Levothyroxine abroad

[Caroline888]

I think I’ve seen that you can buy levo OTC in other countries, e.g. Germany, Ibiza etc, is that right?

[kaula]

will not trust

[Caroline888 in reply to kaula]

Ok thanks

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

You can buy levothyroxine over-the-counter (without a prescription) in some countries.

This is definitely not possible in Germany.

It was often reported to be so in Spain until recently. Seems Spain might have moved to be in-line with much of the rest of the EU and made it prescription-only. Is that confirmed? And does it include Ibiza? I really cannot say.

Do also bear in mind that if you buy it in most countries, you will not be able to obtain the same makes as you get in the UK. This might be of significance. Personally, I have found UniPharma from Greece and L-Thyroxin Henning from Germany (two non-UK products I have taken) to be good. But in France there have been major problems with their Euthyrox which was reformulated with mannitol instead of lactose. The same as ever with these things, sometimes good, sometimes not.

[Caroline888 in reply to helvella]

Thanks helvella for your very interesting reply. My son and daughter both travel quite a lot so there’s hope I guess. I’ll have to look into this more deeply.

Thank you for taking the trouble to answer my post.

Best wishes

Caroline

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Caroline888]

Meant to say that even if the packet has the same brand name, it does not guarantee it being the same product.

To be sure, you need to check carefully. Maker, ingredients, etc.

[Caroline888 in reply to helvella]

Thanks for the warning. I'll be very careful.

[lorrainewilson64]

When I was in Majorca 3 years ago I could buy it over the counter easily just over 2 Euroes a pack .

[Caroline888 in reply to lorrainewilson64]

Thanks Lorraine, that's really useful to know.

[Tatty10]

Hi Caroline888 I buy levo in Spain brand name Eutirox, 3 months supply for a couple of euros you can buy in 25mc 50 mc 100mc and 125 mc.

[Caroline888 in reply to Tatty10]

Hi Tatty,

Thank you so much for that. Really useful to know.

Hope you are doing well.

Best wishes

Caroline

[Petronella]

I was running out of levothyroxine last year while staying with our son in Denmark; I went to their local pharmacy with some bumpf from our UK pharmacy, but was firmly told I must see a doctor first to get a new prescription. As I didn’t have time, I survived without until we got home again, for a few days.... Now I make sure to travel with much more than I’m likely to need!

[Caroline888 in reply to Petronella]

So Denmark's definitely out then! Thank you for letting me know.

[olga67]

Euthyrox was still available OTC in Spain in May and in Macedonia. Probably in Bulgaria, but not sure.

[Caroline888 in reply to olga67]

Thanks very much Olga, that's good to know.

[Karenk13]

I buy mine in Spain you can buy it over the couter and its much cheaper than here in Ireland.

[Caroline888 in reply to Karenk13]

Thanks Karenk13. My daughter’s going to Marbella later this year. Maybe I’ll get lucky!

Thanks for taking the trouble to reply.

Best wishes

Caroline

[SusanAR]

I got levo in Spain in April. Around €4 for 100 x 100mcg tablets.

[Caroline888 in reply to SusanAR]

Thanks very much Susan. Spain sounds a good bet! And that price is incredible.

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my post.

Best wishes

Caroline

[SusanAR in reply to Caroline888]

I’ll be over there at the end of this month so I’ll check you can still buy them 😊

[Caroline888 in reply to SusanAR]

That’d be great Susan😊 Thank you.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Caroline888]

Just for info, the NHS price in the UK is not much different!

This links to the British National Formulary and gives many of the levothyroxine prices:

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

If you could buy it yourself here in the UK, it might be a touch more expensive, but not much.

[Caroline888 in reply to helvella]

Thanks helvella. I sort of knew levothyroxine was a cheap product but during my research I have seen it sold via doctors online who are charging exhorbitant amounts, for example I’ve seen £34.99 for one packet of 28 tablets! I guess the demand is there due to ill-educated GPs and these establishments just take advantage. The fact that it might be possible to buy levo OTC in other countries is a real relief. Otherwise what do we do when GPs think being in range is good enough?

Thanks for the very informative link.

Best wishes

Caroline

[Starlight1976]

You can buy it over the counter in Egypt, Euthyrox made by the same pharmaceutical that makes it in Europe. Around £1.20 for 50 x 100mcg tablets. I find it crazy when people say you cannot 'trust' foreign medications (not OP). There are people with Thyroid conditions all over the world that are treated with meds from their own country. We must resist the inclination to presume that our drugs are superior and medications from other countries are somehow dangerous. I've lived abroad even in developing countries and received medical care and medication . To be honest 9/10 the Doctors (sometimes Consultants) were more caring and inclined to listen than any GP in the UK I've ever seen. Good luck with your search x

[Caroline888 in reply to Starlight1976]

Thanks Starlight1976. That's very interesting and I am really surprised how inexpensive it is to buy it over the counter in some other countries. I am hoping that my GP will be amenable to increasing my dose of levo after my next blood test but I can't count on it. So that's why I'm getting the information I need in advance so that I am fully prepared and can buy a small quantity of levo to top up if need be.

Thank you so much for your very helpful reply. I'm really grateful.

Best wishes

Caroline

[ZippyAppletush in reply to Starlight1976]

Very true!

[Lilackeith]

I have bought in Italy and Spain this year no problem. A prescription was required in Germany.

[Caroline888 in reply to Lilackeith]

Hi Lilackeith

That’s brilliant! Thanks for letting me know.

Best wishes

Caroline

[Hidden]

Freely available OTC in Cyprus (both North & South) Euthyrox 100ug and 50ug. Also a generic, simply branded T4

[Caroline888 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Beekaykay. Lots of possibilities then! Thank you so much for letting me know.