Liquid levothyroxine

[Bollieforme]

Hi my nurse practitioner has prescribed liquid levothyroxine as I’m struggling to swallow. Not sure if it’s exactly the same as the tablet form or if it’s any better? Having difficulty finding a chemist that stocks it.

[helvella Administrator]

It is widely thought that levothyroxine oral solution (liquid) is better absorbed than tablets. That means people might need a slightly smaller dose though this is not definitely true for everyone.

My medicines document includes all UK levothyroxine oral solution products with links to the Patient Information Leaflets, etc., for them.

Any pharmacy should get it for you. The NHS contract, as I understand, requires them to supply any licensed medicine which is prescribed for you (possibly with some exceptions for a few highly specialized products). They might not be able to supply absolutely all makes, but at least one make of the product they definitely should manage.

helvella - Thyroid Hormone Medicines

I have created, and try to maintain, a document containing details of all thyroid hormone medicines in the UK and, in less detail, many others around the world.

From Dropbox:

dropbox.com/s/shcwdwpedzr93...

From Google Drive:

drive.google.com/file/d/12N...

[Bollieforme in reply to helvella]

Thank you for the information my prescription is on order, looking forward to trying it and hoping for better absorption. Loads of chemists I’ve found didn’t stick it as it’s expensive.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Bollieforme]

Not stocking is understandable. But I think they are required to get it for you, if it has been prescribed.

[McPammy]

I take liquid Levothyroxine. I think it’s better than tablet form. It absorbs better. It’s much easier to get the exact dose you need as it’s drawn in a syringe. If you ever need to up or lower your dose you can in small quantities. I’ve tried a few. I find Wockhardt brand the best by far. Your pharmacist needs to call Wockhardt Cust serv which is based in Wrexham North Wales. Wockhardt will post out to your pharmacist at no delivery charge. You could request that your medication manager at your GP surgery stipulates‘Wockhardt’ brand only on your regular prescription. This way the pharmacist has to phone Wockhardt then. This is what I have arranged and it works well. I always order my repeat prescription as soon as I collect my medication. That way you’ll cut down any supply issues. Always keep a safety stock for yourself in case of supply issues.

[Bollieforme in reply to McPammy]

Thank you for your reply I’m looking forward to getting liquid levothyroxine currently on order 3-5 days so hopefully before Christmas!

[Tintin0202]

I take levothyroxine oral solution too because I was intolerant to the excipients in the tablets. It was difficult to persuade the doctor to prescribe it because it is so much more expensive and I am apparently the only patient in my GP practice to be on it. I have had certain issues with the GP dispensary as they have to order it in especially for me (as I have been told many times rather grumpily). I never get the same brand because they will always look for the cheapest. However, I have been taking it for 6 months and I feel much better on it once I took the right dose. Because it is supposed to be better absorbed than the tablet my GP put me on a lower dose which was not enough, so I have been gradually upping the dose and now feel so much better. One advantage is that you don't have to wait an hour before having breakfast after taking it, but it should be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Hopefully the price will come down and more people will be prescribed it. Good luck and hope it works for you once you find a pharmacy to dispense it.

[Bollieforme in reply to Tintin0202]

Thanks for your reply really looking forward to receiving it, tried loads of chemists so ended up having to order it 3-5 days. Hopefully it will arrive soon. Happy Christmas to you!