Which brand?

[Mia09]

Hi,

Just a quickie. My pharmacy cannot get hold of my usual brand of Levothyroxine (Wockhardt and Actavis). I have read that Teva can be problem but what about Mercury? I know we are all different but does Mercury seem a good one to go with? Basically its that or nothing! Thank you.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Mia09

Unfortunately, no-one can reassure you that Mercury will be OK for you, as you said we are all different.

I would be asking your pharmacy why they can't get hold of your usual brands. There is no shortage. If necessary ask for your prescription back, ring round other pharmacies and take it to one who can supply your normal brand.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Suggest you ring around pharmacies until you find a more helpful one

It’s unacceptable to have to change brands

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Do remember that 50 and 100 microgram Actavis is also packaged as Northstar (Lloyds group) and Almus (Boots group).

Also, that Actavis is re-branding as Accord. I hope the pharmacy didn't miss that and assume that Accord is something else?

[ThyroidCurious]

Hi, what works best for me may not be the same for you - but if you notice a difference make sure you get the one that works better for you. I was on Mercury Pharma Levothyroxine, then changed pharmacy, was given Teva, and felt worse. Did not realise what the issue was until I swapped back and got Mercury Pharma again. It's now on my notes at the pharmacy, and I check every time I pick up my prescription as they still get it wrong - last week they gave me 100mcg Mercury and 25mcg Teva - but I checked the bag before I left and demanded Mercury for both! If I hadn't changed pharmacies I would never have realised that one brand worked better for me than another. Last week when I asked for Mercury one member of staff said to another "Do we have Mercury Pharma, this lady likes Mercury" and I had to say that it's not that I "like" it and I explained that I feel better on it, and won't take the risk with other brands again.