How do I get Aristo tablets?

[Retteacher]

I was diagnosed with autoimmune hypothyroidism nearly 30 years ago and managed perfectly well on 125mcg of levothyroxine per day . Then my TSH suddenly dropped (probably due to withdrawal effects of stopping pregabolin) and my GP insisted on reducing my medication and made me hypothyroid. This ludicrous decision was supported by a local Endocrinologist and I had to go private to reverse matters. As I slowly increased my dosage, I realised that I was reacting to Teva tablets and also to a lesser extent to tablets containing lactose. Some patients here have said that they find Aristo tablets much better. However, my local pharmacists say their wholesalers don't supply it. The manufacturers say that their brand is available on the NHS, but they told one pharmacy that it is only available through one wholesaler that happens to be a subsidiary of Boots. How do other patients get hold of this brand?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Go round as many pharmacies as you need to find one who will supply! I'm afraid that is what many have had to do.

Obviously, you can ring them rather than physically visit. And you can also consider using one of the many pharmacies which will supply via the internet.

If you do find it good for you, and wish absolutely to stick to it, you might be able to persuade your doctor to write the prescription for Aristo levothyroxine but would not be a good idea until you know if it suits you.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Recommend getting vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin tested too....after inappropriate dose reduction in levothyroxine, vitamins frequently crash down and can take months/years to recover