Anyone in Scotland managed to get 5mcg T3 on NHS - NOT Teva!

[Murphysmum]

As above.

I don’t like Teva but was willing to give my new T3 script a chance (in order not to rock the boat really...)

But, it’s not working. I have returning symptoms. I was feeling fab on my SigmaPharm 5mcg and wondered if I just couldn’t have these?

The price saving thing is a bit of a false economy as I’m generally losing half a tanker trying to split them anyway 🤷🏼‍♀️

Interested in what others get?

EDITED: to say I’ve just added my pharmacist to the list of cynical health professionals. I popped into ask what my options were, trying to get my head around what’s available and what’s not, and they looked at me like I was mad. Teva is one of the more reputable brands she said 😂

Looks like I’m not getting 5mcg through them....

[BadHare]

Babette has splittables. Can you suggest which brand to ask for, please?

[helvella]

None of the UK makes of Liothyronine (T3) is available in any dosage other than 20 micrograms.

[Murphysmum in reply to helvella]

Thanks you @helvella,

Ok, so I wondered this but how did I get 5mcg on a private rx? Edit: and how do some people get Citomel or equivalent from their pharmacy... how do they get it and why can’t they all do this?

Sorry for so many questions, just trying to get my head around it!

I tried to ask the pharmacist today but she was being less than helpful!

[helvella in reply to Murphysmum]

Legally, any doctor can prescribe 5 microgram liothyronine. And any pharmacy could (subject to helpful attitude) get them.

However, many NHS doctors find themselves told that they are not allowed to prescribe any form of liothyronine and, if they did, they would get their knuckles rapped. Or are in fear of that happening. Private doctors do not have that problem.

If you get a doctor willing to prescribe and get a valid UK prescription, NHS or private, you are almost there.

If you have an NHS prescription, you should be able to go to any pharmacy. In reality, you might need to contact a few to get the best attitude. (Some might not have contracts with specialist importers - but an established pharmacy shouldn't find it difficult to set that up.

If you have a private prescription, you should contact several pharmacies and ask the PRICE. This can vary hugely.

Have a look here: thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/treatm...

[Murphysmum in reply to helvella]

Ok so, I have an nhs prescription - yay!

Having been privately trialled and found T3 works (who knew?), my go agreed to pick up the script. However, I got 20mcg Teva T3, which don’t split (any which way I’ve tried) and don’t bloody work either. My remaining symptoms were muscle weakness, lethargy and fatigue and having gone for 6 weeks on sigmapharm T3 are now back. I can’t believe the difference actually, it’s like I’m not taking the T3 at all.

So, I wondered why I couldn’t get the aforementioned 5mcg and the pharmacist looked at me like I was the worst customer ever. Then was really vague about how anyone goes about getting them!

I know my pharmacy use Alliance healthcare and having just looked up their catalogue (seriously sad wed evening activity), I see that they only stock 20mcg as my pharmacist said.

So do we know any pharmacies that are likely to be able to get it, or do I just start visiting them one by one? 🙈

Thanks @helvella, this is all very helpful

[helvella in reply to Murphysmum]

But what did it say on your prescription?

If it said 20 microgram liothyronine, that is what they will dispense. They really don't have any choice.

No pharmacy is likely to stock ANY dosage other than 20 micrograms. It won't be in ANY catalogue. They would order it in from a specialist importer. Which is a standard practice.

[Murphysmum in reply to helvella]

Tbh I don’t know.

A letter was written from my private endo to the gp stating there was a clinical need and that I was taking 2x 5mcg per day.

What the prescription said I don’t know as it is sent directly to the pharmacy.

I need to speak to the gp don't I?

[helvella in reply to Murphysmum]

Yes - or the pharmacy if they are willing to spend a few minutes explaining.

If you have online access to your surgery, you might be able to see what was prescribed.

[Murphysmum in reply to helvella]

No such modern technology I’m afraid.

And the pharmacy weren’t exactly helpful today!

I’ll speak to gp tomorrow and ask if they will prescribe 5mcg... it’s out there, I don’t see why I can’t get it. I haven’t come this far to be denied it now!!

[helvella in reply to Murphysmum]

The reason your GP might not prescribe it is cost. Sorry I don't know the current cost but almost certainly more than any UK liothyronine.

The link below is to the British National Formulary which identifies the existence of USA 5 microgram tablets - but not the makes, nor the cost. Still, it is something to show your GP.

bnf.nice.org.uk/medicinal-f...

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Murphysmum]

Murphysmum and helvella

It is possible to get Sigma Pharma 5mcg on NHS

sigmapharm.com/products/lio...

There's at least one member who does so on here. I will pm them.....they may pm you

I am currently trying to find out the cost charged to NHS.

I understand from Murphysmum that these 5mcg T3 are £130 for 90 tablets on private prescription

But NHS may be being charged significantly more. (Possibly around £400 for 100 tablets!!) Just chasing up my very helpful pharmacy to see if they can tell me exact cost

[Murphysmum in reply to SlowDragon]

Thankyou SlowDragon !

I paid £126 for 90 tablets privately..... is it really the case that pharma has the nhs screwed? I mean, that’s rhetorical really but surely if it can be bought for £126 the nhs can’t be paying £400?

Really??

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Murphysmum]

That's what I am keen to find out .....if that's correct there are some serious questions to ask

[Murphysmum in reply to SlowDragon]

I can quite believe it but not really believe it, if you know what I mean!

[JMo1 in reply to Murphysmum]

My daughter gets 5mcg tablets (Sigma) on NHS in South Lanarkshire. I used to pay for private prescription and it was around £109 each month (she takes 15mcg daily). We only got it prescribed on NHS after going through the complaints procedure. Let me know if you need any more detail.

[Murphysmum in reply to JMo1]

Fab.

I’m waiting on a call from my gp.

My local Boots said they could get it if approved by the health authority. On the basis that I have a letter confirming clinical need for my consultant, I’m hoping they would approve it.

Splitting 20mcg isn’t really working for me and the Sigma ones I had previously were much better.

Thanks for your reply... I’ll let you know!!