75mcg levothyroxine

[Yppah]

Hi, I have started taking levothyroxine in the last few months. My dose has just been upped to 75mcg and I am having problems getting the same brand as before, Actavis. I went to Boots as I thought they’d provide this as they did before. But turns out 75mcg is only made by Teva. And of course I didn’t check the box before I left the shop. I don’t want to switch brands. So with a bit of a fuss, the pharmacist has given me back my prescription so I can go elsewhere. She wouldn’t let me have 25mcg + 50mcg of Actavis as that is not what the prescription said and she said every pharmacy will say the same. Before I traipse about all the pharmacies town, is this the case and should I just get another prescription saying 25mcg + 50mcg? I have been out of supplies for 5 days now and am a little short on patience so could do without arguing with more pharmacists. Thanks

[bantam12]

Actavis don't make a 25mcg tab so if you want that brand you will have to break a 50 which is what I do.

[MaisieGray]

A pharmacist is obligated to dispense what the Dr has prescribed, in the way prescribed. You were lucky that she took back your meds as once you leave the pharmacy with them, they aren't required to take them back. It's suggested that we always routinely check what we are given before walking away, to avoid having those discussions later. My own prescription for 75 mcg is written as 50 mcg and 25 mcg, because it morphed that way from my previous 125 mcg, but they are variously dispensed in different makes - presently I have a combo of Activis and Teva but it could be anything else, and for myself, I don't have a problem with that - it isn't a given that we will.

[Yppah in reply to MaisieGray]

Thank you - definitely learning. I have looked at the drugs info sheet now and so will be prepared to ask for the right details for future prescriptions. Will also feed back to endocrinologist.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Teva is the ONLY brand that makes 75mcg tablet

So yes you likely need new prescription

[MaisieGray]

It's not ridiculous and it does matter - there are clear rules and regulations defining how prescriptions must be written; and likewise about how prescriptions may be dispensed.

[Teresamarie]

An option for a 75 mcg of levo other than Teva (if it is true Teva is the only one that has 75 mcg of off brand Synthroid) is the name brand Synthroid which I presently take. You would still need prescription from doctor. Not sure 🤔 if that would open another can of worms because asking for name brand must have a reason but maybe your wanting to take one pill would be enough?? Just a thought....here’s an article I found helps to understand how a brand name will be consistent but a generic will not.

“Brand name levothyroxines are consistent in terms of potency from batch to batch. Generic formulations, on the other hand, tend to be less so.

If you switch from a brand name to a generic preparation, you may notice that you don't feel as well on the generic drug and may have symptoms of hypo- or hyperthyroidism. While this can be due to the drug's dosage and potency, it can also be due to:

How much of the levothyroxine is available for absorption by the body

The amount of levothyroxine circulating in your body after a dose”

(Brand Name vs. Generic Levothyroxine. There are important factors to consider before taking one or the other By Michael Bihari, MD

Updated July 25, 2019)

Good luck to you.

[Yppah in reply to Teresamarie]

Thank you - so much to think about.

[Yppah]

I tried another pharmacy and then another and I burst in to tears. Felt like an absolute idiot. But I do now have 25mcg Mercury Pharma + 50mcg Actavis. Lesson learned.

[Yppah]

That’s so lovely - they are keepers!!!