Eltroxin - (Levo) Mercury Pharma ???

[yolobrass]

I’ve been taking Mercury Pharma Levo for a while. I’ve had side effects with other brands like Teva, wouldn’t want to change again.

It’s proving difficult for my pharmacist to supply mercury pharma to me. He suggested to get the brand everytime I should ask my GP for Eltroxin- levo by Mercury Pharma.

Has anyone had this before ? Just a bit cautious as he mentioned it’s cheaper on the NHS!

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

yolobrass

Mercury Pharma Levo and Mercury Pharma Eltroxin are exactly the same tablets.

See helvella 's list of thyroid medications here, second one down under the name ADVANZ, and he gives links to the Patient Information Leaflets as well:

dropbox.com/s/6h3h0qi4eqwi6...

To ensure you get the same brand every time your GP can stipulate on the prescription but not all pharmacies adhere to dispensing the named brand every time.

[yolobrass in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you 😊

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

You have a number of things combining to make this a bit awkward.

If your GP writes a prescription for Mercury Pharma Eltroxin, would the pharmacy dispense Mercury Pharma Levothyroxine when Eltroxin is unavailable?

The two products are exactly the same. But the packaging is different. And Eltroxin has all too often been difficult to get hold of.

Ask the pharmacist before getting this done.

The cost of all levothyroxine tablets in the UK is pretty low. (Though the 12.5 microgram tablets from Teva are ludicrously over-priced they are still not really expensive.)

NHS Tariff prices are available here:

bnf.nice.org.uk/medicinal-f...

I wouldn't want to take Teva again either!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.

Ask your GP to put Mercury Pharma brand on your prescription

You will still need to always double check the bag before leaving the pharmacy

Small pharmacies can be more helpful over brand

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

Teva and Aristo are the only lactose free tablets

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Teva is a Marmite brand...some people love it ....many can’t tolerate it

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)