Levo - am I worrying too much?

[Dakota1234]

First, best wishes to all for Christmas and the New Year.

I have been on Levo 100 for seven or so months now - the Accord brand. I got my new order by post about ten days ago and stupidly didn't open the parcel until Christmas day, when I needed to! They sent me Teva, so I have missed two days so far, which I assume won't hurt me, until the surgery re-opens. I am wary of the brand as I see they don't agree with some people. I see they contain mannitol and I have high blood pressure so what with Christmas eating and drinking I decided to miss them for 2 days so far. What I wanted to know is : should I try them (as I suppose I will soon know if there's a problem)? Or should I just stay off them and try and get hold of a doctor first? Many thanks; am I worrying too much?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Just because some people don't tolerate Teva levothyroxine does NOT mean that you won't.

It would be great if we could know without trying them, but no-one has found a way of predicting who will tolerate them and who won't.

Always remember that some members find Teva the best formulation they have ever received.

I'm not clear why you mention high blood pressure in relation to mannitol?

We see quite a few member who have skipped levothyroxine for some time - whether a day or two or longer. Except when it appears that the person is clearly over-medicated, or is definitely unable to tolerate a particular formulation, stay off is usually a bad idea.

(I reply as someone who tried Teva when it first came out in this new formulation, back in 2016 - if I remember correctly. I did not get on with it but I would not have known without trying.)

On the one hand, I really do not want to push you to take something that will upset you. But on the other hand, you could find you are doing yourself a disservice by avoiding Teva.

[Dakota1234 in reply to helvella]

Thank you for the rapid response! I'll give the Teva a bash. It was just that I was first diagnosed in May, by the time of my first post-diagnosis in July my bloods suggested I was totally back on track (bar maybe needing a few vitamins) and so I h.ave always taken the Accord Levo 100 and don't want to upset the applecart. So far as I can tell I have never had any obvious symptoms of hypothyroidism either pre- or post-diagnosis: it's just something my blood appears to be telling the doctors, not me. So a change is not as good as a rest, in my case. Thank you.

[Charlie-Farley in reply to Dakota1234]

I’m on Teva - I’m doing ok on it too!

I take it when I get up to go to the loo between 4and 5am fall back to sleep and then when I get up I have had sufficient time in between to take some of my supplements with breakfast.

I would though ask to fix a brand if you notice a difference , whichever works best. When managing ones health it is easier the fewer variables we have to consider.

It’s like being a clever juggler. It is easier to achieve balance with three balls than four. Less effort, less to think about. You might be able to juggle four but why bother if three works.

[Dakota1234 in reply to Charlie-Farley]

Thank you!

[Forestgarden]

I have no problems with Teva

[Dakota1234 in reply to Forestgarden]

Thank you!

[Scruffy01]

I had previously been on Accord, no problems. Changed docs and pharmacy and they issued me with Teva, unfortunately had allergic reaction itchy hives all over my torso, doc believes I have an allergy to Mannitol, this was introduced to the formula when they made it lactose free. Had to ask my doctor to state on my prescription the specific brand, and formula without mannitol, However it has been difficult to obtain, as most pharmacies only stock Teva. I have now gone to Roseway labs and had a compound formula made with no colours and only rice filler, I am on 100mcg Levothyroxine and have had no side effects. Only downside about this is it is expensive as you can’t get it on free prescription. I would ask your doctor to state Accord on your prescription, varying brands of levothyroxine have various fillers and it’s the fillers that you can have an allergic reaction to not the levothyroxine itself. Hope you are able to get the Accord you need.

[Dakota1234 in reply to Scruffy01]

Thank you! Have today started on the Teva. Will bear your comments in mind and see if anything happens.