Supply problems

[janey1968]

Hi all

Can I ask if any of you have had problems getting your prescriptions filled?

I have been told there is a national shortage of Levo 25mcg by the pharmacy and they can not get any.

I asked how I would able to take my full dose of 125 a day, ( thinking they were bright enough to give me 50mcg and tell me to split them) the pharmacist just said “ I don’t know, see your gp”

I just wondered if the shortage was true or were they just being difficult as I asked for a particular brand.🤷🏼‍♀️

[SlowDragon Administrator]

More likely being difficult

Which brand of levothyroxine did you want

You can cut tablet in half to get 25mcg daily

[janey1968 in reply to SlowDragon]

I asked for wokhardt,

I did know I could cut in half but the pharmacy didn’t seem to 🤦🏼‍♀️

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to janey1968]

Wockhart only make 25mcg tablets

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

janey1968

If you normally have the same brand, contact whoever makes them and ask if there's a shortage. I expect it's the pharmacy being difficult, I can't imagine there being a shortage, certainly not of all the brands that do 25mcg.

[janey1968 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks, I never thought about making direct contact great idea, I’m on it!

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to SeasideSusie]

We have had far too many cases where pharmacies have somehow mis-stated the situation.

I wholly agree with your assessment.

[jimh111]

If there's a shortage you can ask your GP to prescribe 50 mcg and either split them or take one every two days. The pharmacist can't just give you a different dose, they have to give what is written on the prescription.

[grumpyold]

No shortage of 25mcg (Teva) where I live. Pharmacy tried to foist it upon me despite my notes saying NO TEVA. I think your pharmacy may be telling you porkies. They just don't care/have no idea how much different brands vary and affect us.

🥵

[BeePurple in reply to grumpyold]

Yep, I get Teva. They have started sending my 50s in Teva as well as my 25s.

[beh1]

My chemist said they couldn’t get hold of Wockhardt a few months ago, and I waited weeks while they apparently tried. Then I rang the company itself, who said there was no shortage whatsoever. So, back to chemist to tell them...and surprise somehow they got hold of it. No problem ever since.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to beh1]

Echoes what has been said many times - somehow they (whichever product is being discussed) become available at a pharmacy once someone has information direct from the horse's mouth.

[silverfox7]

I never had issues getting a prescription but I started off with a brilliant pharmacist! I had been on NDT but new doctor wouldn’t prescribe so I went to the pharmacist for advice and she was brilliant. She asked which brand I wanted though said some were difficult to get on a regular basis. So I asked what was easiest to get. She told me Mercury Pharma, this is some years ago, she then worked out my best dose on MP and gave my dose all in 25’s so I kept to the same brand. Worked very well for many years. She did say though to keep a month in advance but so it gradually so my doctor didn’t complain. Then I would always have some to fall back on should she get low in stock. That also worked well with no issues at all. She really understood what we needed and I never had any issues. The other plus point re having a month up front-heavy snow in winter didn’t have to venture out, have enough to cover a holiday or illness. So no having to preorder for a holiday. Don’t forget to order at the right time or doctor may think you aren’t taking it properly!

[Hidden]

I get 75mcg thyroxine, Teva brand. Perhaps they could get you a 75mcg and 50 mcg but you’d need another prescription. My daughter couldn’t get her epilepsy medication so had to get another prescription for 25mg tablets instead of 200 mg. has to take 8 tablets now instead of 1. You’ll have to ask pharmacy what they can get and ask GP for prescription for that dosage.

[janey1968]

Thanks everyone, I just wanted to know I wasn’t being fobbed off but it looks that way, I am currently waiting on a reply from workhardt then I can return to pharmacy.

[EbonyEvans]

Please make sure your prescription says exactly what you need l. I had an issue with a brand that needed 2 mg. but the only brand I get on with came in 0.5mg. Pharmacist would t give me the small brand. And when I got it. It was 56 - 14 days worth 🤦🏾‍♀️ instead of 2 months worth.