Levothyroxine Oral Solution - any brand unavailable!

[Tintin0202]

I put in my request for Zentiva Levothyroxine 100 mcg/5ml oral solution to my GP's dispensary two weeks ago and when I went in to collect it they told me they were still waiting for it. It now turns out that there is no oral solution by Zentiva or any other brand available! I rang round a dozen pharmacies and they all told me it was out of stock. I looked up Zentiva online and it seems it was discontinued in 2021. Why didn't the dispensary tell me this! Does anyone know if this is the case?

Apparently I am the only patient in a large surgery that is on an oral solution and I was told patients only need the oral solution because they can't swallow the pills! I told her that I can't take the pills because the excipients cause severe reactions and I know many others suffer the same. The pharmacist then said that there was one bottle of Teva 25mcg available and maybe I should take that or go back to taking pills. I find Teva doesn't suit me and I would have to take a large amount to get the right dose - and I really don't want to go back to taking pills and feeling ill. I am really not sure what to do next. Are they discontinuing all brands of oral solution or is this just a short term problem? I really don't want to go back to taking tablets and feeling awful. What is causing this shortage and how do I and many others deal with it? The pharmacist 'helpfully' told me that there was a food shortage on supermarket shelves as well - but I said that is far less of a worry than getting your regular medication for a serious condition!

Does anyone have any more information on this shortage? I would be so grateful for any advice. I am really not sure what to do next. Thanks so much.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Sad to see this is continuing. I had the same issue a few weeks back and in the end found a different strength liquid was available but even that was limited. Maybe phone around chemists to see what they can get hold of.

It's being caused by supply chain issues but its terrible that all brands are affected! I hope you can find something else that works for you.

Teva liquid is different to Teva tablets btw. The liquid does not contain mannitol which is what is believed the issue is with their tablets. You should be fine with it depending on other ingredients and allergies.

[McPammy]

I get liquid levothyroxine. I prefer the Wockhardt brand. My pharmacy orders Wockhardt brand for me that is stipulated on my GP prescription. The pharmacy phones Wockhardt in Wrexham directly rather than going through their normal supply route to place my order it normally takes 4 days to arrive at my pharmacy

You can phone Wockhardt customer service in Wrexham and check what stocks they have. Then you could request that your pharmacy puts your prescription order through to them by phone. Wockhardt do not charge any extra for delivery to your pharmacist.

I’ve just picked up 4 bottles from my pharmacy which will last me two months. Only slight issue is that the use by date is Nov 22. I’m going to call Wockhardt myself today to see when their next batch will be ready.

[Wua13262348 in reply to McPammy]

The bottle of 50mcg Wockhardt liquid levo I am currently using has an expiry date of February 2023. Boots ordered it 17/8/22.

At 17/8/22 the ingredient info ., which the pharmacist double -checked for me at the time per the internet, said it contained just about everything I wanted to avoid. Hence, I said I didn't want it. I remember that it also contained xanthan gum, which I also avoid.

The bottle I am using , expiring February 2023, only has maltitol in it of the ingredients I want to avoid. There is no xanthum gum, for example.

Although no indication given that the ingredients of the product have changed, changed they have.

If you need me to get back to you with ingredient list of bottle I have, let me know.

I think you should ask Wockhardt re. the product they are making now if ingredients important to you.

Could be the reason you have been sent old stock.

I wonder if xanthan gum, which was previously listed as an ingredient, is one that is in short supply???

[McPammy in reply to Wua13262348]

thank you. I called Wockhardt this morning. They explained that the bottles I received can be used safely until end of Nov 22. This will just about do for me. Although I may put in a fresh prescription order at the beginning of Nov as Wockhardt said their next new batch is due end of October. I don’t have any issues with this brand as far as ingredients go. I’ve tried a few and Wockhardt is best for myself. Normally my orders are well in date and no supply issues.

[Wua13262348]

I was told by Boots and LLoyds Pharmacies 20/9/22, that no brand or strength of liquid levo available.

I asked in Boots yesterday, 3/10/22, if any 50mcg liquid available yet. I was told that Advanz, I think, available on their system. Began with an "a" and mannitol, maltitol and lactose free.

I have been owed a bottle of liquid levo from them since 20/9/22, yet they hadn't ordered a bottle of Advanz, which was showing on their system as available.

At the time I took a bottle of Wockhardt previously ordered in , and refused by me , as contains maltitol.

Supposedly ordered yesterday, and they took my mobile no. to text me when in. Haven't got a text from them yet. It should have come in today at lunch time. I haven't checked on the situation yet as I unexpectedly got 2 bottles of Brillpharma yesterday from Lloyds when went to pick up pain medication???? The Brillpharma prescription was made up 18/8/22. I have picked up prescriptions there 4 times since 18/8/22.

Went back for the pain medication today which I wasn't given yesterday. They made that up 30/9/22!!

NOT COMPLAINING. Well chuffed!

Worked out what must have happened, so keeping my head below the parapet on that one and holding my tongue. Now instead of running out, have some in reserve.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

I have been looking for months, even years, trying to find who we, as patients, can ask about shortages. And I have repeatedly failed. In England, everything seems to be behind various walls - professionals-only, etc.

Amazingly enough, I fell across a way of us accessing information in Wales - seems you should ask the local centre depending on your location:

wmic.wales.nhs.uk/about/fin...

Not yet found anywhere for Northern Ireland or Scotland either.

[Buzcat in reply to helvella]

there is no shortage of Mercury Pharma yet I am still having to go round pharmacies to try to get them one will have the 50 another will have the 25s all have short use by dates pharmacists are still saying they are all the same they have plenty of the cheaper brands I have not had any reply from our health minister yet they will continue to put out the cheaper brands that are making people ill how can that be cost effective will have to find a way to get this over to them so maybe all the ones from Scotland could send emails to our health minister if they are having problems getting a brand that you do well on.