slow release t3

[Mag999]

does anyone use slow release t3 and where do you get it from without prescription?

thanks

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

You don't!

It is hard to get with a prescription.

It is also a questionable approach to dosing with T3. Are you sure you want it?

[FallingInReverse in reply to helvella]

Does it exist manufactured, or is it just from compounding pharmacies? I thought the latter?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to FallingInReverse]

So far as I am aware, only specially compounded.

If there is a factory product, I have never seen it. Though there was some confusion a few years ago. (I'll not put details simply to avoid reigniting that!)

[Mag999 in reply to helvella]

I find the splitting of the dose hard to keep up with, if I’m out and I’ve forgotten it, I try and be organised but this was suggested as a legitimate alternative. I didn’t realise it was problematic.

Can I buy liothyronine from Europe without prescription?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Mag999]

One problem is that even small variations in rate of release can cause a bumpy ride with slow release T3.

From what I understand, those who supply slow release T3 use standard slow release formulations - substances which hold back the T3 from being made available for absorption in the gut. But they have not been comprehensively tested in the ways that would be expected of a ready-made slow release preparation.

For example, it might be that the slow release does not actually release all the T3. If you can adjust dose to make up for that, you can reach an acceptable place. But it means that 10 micrograms T3 standard release will not be the same dose as 10 micrograms T3 slow release.

(This is not a criticism of a pharmacy that does the best they can with what is available. And uses whatever has been recorded and suitability of slow release agents.)

In the early years of T3 testing, back in the 1950s and early 1060s, it was noted that a positive advantage of T3 was its short life. So long as dose changes have been made incrementally and not heavy-handedly, the main effects of too large a dose pass within a few hours.

With levothyroxine, it can take longer to noticed the effects of too large a dose simply because it takes longer for the effects to appear, and still longer to get back on course. In some ways, slow release T3 can end up with longer time scales.

We have a few members who have found some slow release T3 has worked for them. It is an appealing idea. If you end up on the right formulation, and the right dose, and both that formulation and you remain stable, it seems possible.

I do not believe any EU pharmacy will supply T3 online/mail order without prescription. And they will not accept UK prescriptions. We have some reports of members managing to buy T3 in person without prescription sometimes, in some places. But it seems to be quite rare.

It is easy for me as I only take my levothyroxine at bed-time (which is very easy), but think addressing the issues about remembering to take it with you, and remembering to take it, are probably a better approach.

At one point, I'd snip a blister with a tablet and carry it round with me in a small metal container. Just so that if I had forgotten to take my dose, I could catch up easily. But I gave up because the combination of using reminders (e.g. on a phone or smart wrist devices), my choice of dosing at bed-time, and habituation!, mean that I don't miss doses. That last tablet must have been there for a year or two, unused and itself forgotten.

[Mag999 in reply to helvella]

Wow! There is always more to learn! Thanks I think I will just have to get more organised!

[TiggerMe]

Roseway Labs will compound it for you after a consultation with them

I'm not sure why you would want it though?

[Mag999 in reply to TiggerMe]

Yes, the doctor I get my prescription from uses them and she suggested I could try the compounded version. I just find the multiple doses difficult to fit round my life at the moment and this sounded easier

[TiggerMe in reply to Mag999]

Have you tried just taking a single dose? Works better for many, I never found splitting worked for me and like you say it's a pita 🙃

I've found I need less as a single dose and it works well giving a much smoother ride

[Mag999 in reply to TiggerMe]

Yes I did after someone recommended on here and it works for me but having just gone up to 20 and being 60 years old I was advised to split into 2 to reduce impact on heart. It would be fine taking it in two doses but I have terrible memory, I’m already doing 6 lots of meds for my dog, I eat when I can and then forget I am supposed to leave an hour clear ….what can I say, just a bit hopeless🙄

[tattybogle in reply to Mag999]

if 2 doses is ok , can you not take them morning and bedtime ? then no need to remember in middle of day

[TiggerMe in reply to Mag999]

I wouldn't worry too much about food around T3 it isn't as fussy as T4, Tatty's suggestion of morning and night might be best and keep them beside the bed 🤗

[adin]

Hi, I've been using SR-t3 made by a comp.pharmacy in Germany, I don't live in the UK. The manufacturing time of the capsules is about 3 weeks from when I send them the recipe. So I make sure in advance that I have enough stock. It's expensive fun but for me it's worth it!

[Mag999 in reply to adin]

Is it better for you because it avoids having to remember and time multiple doses?

[Popoff]

Hi, I have been using SRT3 for a few years now and all seems to be well. We are all different, so it is important to find the "right" medications for us. I could not tolerate the instant release T3 and used to get unpleasant side effects soon after taking T3. I also tried different doses, but I had the same issues. Cutting medications can also lead to uneven dosing, which to people like me exacerbated the side effects. Like you, I also found the dosing schedule added another complication. Eventually, I decided to either stop T3 altogether or try the slow release. I no longer experience any reactions after dosing. As the capsules are compounded to the specific dose needed, there is no need to cut anything. Somebody mentioned earlier that instant release and slow release do not lead to the same amount of T3, but this is also true with the T4 medications. It is trial error to find the correct dose for you. You do need a prescription to obtain SRT3 from a compounding pharmacy. I do not think you can find it without a prescription. I hope that the above is helpful and good luck, if you try this.

[Mag999 in reply to Popoff]

Thank you, it’s so interesting hearing all these stories, makes me realise it really is a very individual process glad to hear it is working well for you. The doctor I get my prescription from said it’s best to get to the right dose using standard tablets before trying the compound and I’m still in that process. Hearing your experience I think I will try just to see if it adds anything so thanks.

[Popoff]

If it helps, to find the right dose, I bought some 1 mcg SRT3 and gradually increase the dose until i found what works for me. You may wish to start with this process also. I hope this helps.

[Mag999 in reply to Popoff]

Thanks I’ll definitely look into that