Sourcing Liothyronine with private prescription

[NewToThis90]

I'm after advice please.

After seeing an Endo privately I have a private prescription for Liothyronine 10mcg twice daily for 6 week trial.

I called my local pharmacy who have quoted approx £600 which is crazy and unaffordable for me and they wont source out of UK.

I've been scrolling previous posts endlessly to try and find where everyone else is sourcing theirs and have seen the list which includes chemist4u and I'm waiting a reply from them on costing. I've asked for thybon henning as I've seen that's cheapest, is that what I'm supposed to do?

If anyone can help with info, reliable sources or recommended pharmacies I would be super grateful as feeling very out of my depth!

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Your cost price is at least partly because of the prescription!

There is only one make of 10 microgram tablet - Morningside. The NHS price is £152.44 for 28.

One alternative is to get Roma 10 microgram capsules which are £65.00 for 28.

Another is to get a prescription for 20 microgram tablets and split them (if you need a 10 microgram dose.)

I try to keep the the current prices readily available here:

helvella.blogspot.com/p/cur...

Your price will probably be higher than the NHS price but not as silly as £600.

You might also find using a pharmacy such as Roseway would be less expensive.

thyroiduk.org/if-you-are-hy...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Vast majority of U.K. patients on privately prescribed T3 get 20mcg tablets and cut in half or 1/4 to get 10mcg or 5mcg doses

Thybon Henning 20mcg T3 is available in boxes of 100 (sometimes boxes of 50)

Cost 50-60p per tablet

Get endocrinologist to alter prescription to read

20mcg liothyronine x 100 tablets

List of specialist pharmacies here

Ring/email round for best price

Many people use Roseway Labs

thyroiduk.org/if-you-are-hy...

10mcg is too large a dose liothyronine to start on anyway

General advice is to start SLOWLY…..adding just 5mcg initially

What are your current TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 results

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking

Depending how high Ft4 is before starting T3…..depends on wether you need dose reduction in levothyroxine before adding T3

Always test early morning and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

If Ft4 is right at top, or over range …..reducing levothyroxine a little 4-5 days before adding 5mcg T3

If Ft4 is mid range…..no need to reduce dose

If Ft4 is under 60% through range……try next increase in levothyroxine first

ESSENTIAL to also get all four vitamins tested and OPTIMAL before considering adding T3

For good conversion of Ft4 to Ft3 we must have good vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin

Have you had these tested

Also do you have autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto’s usually diagnosed by high Thyroid antibodies

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune

Assuming you do…..are you on gluten free diet or dairy free diet. Always worth trying these too BEFORE considering adding T3

[McPammy]

Roseway can supply 20mcg Liothyronine T3 tablets manufactured by Sanofi Thybon Henning. I use this source. I pay £60 for x100 tablets. I cut mine into quarters as I only need 5mcg twice a day 8hrs apart. It’s best to start on a low dose and work upwards if required. I find 5mcg twice a day more than adequate and my blood results are always pretty good. More importantly I feel full of energy and happy. I also take levothyroxine. Ask your Dr to change the prescription to 20mcg then you cut with a sharp scalpel knife. They snap quite well.

[Anthea55 in reply to McPammy]

Me too, I cut into quarters with a pill cutter.

[SarahJane1471]

I cut my 25mcgs into quarters with a cheap pill cutter from Amazon. I keep them in a little dish. I am only on 6mgs atm. Taking it slow it’s powerful stuff!