does it realy make a big difference if we keep changing brands of levo ?

[Prosecco1997]

I’m on accord 50 and mercury pharma 25 which I cut in half to get a 12.5 , so 62.5 aday , now been given 50 Reva and 12.5 teva as that’s all they had , worried about the change ?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Some people are fine with any brand

Some can only tolerate one or two brands

Lots of people can’t tolerate Teva

Others find Teva is fantastic

You will only know by trying it

You should get FULL thyroid testing 6-8 weeks after any dose change

12.5mcg is only made by Teva

Costs NHS £11.50 approx per 28 tablets compared to 25mcg costing 72 pence per 28 tablets

Generally just cut a 25mcg in half

Especially if can’t tolerate Teva

[helvella Administrator in reply to SlowDragon]

Although we rarely, if ever, see mention of it, Crescent list a 12.5 levothyroxine.

Has anyone ever received it?

[BlueShrimper]

I'm on 50mcg level (wockhardt) and was on 20mcg Mercury Pharma T3 but my NHS hospital have recently changed to Morning Side T3 which seems to kick in at night. Keep waking up and then ages to drop off again. I've discussed this with my endo and I told him that if he requests a certain brand then the pharmacy will endeavour to try and get it, but he says he's not allowed. Thinking I'll have to try and shave a slither of the tablet to see if a reduced dosage helps.

[Regenallotment Ambassador]

I was definitely affected by brand changes.

Started on Teva, was ok, bit skin itchy bit tummy grumbly but not awful and on balance better than being unmedicated. Went from 25 to 125mcg on this.

Accord one time for 24 hours when I was on 50 mcg, awful stomach pain, gurgling, nausea, reflux. Turns out dairy and lactose affects me.

Vencamil/Aristo didn’t need as much as I did Teva, absolutely zero symptoms from taking it. Settled on 100mcg as I went over range on 125mcg.

Occasionally pharmacies have tried to give me other types and I stand and unpack my prescription on the counter before I leave. If anything isn’t my preferred Vencamil I mention that I can’t have it and they have to order it for me (MP has helped clarify this with GP, local health board and written to all pharmacies) GP also amended prescription to state that NO changes, has to be Vencamil. This really helps. 🌱

[Pasionaria]

I started medication in July and I have had Accord, Mercury Pharma, and Teva. I have not noticed any difference between brands. I just feel good on Thyroxine at last.

[Chocolate1970]

Please keep an eye out for any changes on how you feel , you will hopefully be ok but if not please stick to your guns because I myself felt awful as I am so sensitive to meds anyway . If you notice any changes in your mood and find yourself more anxious go back to your pharmacy and ask them not to change . There is something on gov.uk stating that different brands should not be changed . As to my knowledge changing brands even though they suit could change thyroid levels .But I'm no doctor but helvella have given me alot of advice and have been very helpful.

Hope this helps and take care

[Chocolate1970]

I have noticed that you have hashimotos disease, maybe vencamil aristo would be a better choice for you as I have found this doesn't upset my stomach and have had no bloating.