Levothyroxin versus Synthroid

[GlennaJ]

Hi there.  I've had autoimmune hypothyroidism for almost 6 years now and have always taken Synthroid.  Recently I took the generic form levothyroxin (levothyroxine) for 12 days and I felt like I was taking nothing whatsover.  I feel horrible today...very slow, tired, weak, severely depressed and just plain run down.  I am 13 weeks pregnant.  I started back on my Synthroid last night.  Can the generic cause that many problems? They say it is the same but I absolutely do not agree.  What do you think? Thank you, GJ

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

It is not always the same -- not worth taking the chance -- esp with a pregnancy.

Also, with hypo in pregnancy, about 70% of patients will need a dose increase in synthroid by 25-40%.  In other words, when my hypo/hashi patients call stating they are pregnant, I either test them immediately and adjust the dose or simply ask them to take two extra tablets/week of the current dose (ie 1.5 tabs 4x/wk, 1 tab 3x/wk) and test in 5 weeks.  Now that you are back on a brand (synthroid in this case) would consider doing this or at least testing frequently.

[Newbee2000]

My endo told me when I first started treatment that if a women with hypo becomes pregnant she will need an adjustment in the dose of synthroid, usually you need a higher dose,so you should consult your doctor immediately. My endo once told me that he doesn't like to prescribe the generic. I tried it once and felt nausaeous and had a headache afterwards. Pregnancy will also cause fatigue, but you should be in touch with your endo while you're pregnant and check your thyroid levels!

[2wheelermom]

I do believe you'll notice a difference (for whatever reason) when you switch brands - especially going from a name brand to generic.  I'd been on 75 mcg Synthroid, and when my dosage was increased to 112 mcg the pharmacy filled the prescription with a generic. I didn't realize I had generic until I had gotten home, and then I figured it was no big deal.  Amazingly, after only 2 days of the higher dose generic I was getting symptoms of being severely hypothyroid again.  After a week (I was out of town) I couldn't climb stairs without seering pain in my quads and could barely hold my electric toothbrush.  I had the Endo call in a new script for Synthroid and within a couple of days I was feeling better.  Now I've been on the 112 mcg of Synthroid for 4 weeks and I feel great.  

As a side note, I happened to read on the FDA Enforcement Report for February 28th that there had been a recall of Levothyroxine due to subpotency.  I'm wondering if maybe that's what I received.

[GlennaJ]

Thank you all for the replys.  I appreciate your input.  I agree with both of you.  I don't have an Endo but was just looking to find one.  I've always been seen by a regular doctor but wonder if an Endo would do me better.  It seems like ever since I was diagnosed with the Hashimotos........I've never been the same...never felt the same and have been very depressed with anxiety and weak even though my Thyroid levels are normal.  It just feels like something isn't right??? Does anyone else feel like I feel????

[2wheelermom]

Definitely make an appt with an Endo - especially since you're pregnant.  Preganancy can affect your thyroid levels and you may very well need an adjustment in dosage (as well as maybe a return to Synthroid).  The "normal" range is broad enough so that you can still feel lousy and be diagnosed as "normal" even if you're not at the level that's optimal for you (presumably the TSH level you've maintained for 6 years).  

Good luck - I hope you feel better soon!

[kitcurious]

I saw my Endocrinologist for the first time last week. My GP had already placed me on plain, generic levothyroxine and my endo changed that rx and told me that you MUST have a branded med because the one that just says levothyroxine is never made the same way twice. He put me on what he called a "branded" version, Levoxyl.

[GlennaJ]

Thank you guys.  I so agree with the doctor about the branded kind.  I don't think they should prescibe generic...I mean you are playing with someones life.  The thyroid basically controls all your body functions and it needs to be replaced with as close to the real as you can get.  I will definately see if my insurance covers an Endo.  Talk to ya soon.

[GlennaJ]

Thank you very much for your advice DR.  I had testing done 2 weeks ago and haven't heard anything from the OB.  I have my first official appointment this morning at 9am and I will discuss this with him.  I feel like I need more at this point.  I am 13 weeks pregnant and am taking the same does I've been on for almost 6 years now.  I just hope they take it as serious as I know it is.  I totally agree that Name Brand is the best choice and that is from my experience.  This is NOT something to play with.   I just wanted some other opinions especially from a professional.  Again, thank you.  GJ

[Stinkerbell]

I noticed that you were speaking about Levothyroxin (levothyroxine) and I was wondering if that was the same a L-thyroxin, which was perscribed to me about a year ago, and I have been really BAD cause I do NOT take it........it makes me feel as if I am coming down with the FLU!!  I have 3 little kids (ages 5, 2  & 1) so I cannot be laying around all day, wishing for some energy, so I have just been struggling without any meds.  I plan on having an overhaul this next month, cause I just turned 40 and have gained MANY pounds this last year, along with numberous headaches, leg pains,........even my teeth and gums are starting to bother me now, something I NEVER had before........any advice on meds??? Thanks

[Maggie2007]

Hi everyone. I was recently diagnosed with Hashimotos. I started Levo-Thyroxine (currently taking 100s) about 3 weeks ago and still don't feel that great. A lot of people on this site have commented that they don't like Levo-Thyroxine, but my endocrinologist said that he likes all brands but Synthroid. Anyway, does anyone know when I should expect to feel better? Am I supposed to feel better by now? Does it take longer? Thanks!

[donofrio]

A related discussion, SYMTOMS AFTER THYROID REMOVAL was started.

[jhl385]

A related discussion, Levothyroxin (levothyroxine) & Levothyroxine the same? was started.

[sissy53]

A related discussion, levothyroxin (levothyroxine) or synthroid was started.