Different brands of Levothyroxine...?

Question

Hi!

I take a relatively small (50mcg) dose of Levothyroxine every day to relieve my thyroid issue but have found that on the months I'm given them as loose tablets in a bottle I'm more tired than if I take the ones I get vacuum packed in a box.

Anyone else noticed this or is there any reason why?

Answer 1

99% of all patients in UK are given generic prescriptions for levothyroxine, and most seem to be fine.

If you find a specific brand seems to cause you a problem take some to your GP. Ask him to pass it on to his local prescribing adviser for quality testing. I have done this 4-5 times for patients for different drugs. It can take 3 months to get a result, so for all the drugs I have had checked have come up as withing specified limits. Despite this I suppose if one drug is at the upper limit of specification and the other at the lower, even though the effect was marginal you might be aware of it.

Answer 2

Never let your pharmacy change your brand! Different brands can have different potencies, even if they say they are the same. Tell the pharmacy that you want the vacuum packed ones each and every month, and not to switch them without your permission.

It doesn't matter what brand of levothyroxine you take. What matters is that you find a dose that works for you, and that you take the same brand consistently.

Answer 3

My dad has the same problem. Im not sure which way round, but I know that if he changes between them he feels unwell.
He makes sure he goes to the same chemist, and its small local chemist, so that he gets the same type. They know him now!

Answer 4

Common brand names include "Thyrax", "Euthyrox", "Levaxin" and "Eltroxin" in Europe, and "Levoxyl" and "Synthroid" in the US.

Answer 5

You should be discussing this with your pharmacist or doctor.