Quick question - does T3 only come in 20mcg tablets?

[lizanne]

I am trying to split my T3 doses to follow CT3M.

I am on 40mcg of T3 which comes in for form of 20mcg tablets so I don't think I can split them they are so tiny. Can I request pharmacy give me T3 in 10mg tablet form -do 10mg tablets exist?

[nobodysdriving]

your tablets are easily split in half with a pill cutter, I do that every day for my son

[lizanne in reply to nobodysdriving]

Gosh I didn't think that it would be possible to cut them as they are so tiny, but I guess a pill cutter is something you get from the chemist? A trip to Boots I think!

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Yes.

UK only has 20 microgram tablets.

BNF link:

medicinescomplete.com/mc/bn...

Free registration required.

Rod

[lizanne in reply to helvella]

Thanks for the info Rod. As T4 came in different doses I thought T3 might do too!

[sarahstevenson]

Afraid its true for UK. Like you I am on 40 - 45 and am cutting them with a pill cutter to do 20 15 and 10mcg doses . Someone did say; if soluble; you can a pharmacist to dissolve a medication and then dissolve it so you can take a more reliable dose in drops. I haven't explored this though.

I use the bits of the cut tablet to make up the dose so if I have a slightly under dose it will be followed by a slightly over one next.

Happy dividing !

[lizanne in reply to sarahstevenson]

Yes I guess the trick is to be very careful and scoop up any fragments. The tablets I have are much smaller than my T4 tablets so I am going to get a pill cutter as per NBD recommendation and give it a whirl!

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to sarahstevenson]

If you are referring to what I posted a few days ago...?

The patient information leaflet for levothyroxine (not liothyronine) suggests dissolving on water. And the PIL specifically says that it must be FRESHLY prepared - so not a viable approach, I fear, on grounds of a) applies to a different medicine and b) that even if it worked, you would be wasting half or three-quarters of each tablet.

[vajra]

I have to say Rod that for good or ill that i've been cutting my T3 pills down for years with a stiff backed razor blade. It takes care, but it can be done.

The Ti Tre especially is inclined to be crumbly - this can vary quite a bit between lots.

I switched pharmacies of late, and to my surprise the new guys offered to supply the T3 cut down. This has been great, as it's a PIA task and it gets around the problem of pill losses should one crumble.

Do you have any idea what the problem with cutting them down might be?

ian

[sarahstevenson]

I cut mine with a cutter which has a razorblade in it. I find cutting at right angles to the indent gives a better cleaner cut line. might help ?

[lizanne]

Thanks all - appreciate the advice. As I am so clumsy I will pass on doing it with a sharp knife and get the pill cutter.

Onwards and upwards- every little thing in the hypo world has its challenges I guess!