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168348 tn?1379357075

Levothyroxine sodium recalled, may be unavailable until 2014

I saw this in Endrocine Today (4/1/13)

The American Thyroid Association has acknowledged a recall of levothyroxine sodium, according to a statement on their website. The drug may not be available until 2014.

http://www.healio.com/endocrinology/thyroid/news/online/%7B64E3B636-0697-4A33-B038-BDB865DDE543%7D/Levothyroxine-sodium-recalled-may-be-unavailable-until-2014
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Avatar universal
To my knowledge Levothyroxine only contains synthetic T4, plus binders/fillers as necessary to manufacture the pills.  Unless you are allergic to the binder/filler material, I don't know what could have caused the reactions you mention, since our bodies produce and use T4 every day.  Also, the med you switched to also contains T4.

Some of those symptoms are frequently related to being hypothyroid still.  And since it was a T4 only type med, it also may have been that your dose wasn't ever raised high enough to get your Free T4 and Free T3 levels high enough to relieve hypo symptoms.  And another possibility is that your body did not adequately convert the T4 to T3, again resulting in low Free T3 level.  

When you say you switched to a glandular formula, are you talking about an NDT type like Armour Thyroid or Nature Throid?  Also, what dosage of Levo were you taking?  What type of NDT and dosage are you currently taking.  Please also post your thyroid related test results from before and after the switch in meds.

We have had lots of members who have reported being happy with taking Levothyroxine, so I think it is important that you help us delve further into other possible causes for your problems, so that other members can benefit from that knowledge and not become unnecessarily alarmed from your description of Levothyroxine.  
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Avatar universal
That's your experience.  You can't generalize your own experience to other people.  Levothyroxine is not pure poison.  Some people are allergic or sensitive to some of the inactive ingredients in some of the tablets.  It sounds like that might have been your problem with it.  

I doubt VAERS will be interested since levo is not a vaccine.  
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Avatar universal
Levothyroxine is pure poison, my hair was falling out, felt tired all the time, muscle deterioration, choking sensation, nauseated within 3 hours of taking it, urgency to urinate, & at a force & extreme amount I've never experienced before. So I quit taking this medication & switched over to a glandular formula & I'm doing much better...hair growing thick & finger nails growing without ridges or splitting...that was a year ago, lost 6lbs too! Not everyone's bloodline is meant for this chemical, I can imagine what it's doing to other organs in people's body. If it makes you sick quit taking it, you don't need to feel sick, but this stuff will make you feel that way. I've reported it to VAERS.
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
"When we are so so reliant upon a medication and then suddenly it may be off the market, or in short supply, etc. it leaves a feeling of helplessness inside."  I've gone through this with my vitamin B12 - can't get by without those shots, but can't get the medication when I need it. Scary.
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Avatar universal
Sorry...
I was switched to another manufacturer a few weeks ago due to the current manufacturer not being able to meet supply needs.  I don't remember the name of the previous supplier.
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Avatar universal
I am on levothyroxine, 200mcg.  I was recently switched to an
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168348 tn?1379357075
Good points the posters above have made.  When we are so so reliant upon a medication and then suddenly it may be off the market, or in short supply, etc. it leaves a feeling of helplessness inside.  This is a great community to keep each other up to date on the latest happenings.

I take Synthroid name brand 112mcgs to survive (had a partial thyroidectomy and other side stopped working).  You would *think* they have this figured out (sigh).

C~
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Avatar universal
UPDATE:

Levoxyl is already unavailable in the pharmacies I contacted locally this morning.  Apparently, the recall went out to them a couple of weeks ago, and they had to return everything they had in stock.

If your script is for Levoxyl without substitute, be aware that you will have to get a new script from your doctor for a replacement before you can refill your script.

Replacement of choice for any doctor who likes brand names will probably be Synthroid.  Synthroid had some supply issues a few months ago, but is more available again.  One pharmacy told me that 200 mcg were not available and could not be ordered.  They seemed to think they could get everything else at the moment.

I'd be very surprised if this didn't cause shortages, so plan ahead and don't leave refilling your script for the last minute.    
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
Take a look at the question of the month thread.  I hope we'll get some good comments.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Thyroid-Disorders/Question-of-the-Month---April-2013/show/1925200
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
The announcement certainly looks authentic and from what I can find, the first announcement was made on Mar 25 and apparently, Levoxyl is the only med affected - at least right now.

I know we have some members on Levoxyl, so if you don't have a good supply, you might want to talk to your doctor about a replacement.
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168348 tn?1379357075
*or can* oops
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168348 tn?1379357075
If anyone hears more pecan confirm or disclaim that would be super to post.

C-
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926040 tn?1321497266
Would like to hear more about what others take and how they "like" or "dislike" it compared to Levoxyl.  My endo had me on levoxyl because we tried levotyroxine (generic) for a year after my TT and my levels were up and down the whole time.  (He says it's due to the various fillers used in the generic from the various makers).  Which means I need to look at another type of med all together.  (Armour, synthroid, etc,)

Have an apt. Thursday and just want to go in with more information to discuss how to handle this with him.  (Endo left town to practice elsewhere and has not been replaced, so now I'm left hoping my GP can get / keep me level without the levoxyl!)

Thanks a bunch!

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798555 tn?1292787551
I am surprised by the lack of comments here. Anyway it looks like its only the Levoxyl brand by Pfizer.

"The ATA has asked health care providers to consider the shortage in their practice patterns and plan for managing patients that are currently taking levothyroxine sodium (Levoxyl, Pfizer).

Last week, the ATA and drug manufacturer reported in a letter to health care providers and pharmacists that the manufacturer had halted shipping all strengths of the product as of February 13, 2013 and the backorder situation was currently being discussed with the FDA.

According to the latest letter to health care providers from King Pharmaceuticals LLC, a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc., a recall of levothyroxine sodium has begun at retail pharmacies due to complaints from pharmacists and patients of an “uncharacteristic odor” following the opening of some bottles. "
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Avatar universal
It looks like the real thing to me.  Thanks for the info, CC9.
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Avatar universal
Notice the date of this report.  April 1st.  April Fools Day.

I am suspicious of this as an April fools day prank.

But who knows.
Helpful - 0
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