Sorry this is happening to you, how frustrating. Have you tried calling around other local pharmacies to see if they will supply you with Aristo? The big chain pharmacies can be real sticklers for penny pinching, you might have better luck at an independent pharmacy.
This really isn't good enough though as the next alternative for lactose free Levo is liquid and that's very expensive which would completely defeat the object of penny pinching with Aristo!
From my limited knowledge if your prescription states 'Aristo' they are obligated to supply it regardless of cost.
I had to ring around a number of chemists before I could get someone to supply it for me. Unfortunately my chemists is out of action for a while as the building had a fire so I'm back searching for another helpful pharmacist.
If you look at helvella s posts he has the information needed to take to the pharmacy to try to get it ordered for you.
As Jaydee says an independent pharmacy might fare better or when I rang the manufacturer they also suggested going to Boot's as they deal with Alliance and Alcura. Though I've not tried that yet.
Yes I'm hoping it'll be easier then but from my understanding that won't happen for a month or so.
It is confusing. I was lucky for a while as my pharmacist was really helpful and ordered it for me even though it's a special order. I'm starting to run out now so will have to find somewhere else that can order it in for me.
Understood, some of us are intolerant to the mannitol in Teva. The bottom line is that pharmacists do need to understand that lactose (and mannitol) intolerance isn't a fad, it's very real.
The link below applies to England - but I'd be surprised if Scotland is actually different on this point.
Required manufacturer’s product specified in the drug line field of electronic prescriptions. In this example, contractors will be reimbursed according to Teva UK’s NHS list price for Levothyroxine 100microgram tablets and not as per the basic price listed in Part VIII of the Drug Tariff.
Mines written the wrong way too. My GP practice dispense themselves and I live outside their dispensing area so still get paper prescriptions. They have not the first clue what's happening in the world of electronic prescriptions and no interest in learning. I may as well be talking Martian when I ask try and explain where the brand should be written. 🤡
I've cut them a lot of slack as they don't use electronic system themselves for prescribing, although it beats me that they can continue as they are living in the past. At least they could show some kind of interest in what's happening in the wider world and the requirements of their patients prescriptions in 2023. It's a mad, mad, world!
Several times, I have looked for a "How to write prescriptions" site. One that doesn't consider the medicines themselves - pretty much solely the rules with helpful examples.
But I have not found one - at least, not one that is accessible to mere patients.
To be fair, patients probably have a lot more time and reasons to make sense of all this. GPs and pharmacists have sooooo many medicines to deal with. Another example of the lack of 'joinedupedness' in the NHS 🙃
By the end of the month, February 2023, your prescriber should be able to prescribe it as Aristo Vencamil (not just "levothyroxine"). It is the exact same tablet but branded precisely so that it can be prescribed by name.
Have to admit, I am assuming it will be available in Scotland. Still haven't got my head round the MHRA and medicines approvals and prescribing differences between England and the other three home nations.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Aristo Levothyroxine 
Levothyroxine ARISTO what pharmacies can you get it from?
Liothyronine just too expensive 
