Cynomel shortage in France

[Gretsch67]

Hi, this is addressed to any French members here.

I recently went to the pharmacie to renew my three monthly ordonnance for Cynomel, and they couldnt get any. On further investigation I find that there is a problem with the manufacture of cynomel.

sfendocrino.org/article.php...

It seems that I can chat to the doctor and get him to issue another prescription specifically mentioning "renewal of treatment" (Aux médecins prescripteurs de préciser la mention « renouvellement de traitement »). However I think that this may possible mean that Cynomel's days are numbered and I should seek alternative T3 supplies. Has anyone else in France come across this, and what are you planning?

I have seen Euthyral mentioned, but I haven't come across this before

many thanks

[helvella Administrator]

Thank you - a potentially very useful post.

A translation into English says this:

Cynomel supply voltage

The Sanofi laboratory informed us of the supply voltage of Cynomel, 0.025 mg, breakable tab in connection with a quality defect on certain batches. As a result, a quota for deliveries only to patients already under treatment with Cynomel will be implemented shortly. Prescribers are therefore asked not to initiate a new treatment with Cynomel 0.025 mg. Refills are nevertheless possible and in this case, the doctor must indicate on the prescription "renewal of treatment" so that the pharmacist can order the necessary boxes directly from the Sanofi laboratory. A foreseeable date for the normal release of this specialty has not yet been communicated.

A specific letter from the Sanofi laboratory concerning this information intended for prescribers is being sent and available here .

I note that there have been a number of references round the web to Henning Thybon being available in France. As both Cynomel and Thybon are produced by Sanofi, it has often crossed my mind that one of the two might end up being discontinued.

Such discontinuations sometimes occur when something goes wrong, rather than being planned. Just a thought... Obviously, the shift from 25 to 20 microgram dosage tablets would be at least a bit of a problem for some.

[Gretsch67 in reply to helvella]

Thanks for that reply. I'll have a look at Thybon. I did wonder if the last batch of Cynomel I had was not quite right.. I'll see the doctor this week. Euthyral is interesting it is a blend of T4 and T3 I think.

[greygoose in reply to Gretsch67]

Euthyral is 100 mcg T4 + 20 mcg T3. If that ratio suits you, then it's fine, but that's not always the case. It's not as flexible as taking T4+T3 seperately.

[Gretsch67 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you, yes I saw that but it seemed so specific I thought that there may be other ratios!

[greygoose in reply to Gretsch67]

No, there's only the one.

[Gretsch67 in reply to greygoose]

thanks

[chrysalis56 in reply to helvella]

Helvella, I am most grateful for the information you posted on Cynomel 0.025 mg from Sanofi-Aventis, France. I would very much like to see the letter that Sanofi is preparing for prescrbers, to show my doctor and to share with my local pharmacist. Do you have a copy and, if so, are you able to forward it to me?

Many thanks, chrysalis56

[Gretsch67 in reply to chrysalis56]

Here is the link sfendocrino.org/_images/med...

I saw the médecin yesterday and he couldn't find alternatives such as Thybon anywhere in France. Still, he marked the ordonnance "renouvellement de traitement" as explained in the letter. The chemist called the number listed and ordered some Cynomel. I await a phone call!

[chrysalis56 in reply to Gretsch67]

Gretsch67, you are a honey for responding so quickly. I'll forward this information to my pharmacist and my doctor, and hope for a positive outcome.

Wishing you, as my grandmother used to say, "only the best of good health,"

chrysalis56

[chrysalis56]

Dear Gretsch67 amd helvella,

Thank you again for trying to determine the reason(s) for the shortage of Cynomel, Sanofi-Aventis, France. If either of you - or anyone else - could update me on the reasons behind this shortage, please do so.

Meanwhile, Gretsch67, I hope that you found a viable solution for yourself, and are feeling better.

My best,

chrysalis56

[Gretsch67 in reply to chrysalis56]

Hi, I did finally manage to get a prescription, my Doctor marked the ordonnance "renewal of treatment" and the pharmacist was able to call sanofi and order. How long this is sustainable is difficult to know. I did enquire about Thybon as Greygoose says that both Cynomel and Thybon are produced by Sanofi. However the médecin couldn't find it anywhere on his system, so that may be in very short supply too . The letter from Sanofi mentions industrial difficulties, so it could be due to Covid19, but the warnings to practitioners to avoid newly prescribing Cynomel seems to suggest that the shortage may be more longterm.

[chrysalis56 in reply to Gretsch67]

Thank you so much, Gretsch67, for responding so promptly. I will pass along the possibility to our sick fund pharmacy and our Ministry of Health, the suggestion that they phone Sanofi-Aventis and tell them that my request for Cynomel is a longstanding prescription renewal. I hope it will be of some help. At the moment, the situation in Israel looks bleak, and it is impossible to "split dose" the tiny unscored generic which is currently being offered to T3 liothyronine users.

Be well, and please keep me posted.

My best,

chrysalis56