Advanz Pharma fined £100m by CMA for liothyronine price inflation

[Zazbag]

I'm guessing this was already posted at some point during the last couple of weeks, but in case not, I just saw that the CMA have concluded their investigation and I am absolutely thrilled to see they have fined AP £100m. I wonder whether this means liothyronine can start being prescribed again...? Does anyone know what is likely to happen next for us patients who need liothyronine but haven't been able to get it prescribed on the NHS yet?

theguardian.com/business/20...

[shaws Administrator]

It's about time action was taken about the extortionate prices the NHS has to pay for medications. Why was cost not taken into account before the T3 was removed and causing many patients severe anxiety? Where they looking for an excuse as more patients were requesting it?

It should be a little better for an Endocrinologist to prescribe but depends upon whether or not they think T3 is helpful.

Ask to be referred to an endocrinologist and I think some are still reluctant to prescribe T3 and who don't really believe we don't feel well on levo alone. There's no harm in asking for a referral and then let us know what response you get.

[Zazbag in reply to shaws]

Hi shaws, thanks for replying. I am already under the care of a Professor listed on the Thyroid UK list, but unfortunately the procedure for getting liothyronine in his CCG involves an application to a board which typically takes one year and so far they haven't even allowed me to make my application. I've been buying from the US and self-medicating. I believe I take too high a dose but that's because the right dose would require me to buy 5mcg tablets and it's much more cost-effective to buy 25mcg ones even though it forces me to take more than I need. It's criminal the position this has put us in, isn't it?

* Edited by Admin to remove information about the endo as we can't discuss them on the forum.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Zazbag]

If you get a pill-cutter it enables you to quarter your 25mcg T3 tablet which might be helpful for you.

I have found this one to be good.

amazon.co.uk/Safe-Sound-Pil...

[BrynGlas in reply to Zazbag]

I use a pill cutter off Ebay to cut mine down to 1/4 size, you aren't taking much too much in a quarter of a 25mcg tablet.

[shaws Administrator in reply to BrynGlas]

Some people may take one tablet at 25mcg and want a small increase(s) to it every few weeks therefore by increasing by a 1/4 tablet every number of weeks until they feel symptom-free

[BrynGlas in reply to shaws]

Hi shaws, yes, that is what I have done, added 1/4 daily and will leave it to mid January or maybe longer to see how I go. Weight is a big bugbear for me, to be in control of it would be the icing on the cake for me.

Have a good Christmas shaws.

[shaws Administrator in reply to BrynGlas]

I return best wishes and a good and healthy and Happy New year for 2022.

Don't worry too much about weight gain yet. I will give you a link that may be a little encouraging:-

I am aware there are more females than males but males who're also hypo can also complain about 'unexplained weight gain'.

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

Wishing you a nice Christmas and All The Best for 2022.

[BrynGlas in reply to shaws]

Oh, thank you, thank you shaws! So there really IS light at the end of tunnel?? That is the best pressie I get this year surely?????? LoL

Have yourself a very happy Chrimbo, hope you get lovely pressies like mine!! Xxxxxx

[helvella Administrator]

It does seem to be good news. There have been quite a few posts already including comments about future pricing and availability - here's a couple:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Zazbag in reply to helvella]

Thanks for posting!

[HowNowWhatNow]

Who here has noticed the proposed sale of a major U.K. asthma inhaler producing company to Philip Morris, a major U.S. cigarette producing company?

Our government really does not care how much the NHS is robbed of cash to pay for medicines that should be a teenth of the price and made by companies that prioritise purpose over profit.

[Zazbag in reply to HowNowWhatNow]

Absolute insanity.

[Treepie in reply to HowNowWhatNow]

Good for the Directors and shareholders.Wonder if the scientists will jump ship.