Are there Pharmacy's that are better about supplying consistent brands? I asked the private pharmacy closest to me and was told no you get what we have, no need to know brand. I do better with same brand in US - treated for 15 years. But my brand not available in UK at all, so need to change. I use Tirosint which is filler-less and have experience with other brands being noticeable inefficient if changed by pharmacy. I have allergies and absorption issues. I'm in London and have a referral to see endo. My NHS GP will send a script to pharmacy specifying brand but which pharmacies are better about brand names in this situation? Boots, Lloyds or are there others in Central London that are known to be good in this regard. I also take natural thyroid (Armour) or T3 so may need try and see a private endocrinologist but a little overwhelming.
Thank you.
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EchoWS
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I have no knowledge of pharmacies in London, I'm afraid. And even the national chains seem to vary somewhat across the UK.
The products you mention are indeed notable for their almost total non-availability in the UK.
If you can get prescriptions, you might be able to get them from pharmacies which handle 'specials'. This link is to a list of pharmacies that might help.
My medicines document might help you to identify what is available in the UK and elsewhere. For example, Tirosint (under several different brand names) is available in much of Europe.
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.
hi, I think the larger group pharmacies like Boots, Lloyds and the ones in supermarkets have little control over their supply chain. I used one in Asda for nearly 12 months, completely consistent and then suddenly they switched 100s from Teva to Accord and wouldn’t even give me 50s or 75/25 of Teva. He said they only get what they get. I had the same with HRT when there was a shortage.
They advised to ‘shop around’. I took my prescription to the pharmacy attached to the doctors surgery in town and the pharmacist there is very helpful. Most of their stock comes automatically but she can order too.
There is also a private pharmacy in London called Roseway labs they will be knowledgeable and be able to advise even if you don’t use them and want to stay NHS, they’ll know the best independent pharmacies, they are super nice on the phone.
I’ve read the online pharmacies are similar to the big ones, you get what you get… a real pain.
which side of London are you? SouthWest london has good independent pharmacies, used to live in Putney/ Wimbledon, definitely one in Richmond.
Hope you find a helpful one, it makes such a difference 🌱🦋🌱
I believe that in London it's hard to get T3/NDT on the NHS due to local regualtion so you may well need to see a private Endo. Thyroid UK have a list of doctors that you can email them to have it sent to you.
I have always found independent pharmacies far better at being accommodating regarding brand. The big chains like Lloyds, Boots etc are quite restricted to their supply chain. If it's an NHS prescription then you should get the brand written in the first line of the prescription and the pharmacy should then only be able to dispense that brand.
Yes my experience with Boots is if it is on your records with doctors to fix the brand and you ask them to do the same they will. I’m in the North West.
Occasionally they stuff up - changes in duty pharmacist etc. but I just always open up prescription at counter and check, at this stage they can take them back - not able to once out if their sight (obvious reasons).
Once or twice they have not ordered - again changes in pharmacists. I chase quickly if I haven’t heard from them to collect after about 3 working days.
Had no problem with Boots, though I think that was largely because what I want is what they delivered by default.
But recently had an unfortunate (non-thyroid) situation in which they came across very badly. Their queues have also been awful. Have now moved to a different non-chain pharmacy. So far, so good.
Hi EchoWs, I use my local Boots who always order in for me either Almus or accord brands, Almus boxes actually contain Accord. They have always been helpful and it only takes a few days for the items to arrive.
As Charley-Farley says you can ask your doctor to specify a brand once you find one that suits you, Accord seems to be most tolerated brand by people.
I’m in Essex and the independent pharmacy I use were very good at getting my preferred brand unlike another local pharmacy. However it all went to pot if there was a stand in pharmacist, despite there being a note on my file. Like Charlie-Farley I always open my medication at the counter, it can be then returned if it’s the incorrect brand. Since my GP has changed my prescription to show a named brand there hasn’t been any problems, thankfully!
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