Different Brand of Levothyroxine

[MARZY1969]

Hi, I went to pick up my prescription yesterday and the chemist has given me two different brands of Levothyroxine, Teva and North star

i am used to taking 100mcg North Star not Teva.

not only has my doctor got my increased dosage wrong and now trying to give me two different brands? do I take it back to Pharmacist? what would you advise

thank you

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Northstar is an Own Label Supplier - their 50 and 100 microgram tablets are made by Accord, but their 25 microgram tablets are Teva.

I can't work out what you have actually received - and what the change to your prescription was.

Have you ever taken Teva?

If, for example, you were on 100 + 25 Northstar, you were already taking two makes. If you are now changed to 100 Northstar + 50 Teva, that would just be a change in relative amounts.

The reason for you to get 50 in Teva is likely due to a recall of 50 in Northstar:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

We advise always to check what you are dispensed before walking away from the counter. Even ask them to open the bag and show you. So that any issues such as you have can be discussed at that time and resolved before you leave the counter. Afterwards, they cannot re-issue any medicines.

[MARZY1969 in reply to helvella]

I am currently on 100mcg Levothyroxine, North Star.I asked for an increase in medication, 25mcg every second day, advised by another Administrator from my post last week. so 100mcg one day and 150mcg the second day.

the doctor has prescribed me an extra 12.5mcg Levothyroxine, Teva, every second day.

I have never taken Teva, its always been North Star.

so she hasnt increased by 12.5 every day, she has prescribed 12.5mcg for every second day.

I will speak to my Doctor later today, is it wise to take North Star and Teva together.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to MARZY1969]

Some people find Teva the best levothyroxine for them. Others find it causes unpleasant side effects (such as uncomfortable stomach).

Teva is the only product available in 12.5 tablets. But in 25 you could get Advanz Mercury Pharma, Wockhardt or Teva.

There is no special reason not to mix makes. I have long done so. But if you have an issue at any time, it can make it more difficult to identify which one is causing it.

I prefer same dose every day to alternate day dosing - though I am well aware many are fine on alternate day dosing.

[MARZY1969 in reply to helvella]

thank you, I wasn't sure whether to try it as its bad enough having a thyroid problem without any other side effects. thanks for the advise, I will try it and see what happens. I have read a lot of reports saying not to mix, always use the same brand etc,

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to MARZY1969]

In an ideal world, we'd never have to mix.

But as only two companies' products are available in even 25, 50 and 100 dosages, we often have little choice.

Consistency, though, is important. If you have to change make, do so as soon as you get them - while you still have some of your original product left. That way, you can dip your toe in the water but revert if needed.