Liothyronine - Capsules vs Tablets Info please

[JMN2017]

I've been on Liothyronine 10mcg daily for approx 1 year, with slightly reduced Levothyroxine (100mcg daily) after seening local NHS Endo. I've felt considerable improvement since.

However, my GP has changed me from tablets to Capsules, same dose. but I'm not feeling so great, after about 3 weeks, so I'm wondering why ...

When I started on Liothyronine, I was on split dose, 5mcg morning and 5mcg evening but I felt dreadful the following day. After some experimenting, I found I was OK if I took the second 5mcg by mid-day, and then just took 10mcg first thing in mornings, and this was fine for me.

Over the past week, or so, I've been feeling very similar to how I was when taking split dose, although not as bad. I don't have any motivation, nor energy; feel tired but not necessarily sleepy, lower mood, tearful and have noticed feeling colder than I was, in spite of the lovely sunny weather and warmer temperatures recently

The GP won't change me back to tablets, saying they don't/aren't allowed to change Liothyronine prescription (although they were quick enough to change my prescription from tablets to capsules!!!) GP is writing to Endo, for advice!!! I appreciate there is a cost implication involved.

QUESTION: Do the capsules take longer, than the tablets, to be absorbed?

If so, what are the implications of emptying the capsule and taking the contents, orally? I'm presuming this would mean the T3 would work more quickly.

Another alternative, mentioned my a Member here, ask for 20mcg tablets, then divide into 2, so taking 10mcg daily. I believe this reduces the cost, considerably.

Many thanks for your advice

J

[crimple]

JMN2017 I have over the last few years had to be very specific about what thyroid treatment I have. I have Vencamil thyroxine (TEVA made me very ill and upset my stomach) so Vencamil is written in the first line of the prescription. I also take liothyronine and it has to be Sigma Pharma, also written on my prescription. I found out that the filler in TEVA was acacia powder and it is used in some liothyronine products too!

I sent in yellow card reports for Teva. Your GP / practice manager/GP Pharmacist are clearly more concerned about saving money. They will try to tell you that all thyroid meds are the same, but clearly they aren't when they contain different fillers that some of us react badly to.

Have they changed you to Roma capsules by any chance? A lot of folks on here don't get on with them. I don't think they should be changing what the endo prescribed. Maybe speak to the Endos secretary and see if they will write to your GP to put you back on your original brand of liothyronine. Impress upon your GP how unwell you feel since the swap. good luck.

[gojo1 in reply to crimple]

I am currently in the similar position. Got changed from tablets to capsules. My levels have got worse and so has my health. I was taking 150 levothyroxine and 20 liothyronine. Currently 25 liothyronine split doses and 150 levothyroxine. Had to ask for blood results from hospital specialist. Going to do another blood test see what happens next. Probably increase again. I dont think they work as well as the tablets.

[JMN2017 in reply to crimple]

Crimple

Thank you very much for your response and I apologise for delay in responding.

This morning, I took the contents of capsule only, and have felt considerable improvement today, thank goodness.

I'll continue to take only the contents, and not the capsule, and will expect to improve over the next few days. If this is the solution, for me, then I don't have a problem with the capsules any more, eh? LOL

Seeing the GPs changed me from tablets to capsules (presumably because of cost) it's no wonder I am sceptical with what GPs have to say. Changing back to tablets has nothing to do with dose. All an excuse that GP using because of cost!!!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Many members find T3 capsules are not as effective

You could try emptying the powder out the capsule and take it that way

Capsule can be hard to dissolve in gut with low stomach acid

20mcg tablets are by far the cheapest option

Teva is lactose free

Currently prices here

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[JMN2017 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks, SlowDragon

I found your post, re prices 2025, so thanks for posting that information.

I also found one of your posts re a copy from the Patient Info leaflet, where is says one can open capsule to take contents.

I took the contents of the capsule, this morning, and have felt much better, although not as good as previously. I suspect I'll feel better over the next few days, with opening capsule and taking contents only.

Interestingly, I'm on PPIs, so suggestive of now having lower gastric acid which, again, would suggest slower absorption and would explain why I haven't been feeling brilliant

I've very grateful to you, SlowDragon, for all the research you do and for all your knowledge. It's good of you to share and so many of us benefit