I have been on Levothyroxine for a few years and all has been well. My pharmacy changed the manufacturer of the Levothyroxine and it wasn't long until I started to feel achy, mostly in my back and legs. I also simply didn't feel well. No energy, not a lot if interest in anything and mentally tired. I was not physically tired only didn't have the energy to do much. I should be back on the original Levothyroxine starting tomorrow and see what happens. Anyone else experience this?
Thanks
Which brand levothyroxine were you switched to? Was it Teva? If so, many many people have been adversely affected by it.
I was switched to the manufacturer Accord. I don't remember who the first one was but I'll find out later today.
I shall post below what is available in the UK.
UK Levothyroxine Tablets
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
Last updated 09/03/2020.
This is a list of currently marketed levothyroxine tablets in the UK.
—————————————————————
🔹 Accord – formerly Actavis (manufacturer)
50
100
—————————————————————
🔸 Almus (an ‘own label supplier’ brand owned by Walgreen Boots Alliance – Boots pharmacies and Alliance distributor)
50 – This is repackaged Accord – formerly Actavis.
100 – This is repackaged Accord – formerly Actavis.
—————————————————————
🔹 Aristo (manufacturer)
100
—————————————————————
🔹 Mercury Pharma (manufacturer – part of Advanz) includes both “Levothyroxine” and “Eltroxin” which are identical.
25
50
100
—————————————————————
🔹 Teva (manufacturer)
12.5
25
50
75
100
—————————————————————
🔸 Northstar (an ‘own label supplier’ brand owned by McKesson – Lloyds pharmacies and AAH distributor)
25 – This is repackaged Teva. ❗
50 – This is repackaged Accord - formerly Actavis. ❗
100 – This is repackaged Accord - formerly Actavis. ❗
—————————————————————
🔹 Wockhardt (manufacturer)
25
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
🔹 – identifies manufacturers.
🔸 – identifies ‘own label supplier’ products.
❗ – Take particular note of the actual product which varies by dosage.
—————————————————————
Numbers refer to tablet dosages in micrograms.
If there is anything inaccurate in this information, please let me know by Private Message:
healthunlocked.com/user/hel...
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
Ah, just wondered as that’s a common brand to cause problems.
But in any case—lots of people do find that brands of levothyroxine are not interchangeable. We can have sensitivities to the “fillers” in the tablet (the excipient ingredients which are added to bulk out the pill and hold it all together).
Best way to avoid the problem in future is to get your doctor to prescribe the exact brand you want on your prescription.
I’ve been on Mercury pharma for years and no problems- was given Teva once and was very unwell? Now think they’ve changed the formula ( although ingredients the same ) felt nauseous and unwell all last month and didn’t realise it was the thyroxine until I got my new pills and the nausea stopped ,exp 08/21 on the bad batch , I’ve got some 03/21 and they seem fine .
Just to confirm, you are saying that Mercury Pharma levothyroxine is making you nauseous and unwell?
What dosage tablets?
I urge you to report the issue using the Yellow Card system:
Also, contact the pharmacy which supplied them. And double-check the markings on the tablets.
Hi helvella it’s 100mcg tablet , I have Spoken to my pharmacist and got a different batch number which has stopped the nausea but still suffering from painful arms , I have reported a yellow card , my pharmacist can get Almus if it happens again, what are your thoughts on this brand ( teva made me ill and reported that too )
It is an own-label supplier version of Accord (formerly Actavis) - and I take 100 Accord (however labelled) and 25 Mercury Pharma. That is the best I can manage currently and is OK - for me.
We are all different.
Thank you for doing the Yellow Card - it is very important that the MHRA do get to hear as soon as possible. With a date that far ahead, it will continue being dispensed for many months. Action now, rather than later, could make a big difference (if that is what is needed).
I agree , it’s frightening how badly these changes can affect people , I hope these pains stop soon 🤞
Aktavis caused me severe hip pain and sundry other aches so that I found it difficult to walk. I had been taking Aktavis for about a week when the pains began. When I stopped taking it, the pains went away pretty quickly and a week later I was pain free.
I submitted a yellow card.
Hope you feel better soon.
Best wishes
Caroline
I’ve developed very painful upper arms and hip pain, I’m on Mercury pharma think they’ve changed the formula ???
Hi Caroline what brand are you taking now ?
I take Wockhardt now. They do 25 mcg tablets only but no problem - I take 3 daily.
Thank you x
Of course we are all different and what works for one might not work for another. Wockhardt is definitely worth a try - it has fewer excipients than other tablets and I have no problem at all with it😊. However, as helvella has shown in his post, there are other brands to try if Wockhardt isn’t the answer for you.
All the best
Caroline
Thanks for everyone's input. I was on 10mcg Levothyroxine Sodium from the manufacturer Custom Pharmaceuticals (marketed by Mercury Pharma) and all was well. I was switched to another brand, Accord then began felling unwell. Hard to describe the unwell but it wasn't good. My GP told the pharmacy to put me back on the Custom/Mercury and after about 10 days I was feeling much better, back to my old self.
It maybe that you just need new blood tests to ensure you are on the right dose right now. Having recently upped from 125mg to 150mg and feeling well again. I knew the signs that the old symptoms were creeping back. Go and see your doctor for tests. Also check no other meds example pain killers even off the shelf are interfering with your Levo
Levothyroxine and change in formulation
How long for Levothyroxine to start working?
Levothyroxine and energy levels
Levothyroxine
Levothyroxine not working for me
