You are taking levothyroxine tablets -- Levoxyl®, Synthroid®, Unithroid®, or generic levothyroxine -- and you still don’t feel well.
WHAT COULD BE GOING ON?
If you are taking generic levothyroxine tablets, or getting different brands with each refill, you may be getting a medication with different fillers and binders with each refill. Also, each brand or generic can have a different potency that ranges from 95 to 105% of the stated potency. You’ll do best when you are taking a consistent and precise dose of the same medication.
ACTION PLAN:
The easiest solution is, if you're taking a generic, to switch to a brand-name levothyroxine. If you're already on a brand, stay with that particular brand and its formulation. You’ll also avoid potency fluctuations from refill to refill.
If you can’t take a brand name, there are three ways to help minimize the impact of potency and excipient changes from refill to refill of generic levothyroxine.
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First, if you get stabilized and feel well on a particular manufacturer’s generic levothyroxine, have a discussion with your pharmacist to see if he or she can ensure that you get refills only from that one generic manufacturer. This can be difficult or impossible with larger pharmacy chains and mail-order pharmacies but may be possible if you have a relationship with a smaller, independently owned local pharmacy.
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Second, get the largest possible quantity refill. If you can get a three- or six-month supply – instead of monthly refills – you reduce your risk of potency variations.
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Third, you can order generic levothyroxine online from the “Mail My Prescriptions” website. Mail My Prescriptions lets you specify generic levothyroxine from Alvogen, or Amneal’s Unithroid. Mail My Prescriptions is located online at https://www.mailmyprescriptions.com
The Levothyroxine Deep Dive program is copyright © 2020, Mary Shomon. All rights reserved.
Levoxyl®, Synthroid®, Tirosint®, Tirosint-SOL®, and Unithroid® are registered trademarks. Product images and logos used with permission.
Disclaimer:
Mary Shomon does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
The contents of this video and material contained on the website ("content") are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have learned from this video or site.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Mary Shomon does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by Mary Shomon is solely at your own risk.