synthroid vs. levothyroxine

[clayescapes]

I have been taking levothyroxine for may years but recently heard that synthroid is the one medication that should not be taken in generic form. Is there any truth to this?
Thank You

[patient362]

From what I've learned, Synthroid (or other brand names of the levothyroxine, i.e. Levoxyl) will give you a consistency in recipe that the generic forms of levothyroxine might not.  The reason is that a pharmacy will get generic levothyroxine from whatever source it will be most economical and/or convenient to get.  Since these sources can vary, so can their recipes for levothyroxine.  A brand name will be the same exact pill every time.  The variation of a generic might not always be important, so this might not matter at all.  For instance, taking one round of an antibiotic wouldn't matter because it's only a one time thing.  I was told that since I need thyroid medication every day and need it to be the same, a brand name is better.  Than if something about my condition seems off my doctor can automatically rule out that variation factor.  I did have my thyroid removed though, so I'm sure that consisteny factor is even more important.  However, my husband has high blood pressure and take meds everyday but his dr said a generic is okay for that issue.  Obviously, a dr is the best person to determine which one is better for each situation.

Again, I'm only relaying what I've learned and am not an expert.

Hope you get more feedback.  Good luck.