Problems with Mercury Pharma T3

[Boltongirl]

I think that I am having problems. I've been taking Mercury Pharma T3 for quite a few years- it changed my life. I was switched late 2017-early 2018 to Teva T3 and experienced problems- weight gain, constipation, feeling cold and loss of outer third of eyebrows. We reported this and I went happily back on MP T3. Since last Christmas I've noticed gradual return of symptoms- weight gain- typically 1kg per month- just like before on T4 and T3 Teva. Also, constipation, thinning eyebrows, hair loss etc. Could it be that Mercury Pharma has changed its format? Are others experiencing similar problems?

Thank you 😊

[Heloise]

Perhaps you just need an increase. That can happen even after many years on one dose.

[Rachellb]

I have been on MP for years but like you, since Christmas I have had returning symptoms. I realised it was the medication and a few days after switching tablets the symptoms started to go away. I am in quite a few thyroid groups and other patients have reported the same. I reported it to the MHRA using the yellow card scheme and would urge you to do the same. I have been in contact with the manufacturer (now called Advanz), they say they have investigated and found that the samples people have sent them are ‘in line with the specification’. I am sure it’s because they’ve changed the formulation to make it soluble as the instructions to take a part tablet have recently changed from cutting it to dissolving in water. Please report it because if lots of us do it’s more likely to be taken seriously.

[SlowDragon Ambassador in reply to Rachellb]

And that change in how to take T3 is ridiculous.

As many people take T3 as 2 or 3 small split doses of 5mcg or 10mcg per day, if these instructions were followed, to throw the remainder away, it would significantly increase number of tablets used each day.

[crimple in reply to SlowDragon]

Another way to increase their ridiculous profits for T3! (Throwing half the tablet solution away) I am doing very well with my pill cutter to get quarter or half tablet.

[silverfox7 in reply to SlowDragon]

Con comes to mind! I appreciate if we are in one dose for a long time we may need at some point to step up a notch but comment re a possible changing of formulae seem to be questioned more frequently. If this is ever the case shouldn't we be told or is it a case info told to pharmacist or GP and isn't passed on? Does anyone know how that works?

A few years ago I attended Thyroid UK's conference. I was sitting with a lady who was a retired pharmacist who told me she gets no end of info re medications and never really had any time to study it . She didn't expand as we needed to get in the lunch queue but I can't imagine all that info was pricing or new drugs. Surly we should be told if our medication changes in any way, an amendment in the PIL in bold would help.

I started off saying that the new directive above was a con to either fleece us or the NHS, it would be interesting to know who tested this beforehand and what their comments were. Surly it's still open to error and if they know that, is it a significant change?

[Summer64]

Some people are saying there is a faulty batch. I've now got that batch but only been on it a week or so and so far I'm OK. I'm cutting the tablet as I've always done. I didn't get on with Thybon T3 when I had to purchase some and was OK for the first 3 weeks so I'm on tenter hooks at the moment.

[dizzy864]

Hi, yes I had very similar symptoms to you 3 years ago - especiaally my eyebrows!!

I'd been on m. P. for many years with no problems. I found I had problems with certain batches - older ones were fine. I was eventually switched to Perigo ( american) and when that was discontinued to Thug in Henning ( German)

Both on nhs on a named patient basis.

I thought m.p. had changed a mixer and I was reacted to that, but I was told nothing had changed. I think the problem was to do with the strength of particular batches. The u.k. has a wider tolerance than other places. I think the newer batches were too strong for me.

Good luck sorting it ouf

[Hidden]

It's no better for Morningside which advises that for doses lower than 20mcgs,to crush the tablet and allow it to dissolve in 20 ml of water for 5 Mts in small measuring cup.

Then use a syringe and squirt the required dose into your mouth !!

Any unused liquid should be discarded.............I use my pill cutter to halve it.😱

However, I have to say I am not feeling good at the moment and have never been given more than 10mcgs of T3 along with my Levo100/75 alternating. Am wondering if it's the after effect of taking the MP Liothyronine between Christmas and February that was yellow carded by some here...........batch no.85151 ....EXP 26/02/2019

I don't see my Endo until May to ask for a change.I had a patient review at my surgery this week and have reported how I feel.

[puffyface]

I have been feeling really rubbish recently and have been trying to work out what’s wrong. I thought I might be anaemia, as normally am. Went to private gp for bloods and asked him to check thyroids, d3,ferritin,foleate,b12 etc..... was just about to post results for advice (although he stupidly didn’t do b12...and I think that might be the issue). Now, reading this I’m unsure. I have had batch 85151 as has been mentioned...and take 2x20mcg mercury pharma t3 only. This could be the reason for super fatigue. I have new batch now...it would be interesting to hear what anyone thinks of that. Isn’t it dreadful how they can mess us up like this.

[buggles84]

I'm still taking batch 85151 no problem......it was the newer batch that was the problem.

[Bolton70]

Thank you to everyone who has replied. I will report it.

[Afaghieh]

Hi Boltongirl

I have identical problems. As well as others, I am 86 and my breast kept enlarging. My GP wasn't helpful I sent photos to my Endo lady ( dressed) she is referring me to surgeon.

I definitely think it's linked to the T3 MP. I have been on it for years but since the problem few years ago T3 doesn't feel the same.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Afaghieh]

Afaghieh,

I urge everyone to put in Yellow Card reports if they have issues with any medicine. (If you are not in the UK, follow the procedures for wherever you are.)

These reports are our ONLY way of putting in ‘negative reviews’!

This is a general post which explains a bit more.

🟨 Making Yellow Card Reports 🟨

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Afaghieh in reply to helvella]

Thank you helvella

I have twice. But, there is no feedback.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Afaghieh]

I agree that lack of feedback is a major issue. Every report should get at least something. But the number of reports does count. So it is still important - though I know we all feel ignored by the system.