change from mercury pharma to eltroxin

[Hairtoday]

I found a couple of years ago that mercury pharma suited me much better than other brands (as well as anything could managing my hashimitos) . My GP and pharmacy say they can’t get it now and have changed me to eltroxin. I looked at ingredients and it seemed ok so thought it was ok to try , yet after a month or so on it I feel rough. Exhausted and aching and gaining weight for no good reason. Anyhow else had this experience ? I’d be grateful for guidance. Thanks

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Do you have your latest blood results with ranges?

What supplements are you taking?

What are your latest results for ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

There is also a new company offering walk in & mail order blood tests in Crawley, Hove ad Reigate areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...

[Hairtoday in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thanks. I do take B12 and D3 but have moved recently and trying to get blood tests is so difficult. Thanks for the links I’ll give it a go privately. I don’t think any meds I’ve been offered or tried since diagnosed with Hashimotos about 5 years ago have been great but just trying to do the best I can, I guess. Many thanks for your support

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Mercury Pharma Levothyroxine and Mercury Pharma Eltroxin are the same tablets and are made by Advanz.

If you have Hashimoto's it could be that which is causing your symptoms. Hashi's causes fluctuations in symptoms and test results as a result of the immune system attack on the thyroid.

[Hairtoday in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks. Yes, it’s like trying to hit a moving target so I thought I’d try to narrow down possible causes. Thanks for your support

[NIKEGIRL]

hi. I was given eltroxin after my thyroidectomy. I found it didn’t suit me. I can’t tell you why but it just didn’t.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to NIKEGIRL]

I think the Eltroxin you get in NZ is by Aspen? (Rather than Advanz/Mercury Pharma.) So a different formulation.

[NIKEGIRL in reply to helvella]

yea I suspected you may answer my post as we have discussed this before.

I hope this finds u well

[Ronnah]

I am in a similar situation as you. Mercury Pharma is the only brand that has worked well for me. (I had a total thyroidectomy) You might have to search far and wide for Mercury Pharma or make do with Eltroxin until Mercury Pharma can be restocked.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Ronnah]

Mercury Pharma Eltroxin and Mercury Pharma Levothyroxine are the self-same product.

Same MHRA Product Licence (manufacturing authorisation). Same markings.

If the current ones are not exactly the same, for you, please put in a Yellow Card report.

[Hairtoday]

Thanks to all the very helpful people who have contributed here. I think I will do a yellow card but I realise that because Hashimoto's is autoimmune I change even if the meds don't! Usually manage to keep some sort of lid on it though...but not at the moment.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Hairtoday]

That is a real issue - and it does put people off doing Yellow Cards.

But unless and until you have the opportunity to prove it, it seems reasonable to do a report. All the MHRA ask for is an honest report based on your experience. Not that you follow everything through and prove it an issue with the medicine(s).

After all, one possible reaction by the MHRA could be to advise GPs to re-test if any issues arise. Which might itself be some sort of progress.