Synthroid versus generic levothyroxine (I have Hashimoto's)

[zalue]

Hi,

My TSH levels have been high for at least a year, with values of 5.51, 6.81, and 5.69. My doc wasn't too concerned at first, because the lab's normal range was .5 to 5.5. However, my T4 levels have been consistently normal.  My mother suffers from hypothyroidism.

I've had symptoms of low temperature and pulse, chronic coldness, depression, and fatigue for several months. I recently tested positive for thyroid antibodies in a blood test, so my internist said I had Hashimoto's Disease and started me on 25 micrograms of Synthroid.

I had the script filled at Walgreen's, and they substituted the generic levothyroxine manufactured by Sandoz. The pharmacist said they were equivalent. Here are three questions about this issue:

1. How generally accepted is the narrower TSH range that lowers the top end from about 5.5 to around 3? I've felt poorly for some time but have had a hard time convincing my doc to let me try some medicine.

2. If my generic synthroid refills in the future are manufactured by a different company, will the effect or absorption rate be the same? Should I solely ask for the one manufactured by Sandoz in the future, or should I switch to Synthroid for consistency's sake? Are they really equivalent?

3. I just stared the levothyroxine yesterday -- how long should it be before I get another blood test?

Thanks!

Casey

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

1. Not universally accepted.  But in your case appropriate to start a trial of thyroid meds.
2. Try to stick with the same manufacturer -- better to stick with a brand as it is unlikely to consistently get the Sandoz generic.
3. Retest in 5-6 weeks.

[GravesLady]

1. I'm not sure what you are asking(?)

2. I'd keep with one manufacture unless you are have problems with the meds.  So find one that is convenant for you and stay with it.  Changing from  one manufacture to another at first might have a difference but once you are on the meds for a while it should not make a difference thereafter.


3.Any where from 6 to 12 weeks.  6 weeks the meds are in the blood stream enough for Labs however 12 weeks the meds are in full effects.

[Doreen313]

I also have Hashimoto's and was started on 25... same thing happened at pharmacy.  They did the substitution.  My endo has increased my dosage since Sept: 25 to 75 to 112 to 125.  I go back for more blood work at the end of June. I think he's going to have to go up again.. still losing my hair, having joint pain, and coldness.
He told me at the very beginning not to do generic meds.  They are not regulated.
Good Luck.  I'm still trying to get better myself.

[tanner257]

The only thing I can offer is that my endo insists on Synthroid - he made a specific note on the script for no generic substitutes. So far, so good for me (partial thyroidectomy last summer, now on 88 mcg of Synthroid).
Good luck.

[ruthie466]

A related discussion, change ? was started.

[booterboy]

A related discussion, synthroid vs generic was started.