Changing Levo brands : Hello all I had to change... - Thyroid UK

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Changing Levo brands

nettiboo1982 profile image
6 Replies

Hello all

I had to change back to Actavis brand yesterday from mercury pharmacy. As I ran out of the 25's and had no option but to use Actavis 100 mcg and break a 50mcg in half.

I'm feeling so tired anxious and tearful I struggled to fall asleep last night and I've woken very early this morning. Does this sound like the change in meds has caused this? I have in the past felt unwell and have more symptoms with brand changing but don't understand why.

I would mainly take actavis 100mcg and 25 mcg by mercury pharmacy but during my pregnancy almost nine months ago the pharmacy changed to mercury . Typically they've now changed to northstar and I've never taken that brand. How do I adjust to changing again or the best way to change.

Many thanks

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nettiboo1982
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SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.

Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription.

Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.

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 is the only brand that makes 75mcg tablet. So if avoiding Teva for 75mcg dose ask for 25mcg to add to 50mcg or just extra 50mcg tablets to cut in half

List of different brands....NOTE Northstar 50mcg and 100mcg are Accord (Activis)....but 25mcg are Teva

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Teva and Aristo are the only lactose free tablets

Teva poll

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

academic.oup.com/jcem/artic...

Physicians should: 1) alert patients that preparations may be switched at the pharmacy; 2) encourage patients to ask to remain on the same preparation at every pharmacy refill; and 3) make sure patients understand the need to have their TSH retested and the potential for dosing readjusted every time their LT4 preparation is switched (18).

Levothyroxine is an extremely fussy hormone and should always be taken on an empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after

Many people take Levothyroxine soon after waking, but it may be more convenient and perhaps more effective taken at bedtime

verywellhealth.com/best-tim...

No other medication or supplements at same as Levothyroxine, leave at least 2 hour gap. Some like iron, calcium, magnesium, HRT, omeprazole or vitamin D should be four hours away

(Time gap doesn't apply to Vitamin D mouth spray)

nettiboo1982 profile image
nettiboo1982 in reply toSlowDragon

Thank you for reply. I was told yesterday that northstar do the 25mcg? Is that not correct?

With regards to taking it I used to take before bed before I had my baby bit now I struggle to stay up late enough to take it in the evening and was missing doses. So I'm currently taking it in the morning about two hours before food x

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply tonettiboo1982

The issue with Northstar is that their 50 and 100 microgram tablets are re-branded Accord. Whereas their 25 microgram tablets are re-branded Teva.

Northstar is an own-label supplier. Not in any sense a manufacturer.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply tonettiboo1982

Northstar is just a box

The levothyroxine inside is different brands depending on dose

Northstar 25mcg is Teva brand

nettiboo1982 profile image
nettiboo1982 in reply toSlowDragon

I find I'm better on Actavis once settled back on it but they don't come in 25s ao would snapping the 50's be a better option?

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply tonettiboo1982

Just cut with pill cutter or sharp craft scalpel

Get weekly pill dispenser too

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