I have, by necessity, been switching brands of Levothyroxine, due to varied supply and having to avoid Teva as I had a very distinct adverse reaction to it (rashes and itchy hives).
From 9th Dec I started using MercuryPharma for 50mcg of my dose, and first MERCK for a few weeks, then WOCKHARDT for the other 25mcg. Then this Monday, 9th January, I moved up to 100mcg following testing, and am using 2 x 50mcg MercuryPharma.
Since using the MercuryPharma I have not really improved, and I actually feel a bit worse - colder and less clear mentally - since the change on Monday.
The recent testing on 4th January gave the following results:
TSH: 0.80 (0.35-5.00)
FT4: 14.2 (9.00-22.00)
[note that I have central hypothyroidism, and treatment is titrated according to FT4, ignoring TSH. Results before Levo were FT4 - 11.2 and TSH - 2.85]
I've heard various stories about different brands being apparently much less potent. I don't want to change too often so that I do get a clear picture of which works for me, but am keeping a careful record of what I have taken and when. I also have a supply of Accord, but not yet tried it.
Any and all advice gratefully received ...
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UKmale_hypo
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I'm not an expert with the different brands but for sure, due to different formulations some brands suit some better than others. I doubt it's due to being less potent, perhaps just the fillers.
When on low doses of Levo and going up the dose it's not uncommon to feel a bit worse at times, healing is not in a straight line. This usually wears off after a few weeks. As a man, 100mcgs Levo is a low dose.
Once you find a brand that seems to suit you then get your GP to write the brand name on the first line of the prescription then the pharmacy has to dispense that one.
Hi. From what you say you are dealing with several different changes at the same time....different brands and dose increase.
In November I realised that taking different brands over at least last year....not by choice but by what the local pharmacy delivered.... I had been feeling ill, culminating in a bad fall. Finally, my "penny dropped" and I asked on here re differing brands. Prior to this I had been stable on MercuryPharma since starting treatment with levothyroxine....initially 25mcg and now 125mcg.
The dose increases took time...at least 6 weeks for each one. I responded quickly to each increase, feeling better each time for a week or so, and then "the dip" before blood tests and another increase. All of this took time, and all of the increases were the only change, as the brand was always MercuryPharma.
MercuryPharma only is now noted on my prescription, and I am feeling the benefits.
It seems to show that 1 change at a time is the way to go if you possibly can arrange that? Change in dose with a brand you know suits you?
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