I have rang about 15 pharmacies this morning trying to get my prescrption. I cannot get levothyroxine liquid solution. The brand i have is Zentiva if not Wockehart but i am being told that they are all out of stock and can only get Teva. I contacted both Zentiva and Wockehart who assured me there was no stock shortages. I have the same problem everytime i get my prescription. Its because Teva is a third of all the brands in price. My gp has put on my prescription Zentiva if possible Wockeharte if not. CAN NOT TAKE TEVA. Im am at my wits end i only have a few days of medication left. I dont know what to do. If i take Teva i know i will be ill. Im going to call my consultant at Addensbrooke to see if she can do anything, she has said in the past that she couldnt but if i can't tolerate Teva brand and pharmancies can't order what i need and only give me what their suppliers send which i know will be Teva i wili have no alternative but to tell my consultant i am stopping my medication. My gp isnt helping or the hospital who do i turn to! Tomorrow i have got to pick my dad up from hospital after having major surgery to look after him until fully recovered i can't afford to be ill myself. Any suggestions I'm feeling desparate.
liquid thyroxine: I have rang about 1... - Thyroid UK
liquid thyroxine
There's definitely a problem with the teva tablets but not the liquid. They are completely different things with different ingredients. i cannot take Teva tablets but the liquid is fine.
I am just so ultra sensitive to levothyroxine in general.It's been an uphill battle ever since Actavis was taken over by Accord.
I was fine up until then. Its been an uphill struggle since.
Just try the Teva liquid - but obviously not the tablets.
I have tried Teva liquid and it made me unwell it has mannitol in it.
Teva liquid does not have Mannitol in it. I have some right here. You're thinking of the tablets.
Whatever was in it didn't agree with me unfortunately.
Did you put in a Yellow Card report?
That is the only effective way we have of communicating issues back to manufacturers.
🟨 Making Yellow Card Reports 🟨
No it doesn't have mannitol in it. As Jaydee1507 says . I also have some right here. Wockhardt liquid has maltitol in it which is unsuitable if have IBS. Could be something else you are taking causing you problems, a food intolerance perhaps? Something you are eating or drinking?
Ive been having Zentiva and its suited me much better than Wockehart so its Zentiva ive been asking the pharmancies for. The gp put Wockehart and Zentiva on the prescription as i had had it in the past. It reads Zentiva preferred.
From what is shown in the British National Formulary, it doesn't appear to me that Teva is one third the price of the other oral solutions!
bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/levot...
I have tried checking back on your previous posts/replies but cannot see where you have actually tried Teva levothyroxine oral solution. Have I simply missed it?
I'm not sure if i posted it originally. I was given Teva when i first went over to liquid. I'm terrible at keeping a diary with dates i really should start. I took Teva for some months but felt very unwell and it made me gag everytime i took it. Then i had Wockehart for a short while before having trouble getting it. Then i tried Zentiva and was able to tolerate it. Have had that for a while and can tolerate it much better but now being told they can't get it. All pharmacists i have spoken to have told me that all brands are out of stock except for Teva.
I was also told this which strength are you taking? 50mcg 100ml?
50mcg
To stay on the same brand I had to change to 75mcg 100ml as this was available. It is worth asking pharmacists if they have it in different strengths and then asking GP to change the prescription. My GP did this so that I could stay on the same brand. We shouldn't have to go through the stress of this every time we need a prescription. I really feel for you. Hope you find a resolution.
Thank you i didnt realise i could change the strength. Im taking 5.0mcg x 5 and 3.5mcg x 2 and 10mcg T3 every day. I was taking 6.5mcg daily but consultant reduced it because my tsh was too low. Ever since ive felt terrible. I feel undermedicated. I told my consultant this but she didnt want to increase it back to 6.5mcg daily.
I dont understand the different strengths and what it means.
I take 100 mcg Zetiva liquid thyroxine after a lot of trying other brands. Teva doesn't agree with me either. My dose is 3.5 ml which equates to 70mcg per day. It is better to take the higher dose and a smaller amount of liquid. Is working well and I feel far better than with the pill form. Don't let them fob you off with Teva which is about half the price.
I have tried all my local pharmacists even the ones 70 miles away as i'll be looking after my dad for a while. Every single one say not only can't they get Zentiva or Wockehart, I'm being told they can't any thing other than Teva. Ive rang about ten pharmanices and they all say the same. I can't believe it.
Have you tried Tirosint? It's taken me about a year to get used to it but now it seems ok withvery few additives.
Tirosint is difficult to get within the UK - requires private prescription. And is expensive.
No i haven't. Ive been on Zentiva and apart from burning my throat ive been quite good on it. I now drink some water straight after swallowing it and it seems to have done the trick.After pleading with my pharmacist to try her hardest to get me Zentiva shes managed to find one bottle i need two she said she would try to get another one. I will have exa tly the same problem with my next prescription. My gp wont order more than two told me its too expensive. I find the whole situation unbelievable.
I am struggling to find a liquid levo that suits me. Can I ask why Teva didnt suit you as like most pharmacies at the moment that is what they have available. I took Mercury Pharma and was good on that but can't seem to find it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
It was the first brand i was given when i changed from tablet form to liquid.I remember my stomach looked like i was six months pregnant so uncomfortable.
Brain fog blurry eyes aches and pains. Weight gain. I wasnt on T3 then.
Theres alot of E numbers in it.
I know that alot of people can't take Teva tablets and someone on here mentioned that Teva liquid is very different from the tablets. I did try Teva tablets and felt terrible so i dont want Teva brand at all. I was given Mercury Pharma once cant remember how i was on it. I just dont feel happy being given different brands everytime i get my prescription. I am ulta sensitive to it all. Why not give Zentiva a try if you can get it.
Isnt it awful this is a medicine we need to keep us alive. Doctors, consultants, pharmacists havent got a clue how important it is to get the same brand every prescription.
Thank you for your response did you manage to get Zentiva from Morrisons? Yesterday I tried to get my prescription for Mercury Liquid and was told it was to be prescribed for hospitals only. I contacted my hospital and they tried to source it and couldn't. I have now been given Zentiva as they had it in stock, which I will try. Hopefully, it suits me as am fed up with having to change brands because of supply issues. It is incredibly stressful.
I feel much better on Zentiva. I take 5mcg 5 days and 3.5mcg 2 days. I was on 6.5mcg daily but my tah was very low so my nhs consultant reduced it.
I dont feel as good with the reduction. The aches and pains in my joints hurt, my brain fog is back, im putting on weight, no energy i was so much better on higher dose. I also take T3 5mcg twice a day.
Do you know anything about Metavive?
Previous post
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
FT4: 13.2 pmol/l (Range 10.5 - 21)
Ft4 only 25.71% through range
FT3: 4.2 pmol/l (Range 3.5 - 6.5)
Ft3 only 23.33% through range
Most people when adequately treated will have both Ft4 and Ft3 at least 50% through range
Folate low
Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin barely ok
Optimal vitamin levels are
Vitamin D at least around 80nmol and around 100nmol maybe better
B12 at least over 500
Folate at least half way through range…..typically at least over 10
Ferritin at least over 70 and nearer 100 better
Vitamins low because thyroid levels are inadequate
I am really sensitive to all the brands I can’t tolerate any of them. I get tirisont privately now. It’s a gel capsule with only gelatine, levo and water. So not fillers other than gelatine. I obviously do not know what finances are like for you but I do have to pay quite a bit for it. But it comes direct from a London pharmacy
Also contains glycerol. Which is significant as that can cause problems for some.
Does it I didn’t realise? I will have to have a look x
It is what makes the contents thick rather than watery.
Tirosint information (USA as easy to link)
tirosint.com/what-makes-tir...
I think Tirosint SOL still contains glycerol but possibly less as the medicine is a thinner liquid (if I have understand properly).
Tirosint SOL information (USA as easy to link)
Hi there I am thinking of trying Tirosint. Did you start on the same dose as levo? I have heard that you can need less as it is more potent.
If you read around, you will see many varied claims for how much levothyroxine we absorb from tablets. Somewhere around 60 to 80% is reasonably commonly suggested.
However, we are individuals. And products vary.
And absorption of Tirosint has been claimed as high as 100%.
Using those figures alone, would imply that a 100 microgram tablet could be replaced by a dose of around 60 micrograms in some people! Others would need 80 micrograms. But Tirosint is only available in 50, 75, 88 and 100 (and others outside the range we are discussing).
There is a 13 microgram Tirosint which could be used to achieve intermediate doses. Or alternate day dosing. Some have claimed it possible to ignore the manufacturer's instructions and split them.
However, as soon as you go outside taking one capsule a day, you are into extra costs.
Basically, the worse your absorption, the bigger the impact could be.
I do split my tirosint I use a sharp knife to cut in half. Sometimes even 1/4 when I started on 12mg. It is hard to split though as the dose is never even
How does Tirosint compare to Liquid Levo with regards to absorption?
I don't have any good figures, I'm afraid. And we are all different!
Certainly not sufficient to be able to compare them. There could be as much difference between one make and another as there is between Tirosint and a specific product. I simply do not know.
Thank you. Do you know if you can get Tirosint prescribed here in the UK?
I am on a mix so I take NDT armour 1 grain and have just been put up to tirisont 50mg. You do need less and it is absorbed much better than levo. It is worth giving it a go
Can I ask where you get your Tirosint?
I do private bloods through medichecks then have an appointment with a prescribing pharmacist through Roseway labs
Thank you will give it a try
I have contacted Roseway Labs and they need a private prescription for a quote on cost for Tirosint. Would you private message me on costs as it maybe too costly and then there would be no need for a Private Prescription. Many thanks
Roseway labs have a prescribing pharmacist you can book in with. That’s who I use, ring them and ask for info
Would you privately pm me as I may have to do the same as you. Had problems with MPharma after it being fine for 3 years, changed to Accord, no better. Asked for Tirosint and I am still waiting to see if I am allowed to have it on prescription. I would be grateful to know roughly the price, as I am retired and on a fixed income. Thanks so much.
I am struggling the get Mercury Pharma and am thinking of trying Tirosint can you let me know if you manage to get it on prescription. Many thanks.
Have you tried Superdrug pharmacy? Or any of the online pharmacies?
I don’t know why you have a problem obtaining Wockhardt oral Levothyroxine??? My pharmacy can get it for me. I’ve had no problem in securing my usual supply. Your pharmacist needs to call Wockhardt customer service in Wrexham and request your prescription to be delivered to your pharmacy and not go through the usual supply route. I get 4 bottles delivered every 2 months. Wockhardt do not charge for delivery either. It should be simple and straightforward. Go to your pharmacy and speak firmly but politely to the head pharmacist and explain they need to call Wockhardt direct and they will deliver immediately. My pharmacist was a bit reluctant at first but since I had a conversation with the medication manager at my GP surgery and the pharmacist there’s been no probs and I get what I need routinely now Hope you get your supply I know it can be frustrating.
I was hoping someone would post that - which is what has previously been said.
Though we did have someone say that their pharmacy didn't want to have to set up an account with Wockhardt. Not being in the business, I have no idea how much of an overhead and issue that would be.
There is no over head. It’s free delivery from Wockhardt to my pharmacy. The cost of the product is the same as if they sourced it from their normal supply chain route. The problem is that their normal supply route doesn’t have Wockhardt in stock.
I didn't mean cost in terms of the bill itself from Wockhardt. Just the ordinary business overheads of time and effort setting up the account and managing it into the future. Might not be very much - but pharmacies can be funny.
Ive tried about ten pharmancies all have said that all liquid brands are out of stock and can only get Teva.
Its been a nightmare.I spoke to the pharmacy at my gp surgery and she said all she could do was put Zentiva or Wockehart on the prescription and can not take Teva. She also said i could only have 2 bottles at a rime as its very expensive to have more. Even though i explained how bad it was to get the brand i needed.
The pharmacists take no notice whats on the prescription they all say its whatever their suppliers send them and thats its.
Im now 70 miles from home as im looking after my dad ive also tried the pharmacists here but they are saying the same.
I dont know what else to do.
Im gping to try and speak to my consultant at the hospital about it i will say if i can't get my medicariob what else can i do. I have had a conversation in the past about the situation and she wasnt able to help.
The gp pharmacist could have been more helpful. Im not easily fobbed off always polite not rude or demanding but able to get across the importance of having the correct medication i need but its not working. The gp pharmacist told me when i put my prescription in that Zentiva brand was no longer provided on the nhs list of providers.
What the hell is going on?
Pharmancies are telling me all they can get is Teva brand.
One pharmacist told me it was a third cheaper thats why. The gp pharmacists said i couldnt have more then two bottles at a time saying its 90 pounds a bottle you know. Ive never had any other medication up until i had to have levo eight years ago and im being denied what i need for what i believe is because its costing the nhs too much money.
I was originally on two bottle on a monthly prescription too. I phoned my Medication manager at the GP surgery and explained that I don’t want to have to put in monthly prescriptions and wanted 3 monthly prescription time phase. They wouldn’t do that but agreed to do it 2 monthly. What I said was the medication was for life and it’s just a waste of pharmacy time, my time and delivery schedule charges and also environmental impact on the planet using fuel etc. next time I call I’m going to push again for 3 monthly prescription time phases. We shall see. I’m due to collect my Wockhardt today from my pharmacy. I’ve just called them to see if it’s ready before I go there. It’s not ready I’ve been told. They said the order is in with Wockhardt so it might turn up later today or in the morning. I’ll let you know. I think it’s basically down to whether your pharmacy can be bothered to order for you through a different supply chain which is phone Wockhardt and they’ll deliver direct if not in stock with their usual supplier. My prescription states ‘Wockhardt brand only’ which the medication manager at GP surgery added to the system. I hope I get my Wockhardt by tomorrow latest. I’d go into the pharmacy after calling your medication manager and insist they follow the request of Wockhardt brand only if it’s on your prescription. I hope you get it and soon. It’s so damn frustrating all of this for you. I totally get where you’re coming from. I do hope your dad is ok and you are also.
Hi I take Zentiva oral solution and I have not had a problem with receiving my latest batch. I get mine from Boots and my GP specifies the brand on the prescription for me. Have you tried Boots?
I have tried Boots and independent chemists. They are all saying the same, all out of stock can only get Teva. My prescription reads. Zentiva or Wockehart brands and also says Can not take Teva. Its nit making any difference.
I just wish they made thyroid medication in patch or transdermal gel form. So it doesnt have to go through my digestive system. If they can make testosterone in gel form why not thyroid medication. I'm fine with HRT patches. Everything else is a no no for me.
Good luck with your search Odinil.
That would be fantastic so much less worry and better for your gut!
Thank you. Im getting really worried now only have half a bottle left.You are so right wouldnt that be amazing.
Hi there Have you tried Morrisons Pharmacy. I have just phoned around looking for Mercury and they can get Zentiva from their supplier. I am in Petersfield so not sure if they have Morrisons in your location. Hope you get lucky!
Thank you i shall call them x
Let me know how you get on fingers crossed x
I tried Morrisons in Chingford London. He said it's out of stock at the wholesalers should be getting it end of August. They were very helpful got to call back on Friday. He was a locom pharmacist moving on after Friday. Hope the regular one is as helpful.
Glad you had some success. Fingers crossed for Friday
Thank you x
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