I have been receiving treatment for hypothyroidism for the last two years. Currently taking 125mcg Levothyroxine + 15mcg Liothyronine. The dose seems about right, but the problem I’m having is sourcing a lactose-free brand of levothyroxine. The only brand that I can find is TEVA. Unfortunately my pharmacy struggles to provide it and at times I have had to try to source it from online pharmacies with mixed results. Is there an alternative brand that is more readily available. Any help/advice greatly appreciated
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Borisbialokur
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I wrote to my MP and had letters back from Ministry of Health confirming that pharmacies MUST order the brand of Levo that best suits the patient, they also rang local pharmacies and suppliers and ensured everyone knew how to order what was needed!
Paul at Aristo (Vencamil) lactose free will happily ring your pharmacy and tell them how to place an order on their system, he has all the codes etc. just ring Aristo UK main number and ask, they are super helpful.
Hello! Yes, I am living in the U.K.. Thanks for the info. Despite my G.P. including the TEVA brand name on my prescription, my pharmacy’s response has been “we get what we’re given”. I often stand to the side of the queue, open the bag and hand back the parts of the prescription that are incorrect. It seems like a common story. Thanks again!
Yes the pharmacy do that don’t they! I had it too. But it isn’t actually true, they can order the names brand and need reminding. Speak to the practice manager or local health board, MP if you have to. Since I wrote my letter I’ve had zero problems. It felt very empowering 👍
helvella's medicines documents (UK and Rest of the World) can be found here:
helvella - Thyroid Hormone Medicines
helvella has created, and tries to maintain, documents containing details of all thyroid hormone medicines in the UK and, in less detail, many others around the world. There is now a specific world desiccated thyroid document.
I highly recommend viewing on a computer screen, or a decent sized tablet, rather than a phone. Even I find it less than satisfactory trying to view them on my phone.
helvella - Thyroid Hormone Medicines - UK
The UK document contains up-to-date versions of the Summary Matrixes for levothyroxine tablets, oral solutions and also liothyronine available in the UK. Includes injectables and descriptions of tablet markings which allow identification. Latest updates include all declared ingredients for all UK products and links to Patient Information Leaflets, Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (dm+d), etc. PLUS how to write prescriptions in Appendix F.
Contains details of all known desiccated thyroid products including information about several products not considered to be Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT/Desiccated Thyroid Extract/DTE).
Contains details of all levothyroxine, liothyronine and combination products - excluding desiccated thyroid products. Details available vary by country and manufacturer.
The link below takes you to a blog page which has direct links to the documents from Dropbox and QR codes to make it easy to access from phones. You will have to scroll down or up to find the link to the document you want.
If a patient reports persistent symptoms when switching between different levothyroxine tablet formulations, consider consistently prescribing a specific product known to be well tolerated by the patient.
Physicians should: 1) alert patients that preparations may be switched at the pharmacy; 2) encourage patients to ask to remain on the same preparation at every pharmacy refill; and 3) make sure patients understand the need to have their TSH retested and the potential for dosing readjusted every time their LT4 preparation is switched (18).
If NHS prescription you could (for example) request Springfield pharmacy as your nominated pharmacy. Prescription is sent there electronically and meds arrive in post direct to you
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Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
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