Different Brands of Levo

[gingerthecat]

Hi all, does anyone on this site have their Levo brand changed regularly. My Pharmacist just give me whatever us available and I am finding this latest batch by TEVA are not working for me. The tablets are slightly larger than the usual ones they give me. I am feeling so tired and clammy, and I am sure the Levo is not working as it should. What Brands are best please. I take 100mcg daily. Thanks in advance.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

There are only four makes in the UK: Wockhardt (25 only), Mercury Pharma (Advanz) (25, 50 & 100), Actavis [also packaged as Almus for Boots and Northstar for Lloyds] (Accord) (50 & 100) and Teva (12.5, 25, 75, 100).

No, I do NOT accept whatever the pharmacy offers. I have found what works for me and try to keep to it. I always ask as I hand in my paper prescription in what they will dispense. Most very hepfully go and check. Sometimes they are able to supply what I am happy with, sometimes not. Then, if needed, on to the next pharmacy, prescription in hand.

There isn't one make that is "best" - there might be one that is the best of the bunch for you.

[gingerthecat in reply to helvella]

Thank you for your info.x

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

I always have the same brand, it's noted at the pharmacy to only give me that brand.

Many members don't get on with Teva, some have had bad reactions to it, it sounds like it doesn't suit you. Next time you go to collect your filled prescription, open the pharmacy bag at the couter and check what brand it is. If it's Teva, hand it back there and then and say you have adverse reactions to it and need a different brand and would they please note that for the future. Don't leave the shop without checking, you can't give it back once you've left the premises. You could also ask your GP to put a named brand on the prescription.

[gingerthecat in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you for your responses, most helpful.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.

Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription.

Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.

Many many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Though it is the only one for lactose intolerant patients. Teva is the only brand that makes 75mcg tablet.

Teva is a Marmite brand.....hated by many...loved by some (usually lactose intolerant ones)

Make sure that "no TEVA" is added to all future prescriptions

academic.oup.com/jcem/artic...

Physicians should:

1) alert patients that preparations may be switched at the pharmacy;

2) encourage patients to ask to remain on the same preparation at every pharmacy refill; and

3) make sure patients understand the need to have their TSH retested and the potential for dosing readjusted every time their LT4 preparation is switched (18).

[gingerthecat in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for this info x

[silverfox7]

Find one that suits you and then get it named on your prescription. The main issue is fillers. Each brand has a selection of fillers and it's usually these that can cause problems. I e also seen it suggested that if you change doses then after 6 weeks on that dose you should have bloods done to see if you are on the correct dose for you so that points to the fact that you should stick to the one brand as potency can be affected as well.

[gingerthecat in reply to silverfox7]

I am going to ask my GP to test my bloods...this brand is definitely not good for me. Thank you for responding.

[TaraJR]

My GP says they can not state a brand on the prescription. I don't know if that's correct or not. Whn I order online through the surgery system, I add I do not want TEVA brand. It's on my pharmacy's system record that I don't want TEVA. Yet still the last few times I've picked up the bag, it has TEVA in it, and I've had to ask them to change them. They don't look particularly pleased bu have agreed to change them. Not easy! But always check before you leave the pharmacy.

[SarahJLD in reply to TaraJR]

My prescription states the brand that works for me, in capitals. My prescription dispensed by GP surgery, one dispenser insisted no difference in brands another agreed a lot of patients found brands varied.

[gingerthecat in reply to TaraJR]

Will do. I gave spoken to my GP'S Surgery this morning and they are going to put it on my prescription that TEVA doesn't agree with me. Thanks for reply.

[Gingernut44 in reply to TaraJR]

Hi Tara, I think your GP is telling you porkies, my GP states on my prescription which Levo I have to have as I do not do well on the others - also, I now a use a small independent Pharmacy who knows which brand I need and makes sure that's what I get. Be forceful with your GP, it's the only way 😊

[TaraJR in reply to Gingernut44]

I've just been into the surgery and asked the prescriptions desk to add it to my repeat records. She said 'yes of course'! So I hope that will finally sort it. I'll find out in 2 months' time!