Struggling to source Morningside Liothyronine tablets. Any suggestions please?

[MacG]

Hi, the pharmacist who usually fulfils my prescription rang a couple of weeks ago to say that the Morningside tablets had come into "Head Office" on such a short "use by" that they weren't prepared to release them. This pharmacist is usually really good at sourcing the Morningside for me.

I rang Morningside and was advised that the tablets they are sending out have 12 months use by on them. I was advised to try Boots and to ask them to order the tablets on the "Accord Scheme". I have tried three Boots stores now and when the pharmacists look on their system they tell me that the only brands available to them are Teva and Accord. I have tried pushing the "Accord Scheme". One told me he was on the Accord scheme. Another told me he just has to order "what's on the pad"?? Another rang their suppliers and once again drew a blank (apparently only Teva and Accord available). I have tried a couple of independent pharmacies locally, as well as numerous other chemists and once again only Teva and Accord available.

Rang Morningside back this morning. They told me that if I order through the "Accord Scheme" although it might say Teva or Accord on the system what will actually arrive will be Morningside. I told them I wasn't particularly happy about that as a solution. If the wrong brand arrives, that's me stuck with Teva or whatever for the next three months.

One pharmacist told me that if I ask my doctor to specify Morningside then that is what I will get. The only problem is, I am trying to fly below the radar as regards my NHS prescription. My GP put it on my record a while ago that my Liothyronine may be withdrawn (cost). Every time I put in a repeat prescription I say a little prayer. I absolutely don't want to have a Liothyronine discussion with my GP.

I realise I am so fortunate to be getting Liothyronine on the NHS and should perhaps just settle for any brand, but Morningside really suits me for a number of reasons, not least because they are so easy to cut (I am currently taking in 5mcg doses, so cut the tablet 4 ways). In addition, I am making a number of other major changes to diet/supplements at the moment and would like to keep my medication brand as a constant.

Any suggestions as to where I can fulfil my prescription please in order to guarantee Morningside. I have a paper copy so could send it through the post.

Many thanks.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

I am also on Morningside and due to take my paper prescription into my (usually) very helpful independent pharmacy tomorrow

I will get back to you then

Morningside have just started making 5mcg and 10mcg tablets...as well as 20mcg

Trying to find out the cost relative to 20mcg. They aren't listed on NHS drugs tariff ......yet

[MacG in reply to SlowDragon]

Many thanks for getting back to me-much appreciated. I saw the 5 and 10 mcg tablets on their website. I half thought that if there was a supply problem they might be winding down their Liothyronine production, but obviously not if they have just started to manufacture 5 and 10 mcg. I would be interested to know the cost relative to 20 mcg. But like I say, feel like I am skating on thin ice with regard to asking GP.

I’ll be very interested to see how you get on re sourcing the Liothyronine. I wonder, does your pharmacist fulfil postal prescriptions?

Many thanks again.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to MacG]

I will ask them tomorrow.

[MacG in reply to SlowDragon]

Many thanks

[crimple]

I had been obtaining T3 with a private prescription from my GP which I then sent to Germany and paid for the meds. When I next asked for a scrip, to beat Brexit, I was told I could now have T3 on NHS!!! Still in a state of shock. Had my first NHS scrip dispensed 2 weeks ago and had to tell pharmacist I cannot have Morningside or Mercury Pharma due to reaction to acacia powder in the fillers. Wasn't keen to have Teva either. So I was given Sigma Pharma x 5mcgm tablets, take 3 per day and so far all good. My local pharmacy is Boots. Maybe you could ask for SP?! good luck

[MacG in reply to crimple]

Many thanks for your ideas. Sorry for slow reply.....started with a dreadful migraine Weds evening and only thinking straight this morning! I had wondered about using the prescription to source tablets from abroad. I have previously tried Thybon Henning. Glad that you are getting sorted with your T3 ....and on the NHS - long may it continue!

[crimple in reply to MacG]

Sorry to hear about your migraine. I was quite happy to source from Germany, cost about £60 for 200 tablets included p&p, but became increasingly concerned as to what would happen with Brexit! Could not believe it when I was told CCG would pay, this is Leeds and Harrogate area. I just hope more CCG's see sense. The post code lottery of drugs provision has got to stop as has the parading of diabetes specialists as thyroid specialists! Hope you soon get sorted.

[MacG in reply to crimple]

Many thanks, I'll keep you posted.

[Blot]

We are still in the EU. It is perfectly possible for you to have a prescription from your own GP and have it processed in Europe. You have to pay that is all. The cost is too high in England because of the particular arrangements with the pharmaceutical companies (that long ago were allowed to set there own costs ) that used to supply the drug. It naturally comes lactose free in France for instance. If your legitimate prescription is also backed up by a note from yourGP then go for it and also if he agrees to carry on doing your follow up blood tests which is important.

[MacG in reply to Blot]

Many thanks for getting back to me. Much appreciated.

[Chunipet]

Hi, Just been informed by my local Boots that Morningside Liothyronine is no longer available but Morningside say it is! Did you manage to resolve this and with what? Any advice/info would be gratefully received.

[MacG in reply to Chunipet]

Hi Chunipet, my Morningside Liothyronine arrived today. I have sent you a message with a link to the pharmacy where I managed to get it (not sure if I am allowed to post links to specific businesses out here on the forum - maybe someone could clarify that for me). The pharmacy was super efficient and couldn't have been more helpful.

This pharmacy is listed on the Thyroid UK homepage. You may find a pharmacy closer to hand. Here is the link to the Thyroid UK list: thyroiduk.org/tuk/treatment...

(....with thanks to SlowDragon for pointing me in the right direction!)

Once again, Thyroid UK and this forum come up trumps! Brilliant!!!!

On a more serious note, sounds like you have already been in touch with Morningside, but if not, please could I ask you to give them a call and ask for UK Sales. The more of us report the problems we are having, they might sit up a bit.

They seemed remarkably laid back about the fact that these expensive tablets don't seem to be getting through.

Hope you get sorted.x

[MacG]

Would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who responded. What would we do without Thyroid UK and this forum!

[Chunipet]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. My pharmacist (from Boots) phoned last week to tell me she couldn’t get Morningside, that it wasn’t coming up as an option for her to order. She’s been trying to find some for me ever since. After reading, here on HealthUnlocked, that you’d had a similar problem, I phoned Morningside and they said they are still producing it. I asked my pharmacist if she could order Accord which you mentioned, just to see what turned up. Morningside turned up! Neither us could believe it. Apparently she has another patient who prefers Morningside over the other options so she now knows what to order. What a ridiculous situation. So thank you for your advice.