Fillers, excipients and different brands?

[Koola]

Hello to all, Does anybody know if Euthyrox by Merck is the new formula (which created a scandal in France) or if they are still selling both? Any good experiences with Merck Levo? Any new brands out without manitol or other fillers? I've tried Tirosint and had no improvement.

Wishing you as happy a Sunday as possible...

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

I think you have to be very specific and check that actual product. The answer might vary depending on the market - with there being variations around the world.

[Koola in reply to helvella]

Thank you, helvella. I can phone the Merck Co. here in Greece to find out, but honestly, I don’t know which excipients I might be having trouble with -- or not! I was taking Euthyrox about 3 years ago, till my then-doctor switched me back to Unipharma (maybe due to the change they made). I’ve been slowly declining for the past 5 years (after RAI in 2009) but I discovered this forum two years ago, a blessing, and now doing vitamins and so on. I’ve been repeatedly advised here to increase my levo (from 88 to 100). But I immediately feel terrible. I’ve reduced my essays to Sunday only, like today, but no way! So the only solution I see for now is switching levo brands…

[jrbarnes]

I've tried to take Euthyrox a few times. I'm in the US and it must have only recently been introduced here because I had never heard of it before my local pharmacy switched out my usual generic for Euthyrox. It's definitely lower in potency than what I'm used to and I also suffered head pain, headaches and body weakness. Head pain is not usually something I experience with Levo. It may be different for you. I also tried Tirosint and my usual dose was too strong yet a lower dose was not strong enough and it gave me terrible acid reflux. The only positive is that Euthyrox doesn't have any dye, lactose or gluten but it's definitely too weak for me. I also take 88mcg but trying 100mcg makes me feel bad. I've been contemplating adding 12.5 mcg three days out of the week in the evening.

[Meanbeannyc in reply to jrbarnes]

Why don’t u just alternate the two?

[Koola in reply to jrbarnes]

Thanks for the info about Evthyrox, jrbarnes. I see we're in the same boat re 88/100 mcg. I might try adding 12.5 in the evening. I've noticed that every time I introduce a change I feel much better for one day at least, sometimes even 3, and then, same old. (Tirosint 88 is also too strong. ) Some advisers here say to stick with one thing for at least 8 weeks, but "been there done that" I see no other solution -- aside from getting vit. levels & iron up to par -- than trying things out (brands, dosage, night or/and day etc. ) until I feel better. Keep me posted and good luck!

[Koola in reply to Koola]

PS. I was also thinking of alternating evthyrox & Tirosint, as meanbeannyc suggested.

[jrbarnes in reply to Koola]

Tirosint will be my last option due to price in the US. I don't want to get hooked on an expensive brand in case I ever lose my health benefits. I may try one other name brand and Euthyrox again.