lovoxyl vs synthroid

I have been hearing alot of negative things about generic synthroid. My sister in law has been taking synthroid for years and said that her pharmacy changed her to generic levoxyl and she has since had problems. I was changed from synthroid to levoxyl but was told it is not a generic it is another type of thyroid medicine. Just need clarification. Thanks

[stella5349]

Synthroid is the brand name and is used more frenquently in thyroid patients. Generic formula brand Levo is not as well balanced and can have flexibility with levels of meds and fillers that are added.

It is like buying Campbell's chicken soup - it tastes different than the store brand and different store brands taste different than others.

Same here. Stick to Campbell's and SYnthroid!! PAy the extra money - it's worth it.

[kipland]

I'm on Levoxyl as well - which is a name brand.  I know this, because my insurance doesn't cover it.  They cover the generic "levothyroxine".  It's quite a bit cheaper, but I refuse to take it as of now.  I just started on the Levoxyl in September, and have felt really good since I've been on it.  I don't even want to risk changing and feeling awful again.  I may try it in the future, but not right now.

I've read posts on here from people that take the generic with no problem.  I've also read that once you find one that works, do not switch.  I chose not to because like stella said, my feeling well is worth every extra penny.

[Thypatient]

Levoxyl is indeed a brand name levothyroxine, like Synthroid.  It's the only brand my insurance covers, that's why I take it.  It's works out best for me but the name has been a real pain.

Now, before leaving the pharmacy counter I have to take my med out of the bag, read it and make sure it says 'Levoxyl - 112 mcg.'  I do this because so far, and more than once, the pharmacy, my own dr’s office and the hospital have messed it up and given me a bottle of levothryoxine - the generic.  I’ve had to call the dr’s exchange on a Saturday afternoon because I had no pills left.

Recently, I had another surgery and last minute I put my med in my bag before going to the hosp.  Good thing, because the hosp staff there messed it up too.  A resident dr, when asking me about needing meds first thing in the morning mentioned that they would be giving me 'the brand Synthroid and not the generic Levoxyl.'  I said they're both brands and I take Levoxyl, not Synthroid.  She insisted that I meant to say I was on Synthroid.  I just blew off what she said and was happy I brought my own meds.  But then the nurse put me through the same thing.  Now it's 2:00am and she's telling me I can't take anything other than what they give me. I'm regarded as a pretty low-key person but I insisted that I would only take my own supply because I knew things would get messed up.  The nurse was a really sweet person but I could see she felt in a bind.  I somehow fell back to sleep feeling like…whatever.  Then at the next wake-up to get blood drawn, etc., the nurse said they called the surgeon and he called back and said it was okay for me to just take my own stuff.

Is your head spinning after reading this tale?  So is mine.  I've written to the Levoxyl people and told them all this.  I feel sorry for those, especially older folks, who might not notice any of this.

[pep88]

I had a conversation with the Pharmicist I go to (I really trust her) and I asked about the brand vs. the generic,as I'd done a lot of reading here about it and was a little concerned.  She said that that used to be true, that there were differences in the past.  But she was adament that now the generics are subject to the same stringent rules, regulations, and inspections by the FDA as the name brands and that there is absolutely no need for concern on this subject.  I've only ever been on Levothyoxine (granted, not for a long period of time... TT for cancer in sept '07) and I've never had any problems.  I'm sure people do respond differently do different "formulations" of meds, and I'm not going to say that it's not possible that you all have experienced problems in the past, but as far as the generics vs the brand, same formulation, I was told absolutely no difference.  

[authrjenn]

I just has a similiar conversation with my pharmasist as well. My take on it was this. The main properties might have to be the same gun as the real stuff, but the fillers is what boosts the drug. Those fillers do not have to be the same and that filler(s) influences how the drug works and who can take that form of the medication. Hope this helps.....