Mixed brand dose different sizes

[KLM6]

I've just been switched to Theva 25mcg taken with Actavis 100mcg and am a bit surprised that the 25mcg seem to be twice the size of the 100mcg. Is this right - I've never taken Theva before.

[Hidden]

Assume you mean Teva?

I noticed that too. Different manufacturers have different sizes of tablets. It shouldn't make any difference to the amount of thyroxine.

However, different brands have different fillers and Teva doesnt suit everyone.

[KLM6 in reply to Hidden]

Great thanks - I've been on tablets for decades and have had different brands mixed but it always seemed to follow the pattern that the smaller the dose the smaller the tablets. Just surprised me!

[helvella Administrator]

The amount of the active ingredient in thyroid hormone tablets is incredibly small.

The size of the tablet is purely a decision by the maker.

Sometimes they seem to use the same mixture to make more than one dosage. For example, the 100 might be twice the size of the 50. It could be that if they halve the size of the 50 it would be too small?

Companies which make a large range of dosages (e.g. most USA products) often make every tablet exactly the same size. They then distinguish them by using colours (pigments or dyes).

[KLM6 in reply to helvella]

Thank you - I'm having to remind myself which one is the 100 and which one is the 25 as the 25 is twice the size! Had never experienced it - thanks for your reply.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Do you mean you have had dose reduced from 100mcg down to 25mcg ?

Do you have recent test results to add?

Dose of levothyroxine should only be reduced if Ft3 is over range, and even then done in small dose reduction

[KLM6 in reply to SlowDragon]

No have been on 125 for ages - but never had this brand. So I've got 100mcg from one brand and 25mcg from the other. But the 25mcg is bigger than the 100mcg which I've never experienced in 30 years! Just wondered if Teva tablets are known to be bigger. Sorry for not being clear - was quite tired when I posted!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to KLM6]

Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine.

Teva contains mannitol as a filler, which seems to be possible cause of problems.

Teva and Aristo are the only lactose free tablets

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Teva poll

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[KLM6 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks - I'll have a look at what other people say