapoo]

2 x 25mcg should be identical to 1 x 50mcg in same brand

Once you get back on Mercury Pharma ask GP to retest bloods 6-8 weeks later

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

[Cockapoo in reply to SlowDragon]

Many thanks for your help. I shall certainly ask for the full Thyroid evaluation next time I have a blood tests, or if I do have to go on a different brand.

I’m actually still on the Mercury Pharma brand (on my last packet though). The only time I’ve been off them was for a week several months ago, when I was given Teva.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Cockapoo]

You could get 100mcg tablets and either take alternate days or cut in half

Best to use a weekly pill dispenser and keep by the bed anyway

[Cockapoo in reply to SlowDragon]

Wouldn’t have thought of that (100mg). I do use a pill dispenser. Another chemist can get 109mgs so I have a few options now, thank you.

[Baobabs in reply to SlowDragon]

Ooooo Marmite brand. I just love the analogy.

[Rosa33]

I had same problem. GP stopped supplying Mercury Pharm and I didn't react well to the new brand they supplied from their dispensary (Atavis, I think). I had to shop around to find a pharmacy that stocked Mercury Pharm, and found a small independent pharmacy which had it. Will have to try again if they stop supplying. You might find help from the NHS site nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy

[Cockapoo in reply to Rosa33]

Many thanks. It’s such a pain, isn’t it!

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Just gently pointing out that the dosages are in micrograms, not milligrams.

dropbox.com/s/q00vyt5703f4u...

[Cockapoo in reply to helvella]

Thank you - hadn’t looked closely on the packaging!

[Cockapoo]

Hi, thank you everyone for your responses. I’m pleased to say I’ve found an independent chemist able to get Mercury Pharma 50mcgs and have today picked up 3 months worth. Feeling relieved!