[jaqeinquotation]

#1060148

Hi everyone,

After my TT in January I was prescribed Levothyroxin (Eltroxin) 100mcg’s. I’m struggling with TED; tapering off at 15g’s of Predsnisone right now.

My TSH went from 2 to 3.66 (3.8-6.0) and my T3 from 3.9 to 3.1 (0.35-4.94)
my Endo has now increased the dosage was increased to 125mcg’s.
I noticed that the “allow substitutions” box was checked only after I left his office and I conveniently crossed it out and wrote the opposite in caps.

I went to the pharmacy to fill the prescriptions and specifically asked the asst. not to make ANY substitutions. When the prescription was ready the pharmacists shows me the pills and immediately I said, “Those aren’t my pills.”

He begins to tell me that Eltroxin only comes in certain dosages. The bottle said Levothyroxin (Synthroid) on it. I looked at him and said, “Oh no you don’t.” I’m not taking these.” I pulled out one the several free pamphlets I got from http://www.thyroidawareness.com.
“Same medication (brand name or generic), Same time in the Same manner everyday.”
He tried to convince me to switch to the Synthroid brand because they are more flexible with their doses, stating something like, ” What if your specialist changes your dose to 88mcg’s; Eltroxin doesnt come in that dose so how would you “cut” the right dose for yourself? He said that he will note my file so that they are no further substitutions. I left him there with the pamphlet.

For now i will continue with my current Eltroxin. Of course I have to cut a second pill to get 125mcg’s but that’s simple.
When that’s finish then I’ll visit my family physician for a refill of Eltroxin.

[jaqeinquotation]

#1180755

Just an update:

I went back to the pharmacist this morning and insisted on getting my regular brand of Eltroxin. He said he had never done this before and doesn’t recommend that I switch to the Synthroid brand of Levothyroxin that comes in 125mcg’s.

If that’s the only reason then it’s not worth the risk for me. I’ve read too many real stories from people who switch and end up feeling terrible. I’m not feeling a 100% but I feel better than I did before; my biggest issue right now is this fool named TED.

The pharmacist said that switching wouldn’t affect me in any way. I told him that it was easy for him to say because he isn’t the one taking the meds…….that I am and I prefer to leave well enough alone and try to enjoy the rest of my life so, no changes. He made me sign the actual prescription that not allowing any substitutions was authorized by me.

I left the pharmacy with 100mcg’s of Eltroxin and a pill cutter to make 125mcg’s.

[npatterson]

#1180756

Hi Jacqinquotation,

I read your post a couple of days ago, and just re-read your update. What country are you in? Here in the US, “Synthroid” is the one that is “brand name”, and most of the others are on the substitute list. Also, here in the US, Levoxyl (probably the 2nd most popular brand) was pulled off the shelves, and won’t be available until 2014 (if then). So for the past six months or so, I pretty much never know which brand I will be getting. I am glad to hear that you were able to get yours changed back to the one you have been taking.

It is true, a person has to re-stabilize on meds when they change brands, even though they are supposed to be bio-equivalent. Thanks for including the link to the Thyroid Awareness. I had never looked at it before.

Take care,

Nancy

[jaqeinquotation]

#1180757

Hi Nancy,

I live in Canada.

I re-read my post again too and realized my many typo’s; and to think I read it over several times before clicking submit…..wow.

The pharmacist “was” recommending that I switch to Synthroid.

My levels should have been read like this:

TSH went from 2 to 3.66 (0.35-4.94)
T3 from 3.9 to 3.1 (3.8-6.0)
T4 went from 11 to 10 (8-15)

Take Care,

[Author]

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