Liothyronine costs and prescriptions in England

[lynmynott]

Dr Peter Taylor et al have written an article in The Lancet which we are using in our campaign for change: thelancet.com/journals/land...

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

I think it's a shame they have used the wording

patients are dissatisfied on levothyroxine monotherapy and

patients have shown a preference for a combination

That seems to focus on the patients' "wants" and doesn't appear to take into account the patients' "needs"

[sy28]

Thank you Lyn. This was mentioned at Thyroid Trust meeting in November. I'm delighted to know Thyroid UK is including this evidence as part of their ongoing campaign. From a patient's point of view, I find myself caught up in the midst of prescribing guidelines. Despite presenting two years' test results, including the confirmation of Hashimoto's, thyroglobulin antibodies above range at 3000, rt3 ratio conversion issues together with conclusive DIO2 genetic test analysis which proves I am unable to adequately convert T4 to T3, a Consultant I saw on Friday wants me to reduce and STOP taking 150mcgms Levothyroxine for four months in order for her to assess my TSH numbers. Her idea is to revert my November 2018 TSH 0.22 result to 2017 original diagnosis result, 5.1, when she says I was within range and therefore did not have Hypothyroidism. I await this Consultant's letter, due next week, to appraise her instructions literally. Should I agree with her suggestion (which I cannot), in her words, I would be 'ticking Box A to open Box B': CCG approval for a 3 month T3 trial. Today's hostile mood within the NHS does not translate as best practise.

[lynmynott Partner Thyroid UK in reply to sy28]

Yes, we've all been waiting for it to be published and mentioned this in the Dossier that we were all involved in.

I'm not over happy with the wording either but it is a definite step forward for patients. It's good that this article has brought about some publicity.

[Marz in reply to lynmynott]

I think there has been plenty of publicity - just no inclination at the required level to do anything about it or bring anyone to task ... So what is the latest news Lyn ? - any developments ?

[lynmynott Partner Thyroid UK in reply to Marz]

I can't say anything at the moment other than the meeting with NHS England was productive.

[silverfox7]

Just a huge thank you Lyn to you and Thyroid Uk for pushing all you can to get better treatment and for publishing the facts.