Can’t get Actavis Levo brand

[Ivyclose1]

Please help! I’ve been trying to get hold of the ACTAVIS brand of levo, it’s the only one I seem to get on with. I’ve tried several pharmacies who don’t stock it!

I’ve been told that the company has been taken over. Is this true? And does anyone know who by?

[Treepie]

I think Boots sell it branded as Almus.

Actavis generics was purchased by Teva in 2016 . Actavis UK was purchased by another company a year later.Difficult to know who owns what these days.

[Ivyclose1 in reply to Treepie]

Thank you Treepie, you’ve been very helpful.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Ivyclose1]

Actavis levothyroxine is owned by Accord Healthcare.

accord-healthcare.com/uk/

[Ivyclose1 in reply to helvella]

Thanks helvella. Hopefully I’ll be able to pick some up, following everyone’s advice.

[sy28 in reply to helvella]

wonder if this explains why I've been getting very symptomatic on Actavis lately ... and never used to

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to sy28]

There is no known change to Actavis formulation. However, a few people have reported that they have found at least some batches have affected them differently.

[sy28 in reply to helvella]

I have definitely suspected a difference since the summer... I then noticed other forum members reporting the same. I wonder if a bad batch of fillers are to blame - today I again experienced itching within an hour of taking Actavis. Yesterday I felt well, but within two hours of taking Actavis Levo, I was overcome with lightheadedness, weakness, nausea and had to return home. I have just started a new batch 100mcgm. It can't be a coincidence that other people are reporting symptoms. I never used to have a problem with Actavis before - is the company now linked to Teva?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to sy28]

Actavis was temporarily owned by Teva a few years ago - but they were only allowed to acquire Actavis on condition they disposed of the bit in Barnstaple that makes Actavis levothyroxine (and other products).

That was acquired by Accord Healthcare.

So, no, nothing to do with Teva.

[sy28 in reply to helvella]

Thanks helvella for confirming branding history ... still suspect there could be an issue. I'd be interested to hear if other members report the same. I first became aware after falling ill in the summer and the batch number I was taking corresponded to a report on the forum.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to sy28]

There might be an issue with the product (or some batches). I take it myself and don't think I have noticed any changes, but that doesn't at all mean that everyone would agree.

(Just to be clear, I don't think that Teva are in any way implicated.)

[sy28 in reply to helvella]

Thank you again for clarifying. It will be interesting to see if other members come forward with recent reports of symptoms after previously having none with Actavis.

[ianessex in reply to sy28]

Hi,, how are you getting on with actavis now?

[spongecat]

I know that Lloyds Pharmacy supply Actavis levothyroxine under the name of North Star.

If I look on the box it has "PL Holder: Actavis" and their address. The blister pack is also stamped with Actavis all over it.

It does cause some confusion! There is no stock shortage to my knowledge.

[Ivyclose1 in reply to spongecat]

Thank you spongecat. Your response was very useful. I’ll check out Lloyd’s Pharmacy.

[spongecat in reply to Ivyclose1]

You're welcome!

[Dordy]

My tablets are delivered by Pharmacy for u and they are Actavis

[Ivyclose1]

You’ve all been so helpful. Thank you Dordy, I’ll check them out.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Ivyclose1]

Did you eventually get Actavis tablets?

[Ivyclose1 in reply to helvella]

Hi, no not yet. Lloyd’s ran out, but will restock so collecting next week. Thanks for your concern.

[Ivyclose1 in reply to helvella]

Hi, I have now got my meds. Got it from Tesco’s Pharmacy in the end. Lloyd’s couldn’t get it.

On the box it’s says Northstar but the tablet strips says Actavis.

Thanks for your help.

And of course thanks to everyone who helped me too. X

[Lavender-Blue]

Hi

I get my levo from Boots. On the packet is says Almus but inside on rthe he actual tablet strip it says Activis.

I hope this helps. X

[Ivyclose1 in reply to Lavender-Blue]

Thanks, it’s good to know. I’ll try boots next time.