Please can I have advice on chemist won’t always prescribe mercury pharma

[Timetraveler67]

My chemist delivered my levo which was one packet of teva and one packet of wockhardi. They know I have problems and can only tolerate MP but there always doing this to me and I’m so upset over it so I have to trudge all the way there and take them back . Anyway I went in and spoke to the pharmacist and she raised her voice telling me she’s doing me a favour when she gives me MP because she doesn’t have to. Told me I should be grateful especially with them being so busy testing people for covid all day. She explained in a loud voice almost shouting that no other chemist would be so helpful as she is. I called in at super drug on the way home and they don’t stock MP I’ve asked my Dr if they can write my prescription for MP and was told no, I have to sort it out with my pharmacist what brand I prefer. I get so anxious every month not knowing what brand I’m going to be given. Is there anything I can do? Please can I have some advice thank you so much for reading this.

[beh1]

My doc noted on the computer the brands of all my meds so they appear on all my repeat prescriptions-if you are unwell if you take other brands, it seems logical that your doc would do the same. 🤷‍♀️

[Timetraveler67 in reply to beh1]

I’m glad your Dr did that for you, Are you in the uk, I’m in London and My Dr won’t do that for me, I’ve asked 3 times and flatly refused. I just want a bit of advice to what seems a no win situation I’m in that’s all. Again I’m happy for you as with everything eles going on this constant worry each month is something I don’t need.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Timetraveler67]

Your doctor is behaving like that as he thinks one make is identical to another from another pharma company.

That may be o.k. with aspirin or some other but we are dealing with thyroid hormones and they run our whole body from head to toe and the heart and brain have the most T3 receptor cells.

[Timetraveler67 in reply to shaws]

Yes shaws that was my thoughts exactly and I tried to convey this to my pharmacist on Monday also I spoke to her about fillers etc a year ago and she insisted fillers don’t cause side effects. I’m going to try use the computer at my library later today ( if there open) to print out the information you sent.

[Tiddlymouse in reply to Timetraveler67]

Teva causes me severe all over itching, waking me up and making it very hard to sleep. I read somewhere that it is the filler and that other people have had bad side effects and it is a documented fact. That chemist seems to have a ego problem. I had to stop the 25mg ones, until I could get a chemist to change them. I am on 125mg. And the 100mg ones are normally Mercury. But not all pharmists stock it. I have noticed I get mixed brands all the time. I point blank refuse to take Teva.

[Timetraveler67 in reply to Tiddlymouse]

I’m happy to hear you refuse to take teva brand, why would you put yourself through such agony of itching and not being able to sleep as well. Why are they still prescribing it that’s what I can’t understand. Before I knew about fillers I thought it was me and I felt a failure, then I came here and began to learn about them. only when I told my endo I thought that was why I felt so ill he sat and literally laughed at me bringing me to tears. It’s a tough ride isn’t it, I hope you manage to get regular mp I think it’s awful the way were treated. I printed the government new regulations out Monday that slowdragon sent me Then I took it around to my surgery and I’m waiting to hear back if my Dr will write mp on my prescription x

[RoboTh in reply to beh1]

I found a pharmacy that were willing to ensure continues stock of preferred brand (accord) by making a note on the system (boots)

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Your GP is being difficult by not naming MP on your prescription, if your GP knows of your problems there is no reason why he can't name the preferred brand.

As for the pharmacist almost shouting at you I'm afraid I'd have told her in an equally loud voice, but politely (always take the high moral ground!) that I don't expect to be spoken to in such a way and that I would be making a complaint about her to Head Office (and I would certainly make that complaint).

[Timetraveler67 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you, yes it was awful and so embarrassing stood there in front of the other Customer’s as well. I just want peace of mind that I’ll get the mp brand every month. Member buddy said try put it in writing to my surgery which I will try to write a letter tonight.

[BrynGlas in reply to Timetraveler67]

Oh... YES Indeed. Complain, complain go over their heads. To the head Office of the Chemist and to your local Health Board about the GP. He has no business behaving in such a way. They both have a duty of care to you, not the other way around!

Don't forget you are putting food into their mouths, both of them. Why should we accept such treatment?

And I would be inclined to have my phone on record when you go into your Chemist's shop. I know it is illegal unless you tell whoever is being recorded, but if nothing else you could use a recording to record what has been said to you. It is surprising how much you miss in a tense situation.

But complain, complain. That is why they are getting away with it. We are so grateful for being treated, that we often take too much in the way of these sorts of things. They need to be reported, because you can bet your bottom that you will not be the only patient who is bullied in this way.

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Don’t give up; put your request to GP in writing explaining why you need MP/ outline adverse symptoms from other brands/ many people cannot tolerate fillers in Teva. I now have MP or Almus on my prescription as I’m ok with either. Pharmacist explained that unless it’s stated on prescription they go with ‘most cost effective’ brand. As MP in x 25mcg I sometimes end up with several boxes.

[Timetraveler67 in reply to Buddy195]

I will put together a letter tonight thank you for the advice

[BrynGlas in reply to Buddy195]

Yes, I had difficulty getting my GP to add 'Accord only' brand onto my prescriptions. He did once he knew that I was complaining to the Heath Board though!

[elwins]

I use Boots the chemist and they have marked on my records no Teva, they supply the same brands every month. Also doctors have put on my records no Teva. Did a yellow card. Boots have been very good to me making sure I get the correct brand. Best of luck in sorting it out.

[fuchsia-pink]

Talk to the other pharmacists near you. Superdrug may not generally stock MP but if you make them your repeat prescription pharmacy, would they be able to get it in for you? A helpful pharmacist is a real asset [and my local Superdrug pharmacist is great] - so I wouldn't put up with Ms Hoity-Toity and give her my continued custom any longer!

[Timetraveler67 in reply to fuchsia-pink]

Thank you for replying to me, I did ask Superdrug about poss getting it in for me but they said no I have asked boots also and got the same response but I will continue to search and hopefully find a nice pharmacist like you have found too. The member bobby replied and said to write to my Dr, so I’m going to try to do that later. Thanks again for your reply

[BrynGlas in reply to Timetraveler67]

They can order whatever a patient prefers by way of their medication, even without putting in a yellow card notice, if the Chemist is that way inclined. There is no excuse for this treatment. I can only call it bullying, because that seems to be what is going on, what else can it be???

They both get paid for treating you/providing a service. They owe you a service , you owe them zilch. Go for it

[Timetraveler67 in reply to BrynGlas]

Your right, also I’m wondering if they’ve gone a bit power crazy with the current situation giving them the right to deciding who gets what. I look back at yesterday now and this will make you laugh- she stood hands on hips and told me that no other pharmacist will ever be as good to Me as she has been that I should be grateful for the times she has gave me m.p. Today I’m thinking that’s pretty funny thing to say and maybe a bit odd too. Thank you for replying to me.

[Mollyfan]

You might find this helpful!

gov.uk/drug-safety-update/l...

[Timetraveler67 in reply to Mollyfan]

Dear mollyfan I’ve read your link and it sounds on point so I can’t understand why my Dr refused my request. I have made notes and will write and ask my Dr if I can have mp written on my script thanks so much for taking the time to send it to me I really appreciate it.

[Mollyfan in reply to Timetraveler67]

I really sympathise as I have had the same problem. Even though my chemist has a note on their system that I need Mercury, they still occasionally dispense Teva, which I simply can’t tolerate. I always check before I leave the shop. If I were you I would print out the link, which is an official document from the MHRA and gov.uk and give a copy to both your GP and chemist ( if you don’t change your chemist!). I would enclose a letter saying what problems you have when you switch and that you would like to try the oral solution of the same brand can not be guaranteed. This is MUCH more expensive and they will not want to do that unless they have to!

I would put it in writing and give them some time to consider it rather than taking to them as they can mull it over.

Good luck!

[Pastelart in reply to Timetraveler67]

My first box of tablets were Teva and I noticed that I was peeing more frequently, so spoke to the pharmacist and told her about the mannitol content and asked if I could have a different brand. She was fantastic and put it on my record. I’m certain that if I’d asked my doctor, it would have been a different story. Anyway, whilst on the Teva brand, I had a blood test for an unrelated problem and my kidney function was down and I’m convinced this was due to Mannitol.Kidney function back to normal now.

[TaraJR in reply to Timetraveler67]

The link that Mollyfan posted is the one you need. Print it out and take / send it to your GP and pharmacy.

[Timetraveler67 in reply to TaraJR]

Thank you I have managed to book a computer today at my library and will print it out there. Thanks again

[Muffy]

I take liothyronine and Boots have it on their computer that I have MP. They have always been really helpful.

[Cica77]

My pharmacy always tries to add brand to my records (I also need MP) but it never comes up automatically unless they bring up my in-depth records. I always make a point of requesting MP and calling it Eltroxine when I phone for repeat prescription. They know me well now so have a little stash for me. Occasionally I get the wrong brand though if a different person packs it etc. It sounds like they were having a difficult day. They are currently being run into the ground and are human beings with faults.

[Timetraveler67 in reply to Cica77]

I’m happy to hear you are being treated well by your pharmacy And I understand what your saying about bad days, Because she did say they were under staffed and doing loads of covid tests every day too. It was when she told me what a big favour she was doing for me and reminded me she didn’t have to give me m.p. That she did it out of goodwill only. More then that it was being shouted at like I was a bad person for asking in the first place. We all have bad days I understand that. Thank you for replying.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Print the new Government guidelines out gov.uk/drug-safety-update/l...

Highlight relevant sections

Eg

if a patient is persistently symptomatic after switching levothyroxine products, whether they are biochemically euthyroid or have evidence of abnormal thyroid function, consider consistently prescribing a specific levothyroxine product known to be well tolerated by the patient

if symptoms or poor control of thyroid function persist despite adhering to a specific product, consider prescribing levothyroxine in an oral solution formulation

Take in copy to next GP appointment. Or email it to them

Request/insist that Mercury Pharma (Advanz) is specified on all future prescriptions

Explain you have tried numerous local pharmacies and, none will supply Mercury Pharma regularly just on your personal request

[Timetraveler67 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you slowdragon I need to find a way now how to print it out and enclose It in the letter I will write Later. Thank you for the tips on what to say I really appreciate it

[Timetraveler67 in reply to SlowDragon]

Dear slowdragon I’ve printed the form out yesterday but I’m struggling to what to say why I am enclosing the information the form I mean I’m worried my Dr may think I’m trying to tell him his job so can you give me some pointers how to word why I’m enclosing it with my letter without sounding rude.that Would be so helpful please Thank you so much

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Timetraveler67]

Something along this lines

Dear Dr Xxx

I am struggling to find any pharmacies in local area who will regularly and reliably supply the necessary brand of levothyroxine.

As you are aware, I can only tolerate Mercury Pharma (Advanz) brand.

I therefore request that all my thyroid prescriptions include the brand specified in writing on the prescription as Mercury Pharma (Advanz) brand only

Please see attached Government guidelines that recommend that this is done for patients, like myself who can’t tolerate changing brand of levothyroxine

Yours

Xxx

Attach printed copy of guidelines

Suggest you highlight the relevant section of the guidelines so GP can easily read it

“if a patient is persistently symptomatic after switching levothyroxine products, whether they are biochemically euthyroid or have evidence of abnormal thyroid function, consider consistently prescribing a specific levothyroxine product known to be well tolerated by the patient”

[Timetraveler67 in reply to SlowDragon]

That’s brilliant! Thank you so, so much I’ll write it all out now and take it to my surgery x

[Timetraveler67 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi slowdragon I wanted to give you an update with my request for mp. The practice clinical pharmacist rang me this morning and really tore into me about my request, she wanted to know why I felt I was intolerant to other brands, would I except 1 pkt of teva and one pkt of mp - she was tie me up in knots with her demanding questions and I could feel her anger building up, I was paying at the tills in Tesco when she rang so it was difficult to have a decent conversation. She told me nhs guidelines state Drs can only write levo on a prescription then she told me its going to cost them Alot of money, she wasn’t happy at all With me but she said she Finally said she would do it. The conversation has shook me up to be honest but the good outcome is brilliant and it’s all because of your advice and help Thank you so much x

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Timetraveler67]

How dare they be so rude and factually correct

NHS pays exactly same price for what ever brand of levothyroxine is prescribed

(Pharmacy can make slightly more profit by paying less for some brands)

Government guidelines are QUITE CLEAR, many people can’t tolerate different brands

Print out government guidelines and highlight relevant sections and post to pharmacy .

NHS drugs tariff July 2021

drugtariff.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/#/...

Levothyroxine is EXTREMELY cheap which ever brand

100mcg 28 tablets £1.16

25mcg 28 tablets £1.29

50mcg 28 tablets £1.15

75mcg 28 tablets £2.59 (only available as Teva brand)

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Timetraveler67]

You will still need to always check the bag for correct brand before leaving the pharmacy counter

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to SlowDragon]

I make a point of checking immediately, at the counter, while the pharmacist or assistant is still dealing with me. And always say something pleasant like "I'm sure it's right but I absolutely always check, just in case." - and smile.

Don't just the make - but also the expiry date!

[mariekulit]

Hi just saw your post, haven't had the chance to read the comments but there was an MRHA alert recently re: switching levothyroxine brands. Hope this helps.

gov.uk/drug-safety-update/l...

😉

[mariekulit in reply to mariekulit]

Not sure how severe your reactions are to a particular brand, but may want to highlight your pharmacist or your GP if reporting a yellow card is appropriate?

[VLJones]

I had a similar episode with Teva products i spoke to my doctor and endo they put a note on my records . So speak with your doctor hope you get sorted. I inspect my prescriptions when i pick them up before i leave the shop.

[Hylda2]

I’m like you have tablets delivered. MP only was on pharmacists computer but locums didn’t always notice that. Got Northstar but was assured it was made by MP!!! I know it’s Accord. Finally had my medication check and asked for it to be put on prescription. Hoping that will do the trick. Di

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Hylda2]

Whilst I fully understand why someone would wish to avoid arguments, etc., that is the sort of thing which should be reported and complained about.

They only need look at the bottom edge of the packet to see it is Accord.

[Starfish123]

I’ve asked at the Drs too for Mercury Pharma to be named but at the time they couldn’t do so. I was recommended to get the prescription as 25mg tablets, so currently I get 6 x 25 daily to give the 150 dose. It’s rare I get anything other than MP and chemist has always swapped them or saved them for me. Find a different chemist get the Levo on a separate prescription from anything else and if needed ask if they stock before getting the prescription processed.

I understand now there is guidance to add named brands onto prescriptions if patients suffer side effects from other brands, I will be asking for this at my next review.

[NIKEGIRL]

I am so sorry you were treated like this. It has made me quite angry. I don’t like people being treated unfairly. Do not hesitate and make a complaint against the pharmacist for her conduct towards you. I appreciate she may be stressed but that is no excuse to take her professional stress out on u the client. Maybe she needs some annual leave. Who cares. Where else would this type of behaviour be tolerated. It’s hard enough feeling unwell and then having to deal with other peoples vile vomit of words.

[Kazania]

So sorry, I sympathize, as I have the same problem. Apparently it depends on what is available from the supplier.

[BlueKeith]

Ive been told by the chemist and the doctor that they are all the same. I get different symptoms with each brand. It's very hard to argue with a doctor and a chemist who are fully qualified but we know what we feel. I fully sympathize with you.

[Timetraveler67 in reply to BlueKeith]

Bless you thank you for understanding x

[Picketywitch]

Hi get your gp to put Advanzpharma on your prescription & you will be given mercurypharma. That’s what my gp does. Hope this helps

[Kimkat]

I have had the same problem and my pharmacist told me that MP is in short supply and they can’t always get it in but they do try. However for my last prescription, I was given 50mcg MP and 25 Teva which used to give me wall to wall headaches, i traipsed all over the place to try and source MP but couldn’t so I caved in and I’m taking the mix of both, only to find that I don’t have a headache this time! It may be that because it’s the lower tablet it’s not as prominent but I’m pleased at this outcome so we shall see. Good luck going forward.

[Timetraveler67 in reply to Kimkat]

Thank you that’s interesting that you were told mp is in short supply, I wonder why this is? If I get mp written on my prescription which I’m hoping to get, I also may be told it’s in short supply and be given another brand. I’m happy for you that you didn’t have the side effects the 2nd time around that’s so good, thanks again for your reply

[hyporeb in reply to Timetraveler67]

Hi

I’ve posted this before - I also have Mercury Pharma written on my prescription by my GP. I have been using the same local chemist for years, yet I still frequently receive a mixture of brands when I collect my prescription. I have been given every excuse under the sun - supply issues,brexit, covid.. However, when I (gently) remind them it’s actually written on my prescription they always manage to ‘magic’ some from out the back and swap it over. It’s very strange - just be sure to always check what you have been given before you leave the chemist.

[Timetraveler67 in reply to hyporeb]

Thank you for your reply I agree it’s very strange how they magically do this, how did you manage to get it written on your prescription? I’m trying to put a letter together to my Dr to ask but I don’t want to sound demanding and get flagged up on the records as a trouble maker. Thanks x

[hyporeb in reply to Timetraveler67]

Sheer fluke really.

Hark back to the good old days when you could sit in front of a real GP (our surgery has expanded so much that it is nigh on impossible to get through, let alone ask to see the same GP twice in a row) Anyway I happened to see a new GP who seemed quite nice (ie. not patronising) and so I just asked her - and she did it there and then. As I said, sheer fluke really.

Fast forward to now. I would keep your letter very simple, something like

‘I currently take ***thyroxine daily. Unfortunately there are some brands which I have found I can’t tolerate. My pharmacist understands that I am more suited to Mercury Pharma and has advised me to have this brand written on my prescription. I would be grateful if you could do this for me please’

I don’t think that’s too demanding and I can’t see any reason why they wouldn’t do it🙂

[Timetraveler67 in reply to hyporeb]

Thank you that’s great! also slowdragon gave me a few tips so I wrote the Letter and dropped it to my surgery just now- fingers crossed I’ll get a positive response! Thanks again your very kind x

[Kazbe]

Hi Timetraveler67

Sorry your having such a hard time regarding your medication I had the same problem I eventually asked my GP to put Mercury Pharma but they said the couldn’t really do that !

Eventually I went to Boots who are so helpful they will put it on their system to only dispense MP for me

Hopefully you have a boots chemist where you are if you telephone them explain all of the side effects from other brands they are more than happy to oblige.

Good Luck 🤞 you get it sorted

Kazbe