Venacil 100 micrograms

[theminiaturist]

I have been hypothyroid for 15 years now and just recently when I picked up my latest prescription it was called Venacil, a levothyroxine product which I have never had before.On taking the tablet,it tends to start dissolving in the mouth using saliva before I have a glass of water to swallow the tablet with.I have taken Venacil for 2 months now,my weight has gone up and I feel fatigued on some days.Has anyone experience of this brand of thyroxine and I have asked my pharmacist why I can not have one of 2 types of levothyroxine which I have always been issued with.She told me that it just depends what is available at the Wholesalers. Any advice on this issue would be gladly appreciated.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Many people get on well with the Vencamil brand of Levo. Its lactose and mannitol free, agreed it can disolve easily in the mouth but that shouldnt be an issue with absorption.

If you prefer a particular brand of Levo then ask GP to write it on your prescription in the first line.

What were your latest blodo results for TSH, FT4 & FT3?

What supplements do you take and what were your latest vitamin results?

It may or may not be coincidence but best to check blood results.

named brand

[theminiaturist in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thank you for your reply,Jaydee1507

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to theminiaturist]

Suggest you recheck blood results. Last post you said your dose had been reduced and you werent doing well.

[helvella Administrator]

Aristo launched their levothyroxine some time ago now, and then introduced Vencamil - which is identical except for packaging.

I maintained a blog of links to members' experiences.

helvella - Aristo Levothyroxine Posts

Experiences of taking Aristo levothyroxine as posted on HealthUnlocked.

No longer being updated - since 2023.

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

Since then, they have introduced 25, 50 and 75 microgram dosages as well.

A lot of members seem happy on it - I am one of them! But we do have some who find issues with it.

You can find even more posts here:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Its advantages include being lactose-free, mannitol-free and acacia-free - three ingredients which seems to figure in members' experiences of other makes.

The dissolving in the mouth really doesn't matter, so long as you do swallow it all.

You can see all UK products in my document:

helvella - Thyroid Hormone Medicines - UK

The UK document contains up-to-date versions of the Summary Matrixes for levothyroxine tablets, oral solutions and liothyronine available in the UK. Includes injectables and descriptions of tablet markings which allow identification. Latest updates include all declared ingredients for all UK-licensed products and links to Patient Information Leaflets, Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (dm+d), British National Formulary, NHS Drug Tariff, etc. PLUS how to write prescriptions in Appendix F.

Now also includes latest pricing information from dm+d..

Also includes links for anti-thyroid medicines (but not product details).

Direct link to PDF:

📄 dropbox.com/s/bo2jzxucgp9hl...

Blog last updated 28/12/2024 - documents are regularly updated

[theminiaturist in reply to helvella]

Thank you for all the information,Helvella.

[helvella Administrator in reply to theminiaturist]

In case it hasn't been clear, it is now my choice of makes available in the UK. Despite my being tolerant of lactose - and having tried most UK makes.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Get bloods retested BEFORE changing anything

You possibly need dose INCREASE as dose was reduced not long ago

Vencamil is very well tolerated by many patients

when were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 last tested

Exactly what vitamin supplements are you taking

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once to see if your hypothyroidism is autoimmune

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Lower vitamin levels more common as we get older

For good conversion of Ft4 (levothyroxine) to Ft3 (active hormone) we must maintain GOOD vitamin levels

VERY important to test TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 together

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

T3 ….day before test split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day, with last dose approximately 8-12 hours before test

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

Post all about what time of day to test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

If you normally take levothyroxine at bedtime/in night ...adjust timings as follows prior to blood test

If testing Monday morning, delay Saturday evening dose levothyroxine until Sunday morning. Delay Sunday evening dose levothyroxine until after blood test on Monday morning. Take Monday evening dose levothyroxine as per normal

Going forward get brand of levothyroxine you prefer specified on your prescription