FYI- Just seen this- teva recall

[Robinface]

Unsure how to receive this but i just happened to see this on research into teva as been given them from pharmacy- 2 months in and really hungry all the time!!

[Lalatoot]

It is only one batch that has been recalled and only the 12.5mcg tablet size.

Having said that Teva levo doesn't agree with everyone.

[helvella Administrator]

The full details are posted here:

gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/c...

Few get the 12.5 microgram tablets because they are considerably more expensive than other dosages. And many doctors don't recognise that we might need such fine dose changes as 12.5 micrograms.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to helvella]

Back in the early days when I was beginning treatment I remember suggesting 12.5mcg dose increases and they looked at me like I was nuts. For doctors then it was 25mcgs or not at all. Now I see people on many varieties of alternating days etc

[arTistapple in reply to helvella]

I know we have discussed this before but even 12.5 mcg is a big change for me - too big to cope with in one go. Cutting up tablets is all very well but there is a limit to how small a piece you can make them - never mind accuracy. However as long as doctors do not understand the delicacy and power of thyroid hormones fully (along with so much thyroid), the options are limited.

[helvella Administrator in reply to arTistapple]

A whole area that has always been ignored. But needs proper investigation.

[arTistapple in reply to helvella]

I know I am just catching up with the likes of yourself but reading quite a lot of research, this issue is definitely an area being virtually ignored. Unless anyone knows different? Reading Broda Barnes at the moment and particularly interested in his heart observations. He has noted this lack of comprehension of non- thyroid doctors and the necessity for judgement and experience in dosage. Book was written in 1976. Where are we? 47 years later. Even our thyroid doctors seem to be completely ignorant now.

[helvella Administrator]

There is a section in my Vade Mecum titled:

Alerts for Medicine Recalls and Warnings

That tells you how you can subscribe to such alerts, if you wish.

helvella's Vade Mecum document is available here:

helvella - Vade Mecum for Thyroid

The term vade mecum means:

1. A referential book such as a handbook or manual.

2. A useful object, constantly carried on one’s person.

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

[Robinface in reply to helvella]

thank you

[EllsBells591]

I’m on these tablets. Does it just mean that they may not work as well as usual?

[helvella Administrator in reply to EllsBells591]

The MHRA says:

Advice for patients

No further action is required by patients as this is a Pharmacy and Wholesaler level recall. Patients should continue to take medicines from this batch as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

If you are taking this batch of product and you experience any adverse reactions or insufficient control of symptoms, please seek medical attention. Any suspected adverse reactions should also be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

They don't state how far out of specification the tablets were found to be. But even if it were 25% that would only be 3.25 micrograms. Whereas a 100 microgram tablet would be down by 10 micrograms if it were at the limit of 90%. (Potency range in UK is 90 to 105%.)

[Hashiboy in reply to helvella]

Thanks for putting that in proportion

[Robinface in reply to EllsBells591]

check its the same batch number and if it is contact the chemist you received them from but i would imagine yes its not as effective

[Cornwaller]

I thought it was only NDT that ever had issues! Well well well.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Cornwaller]

In the USA, around 2003, the standard of levothyroxine was so poor they required all manufacturers to apply for approval as if it were a new medication.

USA Levothyroxine had far more recalls than desiccated thyroid in the last few decades of the twentieth century.

[Cornwaller in reply to helvella]

You're quite right. I was trying to be satirical as one of the criticisms of NDT therapy has been the alleged variability of the medication and yet levo has had plenty of issues itself and yet this is not highlighted as an issue in t4 monotherapy.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Cornwaller]

Yes - I was emphasising how bad levothyroxine has been!

[Hashiboy]

Thanks for that. I used to think I never got in with TEVA but realised I just don’t get on with T4 - I’ve hear some people really like though.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Hashiboy]

Quite! I am well aware some just don't tolerate levothyroxine.

Despite not knowingly having any lactose issues, I am feeling happier on Aristo (which is lactose-free). However, I know some really don't get on with that.