Viatris Liothyronine

[W3ndy2159]

Has anyone else been prescribed this brand of T3?

It’s a new brand for me. I’ve been taking it for 2 weeks and I’m feeling so tired and hypo.

I’m T3 only (80mcg daily)

Just wondering what others are experiencing with this brand.

Thank you

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Can you explain a bit about how you received this?

It looks like it was dispensed on prescription from a pharmacy.

Did you get a Patient Information Leaflet? If not, and if feasible, could you please ask for one?

MHRA - Patient Information Leaflet

The MHRA requirements regarding Patient Information Leaflets.

helvella.blogspot.com/p/mhr...

The codes I think I can read appear to be:

Front:

L161.00-r0822

2395096

Side:

PC:05016695925868

SN:255DSX62GOZWPW

If possible, could you check what I can see and type in (or re-photograph from a better angle) the other codes? It's nice and clear so far as the main part but as it bends it is less obvious.

Viatris is a company formed from Mylan and Upjohn (a part of Pfizer) and intended to carry their generic medicines.

There is no current documentation on the MHRA's products database for this. For which reason I have contacted the MHRA.

It appears that the product might be licensed via the European Medicines Agency. But the documentation should be available from the MHRA.

It seems to have been approved on 15/11/2022.

services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/dmd-...

This is a really bad situation.

I have emailed both the MHRA and Viatris UK.

[TiggerMe in reply to helvella]

Why the Sigma Pharma logo?

[W3ndy2159 in reply to helvella]

Thanks for your reply helvella 😊

yes dispensed by Boots on Drs prescription.

I do have a patient leaflet. Is there something you want to see on it?

Is this photo better to see the codes?

Thank you

Front code is capital R on the L161.00-R0822 not sure is it matters whether capitals or lowercase ?

2395096

PC :05016695925868

SN:255DSX62GOZWPW

Lot no:2207301

Exp:2024-06

Thank you 😊

.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to W3ndy2159]

Thank you. Just saw the paper stuck to the top - USA-style.

Was this supplied as an ordinary prescription? Or were you told it was an import?

I suspect the link below is the same product. Can you check the ingredients, and maker, etc.? Please.

dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym...

[W3ndy2159 in reply to helvella]

This link is showing a box version of Greenstone T3 not Viatris. I can’t find Viatris by using the search button.

That might be my fault as I’m virtually computer illiterate!,

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to W3ndy2159]

Correct!

There is no Viatris liothyronine in the USA.

But Greenstone is a liothyronine brand owned by Viatris acquired when Pfizer subsidiary Upjohn merged with Mylan to form Viatris!

Greenstone appeared to be a generic version of the old Pfizer Cytomel. (And that is still available in the USA.)

But both Greenstone and Pfizer Cytomel were the exact same formulation, and manufactured by the same company - Peptido. (There is variation as to whether that is made in Germany or Austria - maybe manufacture can be in either country?)

Therefore, what I was really trying to find out is whether your document shows the same ingredients and manufacturer - or any other company names? And any markings on the tablets.

My guess is that Viatris liothyronine could be a re-branded version of Greenstone!

My second guess is that it is a reformulation of liothyronine possibly in order for it not to be a less expensive supply of Pfizer Cytomel!

I'll not be surprised if Viatris liothyronine does appear in the USA in time.

I think I have managed to confuse everyone by trying NOT to confuse. These stories of who owns who, who makes what, which products are the same as each other, etc., are a nightmare.

I tried to ask what seemed to me the pertinent questions without getting into explanations. But that was a wrong decision by me!

If you could look to see the company names, ingredients and markings, that would be great!

[TiggerMe in reply to helvella]

😵 thankful for the insignias 😅

[W3ndy2159 in reply to helvella]

Hope you’ve got all the relevant information from the photos and description of tablets?

Yes which company owns who and was bought out by who and who makes what and country of manufacture is very confusing 😵‍💫🤣🫣 thank you for all you efforts in explaining 🙏🏻

Let me know if you need any more information. 😊

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to W3ndy2159]

I realise now how I could have answered better from the start!

Apologies for any and all confusion.

You did great at getting the information.

[jgelliss in reply to helvella]

Helvella . Since Mayne Pharma was sold to Dr Reddys. I'm having a hard time to get Dr Reddys T3. I was offered Viatris and was told it's from India. I don't know how reliable this information is? The only next T3 I was offered was Teva. I have no choice but to go with Teva now. I started out with Perrigo then it was sold to Paddock followed by Mayne Pharma now Dr Reddys. I'm just wondering why it keeps being sold ? Would you know or have more information? I know your on top of your game especially when it to thyroid meds manufacturers. Could you please enlighten me and several other who are going through these issues every few years . Thank you in advance.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to jgelliss]

You missed it being rebranded as Libertas for a short time!

I'll reply later on the other issues - so far as I can!

[jgelliss in reply to helvella]

Thank you

[W3ndy2159 in reply to helvella]

Here are 2 photos of the patient leaflet I hope this is what you wanted? TY😊

.

[W3ndy2159 in reply to helvella]

photo 2

.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to W3ndy2159]

That is great!

In which case it is clearly SigmaPharm product. (I assume the tablets do have a Σ mark on them! For final confirmation.)

[W3ndy2159 in reply to helvella]

Yes I can confirm the tablet is white and the front of the tablet has the mark you’ve asked about (my phone doesn’t have this symbol) above a - (score line) with a 73 below the -

The back of tablet has nothing on it.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to W3ndy2159]

That's great - definitely SigmaPharm tablets but very misleading packaging!

[TiggerMe]

Sorry you are feeling rough, looks like it says SigmaPharm which doesn't often get mentioned but it is in      helvella Vade mecum and contains mannitol which could be the issue? What were you on before?

I can see that you have previously had issues with Teva T4 which also contains mannitol, Teva T3 doesn't so probably a better option than this stuff 🤗

[W3ndy2159 in reply to TiggerMe]

I was taking mercury pharma which was great then I was changed to morning side and more recently Teva. I had no choice but to take the Teva as our Boots were really awkward and kept me waiting for other brands. Despite it being on my records for Mercurypharma. I seem to be ok with Teva T3 it was Teva T4 that made me really ill.

Thanks for reply 😊

[TiggerMe in reply to W3ndy2159]

Sorry, yes T4 Teva has mannitol which you yellow carded... where as Teva T3 doesn't... looks like 🍄is on the case so we shall soon be wiser! If you can get a couple of good pictures of the leaflet he'd be a very happy chap I'm sure🤗

To add to the case file 🕵️

[jgelliss in reply to TiggerMe]

Only the T4 thyroid meds contains mannitol as one of the fillers in Teva. I checked out the T3 Teva does not have mannitol as a filler.

[TiggerMe in reply to jgelliss]

Thanks yes I did clarify, but I think OP knew what I meant 🤗

[W3ndy2159 in reply to jgelliss]

Thank you checking out the ingredients. I’m glad Teva T3 doesn’t have mannitol. Maybe that was my issues with Teva T4. It made me ill. I was really reluctant to take Teva T3 but had no choice in the end, it was take Teva or nothing. Happily I had no issues with it.

This Viatris is new to me and I feel like I have not taken my meds. I was wondering if others were experiencing the same issue as me. TY

just checked the patient leaflet for Viatris and it does contain mannitol 😵‍💫.

Maybe I need to phone Drs to ask for a blood test and new prescription. 😊

[Citrinesun]

I was given this sigmaphara/viatris brand a few months ago, only in 5mcg though, the pharmacy decided it was ok to just give me that rather than the 5mcg Morningside stated on prescription, saying 5mcg MS is too expensive blah blah. 🙄 They said they can't guarantee what they get even though they did manage to source me 5mcg Morningside the previous month.

It freaked me out a little bit getting that bottle with leaflet stuck on the top, lol, don't know when the last time I had pills in a bottle 😂

At first I felt they gave me a burning feeling in my stomach, which I put down to the mannitol, so I managed to get the GP pharmacist to agree to request 20mcg Morningside to split & cost effective too. The 20s are readily available at my pharmacy so no issues since.

But I did use up that bottle over time, I found them really handy to have a rounded 5mcg on days I felt a bit low, rather than a poor quarter of morningside,

I found if I didn't take with levo & took sometime after breakfast or food I didn't get the burning stomach. I'm guessing yours are a higher dose but would imagine same ingredients.

[W3ndy2159 in reply to Citrinesun]

Thanks for replying citrinesun.

From the answers above T3 doesn’t contain mannitol.

I had issues with Teva T4 but seem to be ok on Teva T3.

This Viatris is a new brand to me and I’m so tired/hypo ect. I wanted to know if others have experienced issues with this brand.

Have a lovely day/weekend

[TiggerMe in reply to W3ndy2159]

Time for another yellow card and to nip out and grab some Teva T3 🤗

[Citrinesun in reply to W3ndy2159]

Yes Teva T3 has no mannitol but the viatris does,

madness isn't it 😕

I really don't think I felt hypo on it, just the tummy issues I noted.

[W3ndy2159 in reply to Citrinesun]

What tummy issues have you got?

I’ve had looser stools recently but didn’t associate it with the change of T3 brand.

Looser stools and going everyday isn’t a bad thing as normally I’m a bit blocked up and only empty my bowels 1-2x a week.

[Citrinesun in reply to W3ndy2159]

I had like a strong burning feeling but not a stomach acid feeling,

it was odd & happened when I took it on empty stomach with levo. But when I make sure I had a bit of food to line my stomach and took it away from levo the burning stopped.

I know you are T3 only so maybe have a light snack 30mins or so before doses.

As far as I know T3 doesn't need to be on an empty stomach.

Can't remember loose stools but that does happen to me if I take too much T3,

I'm the same normally the opposite 😂

it's so hard when they swap brands you really do feel it one way or another 😕

[W3ndy2159 in reply to Citrinesun]

I take my 1st dose of 40mcg at 6am so wouldn’t get up at 5.30 to eat 🤣🤣.

I don’t have the burning you mentioned but that might be because I take lansoprozole as I’m on naproxen for my arthritis. The ppi hasn’t interfered with my thyroid meds before.

Thanks for replying. 😊

[Citrinesun in reply to W3ndy2159]

Oh yeah of course 😂😂

Yeh the PPI should be preventing the burn, I have to take omeprozole but I will take it occasionally when I get acid of something.

But I know with naproxen you have to protect your stomach.

I hope you get to the bottom of it anyway 🤞 it's so complicated trying to stay well.

[W3ndy2159 in reply to Citrinesun]

Thank you 😊 x

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Citrinesun]

Was that supplied through Boots?

As I understand and interpret the rules on PILs:

Each product authorised under a marketing authorisation must have its own leaflet as explained in our best practice guidance on patient information leaflets.

Therefore it is either an unapproved product without authorisation or requires an MHRA approved PIL. Not a USA PIL.

In case of a shortage, other products can be allowed by under a Serious Shortage Protocol (SPS) - and there isn't one for liothyronine:

nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pharmacies-gp...

MHRA - Patient Information Leaflet

The MHRA requirements regarding Patient Information Leaflets.

helvella.blogspot.com/p/mhr...

[Citrinesun in reply to helvella]

No not boots,

I always go through my local chemist ran by (aimRX)

however I have on occasion received accord levo in almus packaging.. which I thought was a boots thing so I'm unsure what they do in regards to sourcing sometimes 🤗 they did say the viatris is a generic.

Mine did have a PIL, glued to the lid, but yes definitely wasn't a shortage just a refusal to get what I needed 🙄 seems dodgy.

[Lily905]

I got this brand for my T3 only Px instead of Morningside. I've never heard of it & I've not tried it yet. Must be the UK substitute for Morningside

[TiggerMe in reply to Lily905]

Perhaps worth trying before you run out of Morningside just in case the mannitol doesn’t agree with you 🤗

[Lily905 in reply to TiggerMe]

Thanks. I've been on T3 only since 2008 & recently I've swapped to NDT Thyroid-S only & I feel so much better. So I now have a stash of T3 Morningside & Viatris I'm not going to use

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Lily905]

It is "just another" of the liothyronine products.

It is not an "official" substitute for Morningside - simply what the pharmacy has sourced and dispensed.

Was this from Boots or another pharmacy?

Do you have "Morningside" written on your prescriptions?

[Lily905 in reply to helvella]

I just have T3 on my Px. I use a local GP nominated pharmacy not Boots.

I just accepted it as another brand of T3 my pharmacy had souced

[Agapanthus]

I have just collected my T3 meds from Boots and I know I am very lucky to still have T3 monotherapy 50 mcg per day, even with moving house to a totally new area. The local endo is hostile to T3 I was told by someone online, but luckily the pharmacy at my new GP were sympathetic when they saw the letter I had obtained from my previous GP and the length of time I had been on it.

However, I have had a right hassle over the last few months, as I had Mercury Pharma for about 11 years, and then when I moved a year ago, I was given Teva which made me feel hypo (I had already yellow carded it in Cornwall). They then gave me Morningside until it became unavailable and my health was the best it had been for years, having been diagnosed with ME/CFS 16 years ago. At one point, I felt that I was over it entirely (had Covid recently so that's kyboshed me somewhat again).

I then had the Dr mark my prescription NOT TEVA as they kept giving me TEVA again. However, today I have just collected, and I have the majority of tabs in Mercury Pharma, and one bottle of Viatris with the leaflet stuck to the top. I don't feel enthusiastic about this having read comments on here of people who feel hypo on it. I will let you know how I get on, though I am not trying it out immediately as I am away for a couple of trips and want to feel as well as possible.

[helen_m]

Keeping an eye on this discussion as I too have just been given Viatris 20mcg liothyronine tablets. I've also had issues with TEVA T4 (and T3) and had red-carded it too. I had thought it was the mannitol I was reacting to. I guess I just have to try it and see.

I get my prescriptions from an independent pharmacy and usually they are very good. However today they gave me Accord levothyroxine instead of my Aristo and this new liothyronine. I hate it when they change the brands!