I've just had email confirmation from Glenmark that the product has been withdrawn from sale in the UK.
Which is a real pity as it is, rather had been, the only one with neither lactose nor mannitol and also available in 25, 50 and 100 microgram dosages.
Thank you helvella. That is a shame 😕 Another option for some removed 🤷♀️
They sent a cursory reply a while ago but I was not happy - so was sent up the chain.
Same answer but from higher up.
Any reason given? I’m presuming not 😕
No - which is frustrating.
The entire email (except names):
Thank you for your query regarding the availability of levothyroxine please note
Unfortunately we have discontinued this Line of medication , we are very sorry for the inconvenience
Regards,
Argh shame not to have a specified reason. Although we can speculate as most likely reasons 😒
Thanks for confirming that helvella. My pharmacist said a few weeks ago that it wasn't available and I just assumed it was a temporary problem. But obviously not.
We can hope that Aristo launch their 25 and 50 microgram tablets soon. They also have neither lactose nor mannitol.
(They will have the same formulation as the 100 microgram product.)
Yes hopefully!I rang them (Aristo) last week and it seems that launching their 25 and 50mcg is definitely in the pipeline for next year (as you've already mentioned on another post)
So fingers crossed it's earlier in the year rather than later!
I was also told it was going to become a 'brand' rather than a generic product. So I don't really understand the implications of that? With being new to having Levothyroxine prescribed it's all a new world to me.
Thanks again.
That’s such a pity. I have tried to get it in the past, but been unable to. I think it was a great option for a lot of people.
Well that's a terrible shame. The reply I got just said it was out of stock. Was it ever even in stock?
I think a few people got some - but not certain.
I only got it once, but was hoping it would reappear 😕. It took me a few days to get used to the different blister packaging, had to peel it from the corner, and I seem to remember a couple of the tablets sort of crumbled as you swallowed them so I did wonder if that was a one off or they may get some grumbles.
I got it 26/5/22. Another forum member also did.
My E mail reply from Glenmark, 2/11/22, was that Glenmark levothyroxine now "discontinued in the UK. However, we are currently looking to see if it can be reintroduced to our portfolio. We will keep your details on file and will advise of any updates as and when."
I emailed them back, 3/11/22, and asked , since it was discontinued in the UK, which countries they do supply. I explained that I am on a worldwide thyroid forum, and as such patients in countries outwith the UK also have a keen interest in being given access to Glenmark Levo tablets, given their uniqueness of being free of mannitol, lactose, acacia and maltitol/ corn starch, as explained in my previous email.
If every member who would like to be supplied with Glenmark lobbied them, we might have a chance of them reinstating it in the UK.
If this happened, and they were inundated with enquiries and requests for its reinstatement, they could then be sure they actually do have a market for their product.
Unless members interested are prepared to do this, this golden opportunity may be lost.
They need to know that it is worth their while, I would reckon. I've done it, Helvella has, and I think Jaydee. It will take more than 3 people to move this mountain.
The other manufacturers don't deserve a share of the Levo market. All the rest provide tablets with known irritants to a vast number of thyroid patients! Hardly ideal.
Everyone interested needs to be proactive on this to have any chance of a successful result.
There are several other makes of levothyroxine that do not contain lactose or mannitol. (Nor acacia, for that matter!)
One I was happy with was L-Thyroxin Henning.
Good to know. I tried to research levo tablets free of all the nasties and couldn't find any in case I couldn't get any more liquid levo and would need to self source.
For that reason , I would be very interested in any personal messages from anyone who self sources L-Thyroxin Henning.
If you are aware of any more maize/corn starch, mannitol, lactose and acacia free makes of Levo, I would be very interested as a back up plan if the need arises.
mercury pharma do a 25mcg, not sure if this has lacto is though
Thanks for the heads up....
3 months ago I switched to Aristo which thankfully has been great, the first issue was getting the presciption written correctly, though that turned out not to be a issue if you speak to the right pharmacist! As there is no extra expense involved or minimum order for Alliance just a quick phone call needed.
I resolved this by dealing with an independent pharmacy and they very happily ordered in a years worth before even seeing the script and I have my own little basket under the counter! Locum pharmacist there the other day questioned "lactose free" and looked troubled until I pointed out my little basket under the counter 😅
It is definitely worth doing a ring round or maybe the postal ones are the answer?
At least some of the postal ones seem to be quite good.
My reservation continues the same. If we use postal services, what will happen to real world pharmacies? You might have an excellent postal service but what do you do when you need a medicine urgently?
I agree, I've not tried them but a good option for many lifers who would just like continuity I would think... I do now use 2 different pharmacies to obtain my drugs, one being a short walk away and the other (the excellent one) 6 miles away means a car journey which I begrudge as the nearer should be able to supply but can't be bothered to make the call 🙄
I agree with talking to the right pharmacist! As I'd recently changed to an independent chemist and they've been brilliant. The pharmacist even rang me to see how they could help and what they'd be able to provide for me. Just need to find a GP surgery that's anywhere near as helpful; though not holding my breath..
Absolutely gutted as wanted to try it being lactose free! Was going to post yesterday asking if if anyone has been able to source it!!
Aristo is very good, have you tried it? I can give it a cutter test if you need less than 100mcg 😉
In some other countries, Aristo explain how to split their tablets in the Patient Information Leaflets.
I don't believe the tablets are any different, so assume the attitude of the UK people (MHRA) towards tablet splitting is why they don't include it in the UK.
The English text is an automatic translation.
Hinweis zur Teilbarkeit
Legen Sie die Tablette mit der Bruchrille nach oben auf eine feste ebene Unterlage. Um die Tablette zu teilen, drücken Sie mit dem Daumen direkt in die Mitte der Tablette
Note on Divisibility
Place the tablet on a firm, flat surface with the score line facing up. To break the tablet, press directly in the centre of the tablet with your thumb.
Hi Eeyore, thank you and yes, that is what I'm currently on. Only trouble with Aristo is the joint pain it gives me, but Teva makes me really down and depressed. I do cut it, it does just break in half if you push down on it where the line is and I use a scalpel blade to cut it again, so its pretty easy which is good 😊 it's just always nice to have another option to try lol.
That's rotten about the joint pain! I found dairy made my knee's ache and feel hot and swollen hence the need for Aristo, same again when my estrogen levels dropped, are you on HRT it is a game changer on so many levels?
The cross over in symptoms is so confusing with peri menopause and hypo
No, I'm not on HRT though I do think I'm peri menopausal but as I'm 44 the Drs won't entertain it! I never used to get the joint pain when I was first on Aristo. I was on 125/150 alternate, now if I try to take more than 100/125 alternate I get joint pain but it goes when I reduce it back. Currently trying to add t3 so am on 10mg t3 and was on 100mcg levo, just reduced to 75mcg and the joint pain has gone again. It's very odd!
I'd get yourself another Dr! I went to a menopause clinic once to get the right prescription and then they transfer it your GP and they take it on, the trouble is they don't know what to prescribe so if in doubt give you nothing... I find if you go in and tell them what you want, they give it to you... things have improved a lot in the last few years.
They seem to like you to suffer for some reason rather than just giving you a little top up as the random symptoms start. 😡It's just like being hypo all over again!
I wish someone had told me to start HRT in my forties it would have saved a lot of wasted time, worry and nonsense.
The way you are struggling to find the balance with your thyroid meds is likely because your sex hormones are out of whack and it is all interlinked, as you are trying to put your thyroid meds back up it leaves you even more out of balance ... I played that game 🙃
A slightly depressing but totally enlightening comparison...
I'll tick the first one for you 😉
Thank you so much. I've never heard of a menopause clinc. Where abouts do you live? I often wonder if I am fighting a losing battle trying to get my meds right when in fact its not that!! Feel like I'm constantly fighting to feel well and it's exhausting 😴
I went to the Bristol Menopause Clinic near Portishead, you can do it by zoom.
You really shouldn't have too though, I'd read up on the various options (stick with body identical) they don't like to work on blood tests just symptoms accept testosterone which they like to test??
So you start low and add a little when you need it, either gel or spray for estrogen and balance with progesterone if you still have your bits 🤭if you still feel a little out of whack you may benefit from some testosterone too.... much like levo/lio.
It really isn't rocket science, you feel your way and you are in control for a change.
Goodness I can tick so many of these boxes. I was incorrectly prescribed HRT age 44, 3 years later very I’ll and very hypo. But now at 48 feeling like I’m getting there on 100mcg… maybe I need to revisit. Thanks for sharing 🦋💚🦋
It is mad how they overlap, whichever route would likely only have dealt with half the issue, you will likely need to tweak your levo when you add in HRT as you might well get your mojo back 💃
Really useful x
I actually downloaded this a few days ago on recommendation I saw on tiktok. Not quite figured it out though. But I'm just so confused as I have graves disease and don't have a thyroid anymore so not sure what's what. It's bloody hard work though I can tell you.Thank you 😊
It really is, but you can get so caught up in one issue and ignore the next thing that is coming down the line to scuttle your efforts. With a little HRT it could well take some of the bumps out 🤗🤗
Have a look at the website loads of useful interviews or if you like a podcast try Liz Earle talking to Dr Louise Newsom.
It is honestly a lot more straight forward to sort out than thyroid issues 🤗
Thank you so much for the info, I will def look into it all and push more. So sick of feeling like I'm out of it and trying to get my brain into gear, the struggle is real lol. Thank you so much ❤️
Glad I could hopefully help, the one thing I would add to that list is tinnitus, mine really lets me know when my estrogen levels have dropped.
🤗🤗
We strayed a bit from off topic, I think I'll put that comparison up as a new post as it's an eye opener, maybe helpful to others on the cusp
I do suffer from tinnitus, started after I had RAI but only spiked when I took Vit D or had been in the sun but seems to be more constant now, really gets me down if I'm honest, would love to be able to get rid of it.Yes we have haven't we and good idea as I do wonder sometimes if us ladies think we are struggling with levels but it's actually peri-menopause, the symptoms are both so similar aren't they.
I wonder if you could get confirmation if Mercury Pharma is still available as I have a email from NHSGreater Glasgow andClyde Public affairs saying it’s no longer available yet when you contact Advanz they say it is available what’s going on it will soon be down to one Levothyroxine brand if they discontinue any more brands and that one probably will be Teva and most people can’t take that one.
I am completely perplexed why we are seeing such opposite claims floating around.
One inevitable conclusion is that someone is lying, dissembling, misleading. The questions mutates to "Who?"
yes who is it I know the Mercury Pharma I managed to get last month doesn’t have a long use by date and pharmacies keep saying they can’t get MP is there any way wee could get a email or letter from Advanz.
Get some eutirox from SOME SOURCE
I have edited your reply as I really couldn't tell whether the place you mentioned requires a prescription (which would have been OK) or not (which would not be OK).
And Eutorix is a complex option as some versions contain lactose. And some contain mannitol. The two ingredients that have been expressly identified as not being in Glenmark.
Oh I was prescribed that brand and I was ok with it. Hope I'm still being prescribed if.
Levothyroxine
levothyroxine
Levothyroxine
Levothyroxine
Levothyroxine
