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Is there really a difference brand and generic
Okay Doc increased my synthyroid to 200mcg yesterday and when I went to pick up the medicine from CVS it read Levothroxine they said it is the generic of Synthyroid and I should not really feel a difference in the name brand and the generic. Has anyone else seen a difference, I do not need anymore problems . Any information is greatly appreciate. Thanks-Pam
There is a HUGE difference between levothyroxine and Synthroid. People who do not have thyroid difficulties (including Drs, nurses & pharmists) will tell you there is no difference.
I get stroke like symptoms with levothyroxin, I function properly on Synthroid!!! DEMAND SYNTHROID or take back your Rx and go elsewhere!!!
I get stroke like symptoms with levothyroxin, I function properly on Synthroid!!! DEMAND SYNTHROID or take back your Rx and go elsewhere!!!
There is a huge difference between generic and synthroid in price first off. My prescirption plan E scripts charges $20 for three month supply of generic and $70 for three month supply for synthroid. I cannot take generic because it does not work and I get side effects. Burns me up that I have to pay high price
I had my thyroid out via RAI. I've been taking Synthroid ever since. I also was getting a random sensitivity to seafood and my neck and throat would get bright red and I would get shaky. I wonder if it has something to do with the high iodine content. I also was continuing to have hypo symptoms even though my levels were fine. I added low dose of Cytomel seven weeks ago and I feel MUCH better. I have barely had any problems with seafood either. It seems that many people who've had their thyroids removed do better on a T4/T3 combo. You might give it a try if you still don't feel well!
I am with you. I was on Synthroid 15+ years also and decided in June of this year 2011 that I would switch. I developed a pain in my side along with the GI issues, tremors, nausea, sweating, and all of a sudden allergy to fish of any kind, omega 3 and wake up every morning stopped up and sneezing like there is no end. I would eat dozens of crab legs and catfish with no problems and then all of a sudden I cant tolerate it anything with fish. All of this is very abnormal for me. I switched to save 10.00 and I am going back to Synthroid and staying on it. I dont care what anybody says there is a great difference and people like us who have had thyroids removed and damaged parathyroids can tell the difference. Its the ones who dont have to go through what we go through that can bodly stand and say "there is no difference". We suffer everyday of our lives and struggle to always find normal. I wish so many times that I hadnt had the surgery to begin with but I did so now I really have to deal with this craziness for the rest of my life.
After being on Synthroid for 15+ years, I decided to buy the generic due to financial reasons. Well as I sit here writing this, I am sick as a dog. I've had nausea, GI problems, sweating, tremors, and anxiety. I thought I was just catching the flu or something but then I associated it to the Levothyroxine I've been taking (been on generic for a few days which is when symptoms started). Starting tomorrow, I'm back on my Synthroid (despite the additional cost). I never want to feel like this again. My father is on thyroid medication also and he said that this is "an allergic response" to something in generic (he's a physician also). I never, ever want to feel like this again.
The generic thyroxin here in Australia has "Sterate talc" in it as a 'filler' which doesnt agree with me.
I never take generic.
I never take generic.
if the prescribing doc doesn't want you on a generic, your script will have a " DAW " on it..dispense as written.you will get the brand meds....no matter what they may be :)
I took Synthroid then Armour for five years. I then stopped when I learned that these could rob my bones and I wanted no pork. I was off hypo meds for about 8 years. I was using only natural supplements and topical iodine (CHEAP!) on abdomen (a.m. and p.m.) for most of this time. This year at 62 I started taking 100 mg. Levothroxin again because my blood test showed my thyroid was too low. I do not feel any improvement and am still the same weight but I will continue to try to help my thyroid with this med. I believe the natural supplementation of iodine (also drops in liquids) , natural supplements and diet do far more good! I do take calcium, magnesium, and zinc liquid and capsules to help keep my bones and am thankful so far do not have any problems with them even though I had rickets as a baby and broken bones. I pray that my experience inspires you. Blessings~ Jayna
" When I met my new endo for the first time she saw that I had been taking Levothyroxine and she wrote on my script "No Substitutions!". Think she meant it. ;) "
My Mom used to do that with out family prescriptions way back and it worked. I think I'll do that if I finally get some medicine for my thyroid after diagnosis.
My Mom used to do that with out family prescriptions way back and it worked. I think I'll do that if I finally get some medicine for my thyroid after diagnosis.
I have been taking the generic levothyroxine for 8 years & have never had an increase in energy. I ask my physician appx 2 yrs ago to increase my dose & he increased the scrip from .25 to .50 to .75 to .88 & tested me every 6 wks until he settled on .50. Still no relief in the increased energy dept. So I went to an endro last Sept (09) & she tested the levels and kept me at .50, BUT SWITCHED ME from levothyroxine to synthroid brand. WHAT an amazing difference it has made in my energy level & life. And I have not been sick with sinus/allergy problems since Sept 09. I am usually sick with allergy/sinus problems from Oct through March, but not one sniffle, stuffed up nose or sinus problem since last Sept. I wonder if taking the levothyroxine caused allergy/sinus problems in me in addition to low energy levels. I am just very thankful that the endro switched me to brand name.
When diagnosed as hypothroid I asked my doctor to prescribe Armour, soley because my mother has the same condition and had experienced bad effects from generic and synthroid. Armour worked well for me (I felt better) and isn't very expensive. (I pay for prescriptions out of pocket.) Recently, I had to switch to Synthroid because the manufacturer for Armour was not able to produce the drug. Synthroid also worked well for me. However, when I recently had the prescription refilled I was given a generic brand, which was inexpensive. I took the medication for a week and felt horrible. So I took back my prescription and asked for Synthroid. Admittedly, it was about double the cost of the generic. But, I feel better. I just wanted to share my experience with trying three different types of hormone replacement. I'm not sure you *have* to say on any one replacement therapy, since two types have worked well for me, but there does seem to be some truth to the argument that there are 'fillers' that differ between the various brands and generics that affect the way you feel.
For those of you referencing "Fillers", you are right on the money. The active portion can only be derived synth'd or natural, period. The tricky part is what "FILLER" is used. That is generally what causes problems in all products coming into external and internal contact with the human animal. Think drugs, detergents, roll on sticks, shaving cream, perfume, look at the labels and you will see the percentage of inert versus active components is very lopsided. Unfortunately, everyone is wasting each others time bantering the generic word "generic". A "neutral" filler or anti-allergenic filler would be optimum, but alas, that would drive the price point past normal brand names. Different fillers have to be used to prevent lawsuits from the various companies holding patents, copyrights, trade secrets or whatever methodologies determined to protect their intellectual properties whether generic or brand name. Thats why even generic brands have grand names for the most part instead of the long formulaic name... based on my knowledge of the subject.
Not everyone reacts the same to generic. I have been on generic for the last 13yrs, Levothyroxine, NOT one problem for me. I started out on the name brand, then it was switched to generic, I did NOT notice a difference.
Everyone reacts differently, not everyone will have a problem with it....
Everyone reacts differently, not everyone will have a problem with it....
The Synthroid makes me sick to my stomach and I can't think straight. I was sure it was just me...After being on it for 3 weeks i had to switch to the generic, because that is why the pharmacy gave me when I handed them the prescription.
I did so much better on the generic! Yes! Ther is something in Synthroid that was making me feel odd.maybe it is too strong or I am allergic to the fillers. I thought I was imagining it. But as soon as I switched to the generic, my mind cleared, I had twice as much energy and was not sick to my stomach. On the Syn I was practically comatose by 11 am. I was stumbling around like a drunk person!
Just sayin...there are bad things about Synthroid too. My brother takes Synthroid and always has for 18 years.
he says start taking whatever works for you. And then stick to that.
The word generic gets a bad rap. Synthroid is the ORIGINAL generic. They put a special name on it but it is still Levothryoxine (generic.)
This hysteria is ridiculous.
And be careful about the labs that produce Synthroid as well and make sure you use the same lab. A lot of people get sick on Synthroid and have to switch to a generic or Levoxyl or Armour!
You need to use the same lab for the generic IF levo is working for you.
Our world is very complicated and even "brand names" can change from batch to batch or be contaminated. I never buy the brand name of allergy meds. It's stupid to pay more when you don't have to.
I did so much better on the generic! Yes! Ther is something in Synthroid that was making me feel odd.maybe it is too strong or I am allergic to the fillers. I thought I was imagining it. But as soon as I switched to the generic, my mind cleared, I had twice as much energy and was not sick to my stomach. On the Syn I was practically comatose by 11 am. I was stumbling around like a drunk person!
Just sayin...there are bad things about Synthroid too. My brother takes Synthroid and always has for 18 years.
he says start taking whatever works for you. And then stick to that.
The word generic gets a bad rap. Synthroid is the ORIGINAL generic. They put a special name on it but it is still Levothryoxine (generic.)
This hysteria is ridiculous.
And be careful about the labs that produce Synthroid as well and make sure you use the same lab. A lot of people get sick on Synthroid and have to switch to a generic or Levoxyl or Armour!
You need to use the same lab for the generic IF levo is working for you.
Our world is very complicated and even "brand names" can change from batch to batch or be contaminated. I never buy the brand name of allergy meds. It's stupid to pay more when you don't have to.
I have had my surgeon, my endo. and my regular doc. tell me that i should stick to the Synthroid and not change to a generic. i trust these men with my life. I had thyroid cancer and had my thyroid removed over a year ago. The reason they all have given me is the generics can be made by diff. manufactures and the pills can be off a little. Even on the FDA site it says that a generic Synthroid can be off by 12% and be ok. My levels have to stay the same and 12% is too much of a gap for me to try. BTW, my 12% number came from the FDA in a decision in 2004 on allowing generic Synthroid. i hope I helped a little.
forestdweller said that the doctors don't gain anything by pushing brandname t4 over generic. OH YES THEY DO, and it's not just samples to give to their patients! Those pretty little drug reps. and their big lobbying companies push all kinds of incentives/perks at the doctors to prescribe "their" drug. We really shouldn't fool ourselves here! Also, there is a proposed bill included in the propossed "Obamacare" health package,that is offered as a "payoff" for the massive lobbying group called PHARMA and other union groups associated with health care. These groups are supported by these big pharm. companies who "intise" your doctors to prescribe "their" drug. If passed, this will extend patents for an additional 5 years, extending them from 7 to 12 years! It really is all about the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
Synthroid on Wikipedia says in parens -- Levothryoxine. So synthroid is Levothryoxine. My husband takes generics of most of his cholesterol, blood pressure, heart meds, etc. I know a lot of people are freaked about generics but do not worry so much.
The truth:
When a med is first created it is expensive for the pharmaceutical company to make it and market. So they give it a "special name" like Synthroid. And it tends to be expensive to buy.
By the way Synthroid is only one of many names of Levothryoxine in different countries.
The patent on Levothyroxine (Synthroid) allows the company to use the name Synthroid for a certain number of years. It is not forever, and when the patent runs out, many more companies can then make and sell Levothryoxine as long as it is called Levothyroxine and labeled GENERIC.
Synthroid and L-thryroxine have fillers to make the tablet large enough to swallow. Sometimes the fillers can make a person allergic and not be able to take it or absorb it well. However the actual med inside the pill should be the same.
For example, Claritin used to be by prescription only. Now they are sold OTC and there are generics of these meds at a greatly reduced cost.
It is a big deal that the patent runs out and these meds can be sold as generics. The cost is very much less. it is worth it to try the generic and see if it works for YOU>
Can a generic to be of slightly different strength from company to company? Maybe. Even Synthroid could be "slightly" different from batch to batch.
Generics are NOT bad. They are good because they are cheaper.
I would NOT be afraid to be on L-thyro or to switch to save money. Stay on whatever is working for you! Millions of people take the L-thyro and never miss a beat.
Heck, you can always go back to whichever one works best for you. Don't get in a panic about this. And ask questions. My brother is a doctor and you would NOT believe how he blows my sisters and me off sometimes if we ask too many medical questions.
They are doctors and they are full of it. Sorry--but it's true, and you need to remind them they are still human!!! So ask whatever question you want.
The truth:
When a med is first created it is expensive for the pharmaceutical company to make it and market. So they give it a "special name" like Synthroid. And it tends to be expensive to buy.
By the way Synthroid is only one of many names of Levothryoxine in different countries.
The patent on Levothyroxine (Synthroid) allows the company to use the name Synthroid for a certain number of years. It is not forever, and when the patent runs out, many more companies can then make and sell Levothryoxine as long as it is called Levothyroxine and labeled GENERIC.
Synthroid and L-thryroxine have fillers to make the tablet large enough to swallow. Sometimes the fillers can make a person allergic and not be able to take it or absorb it well. However the actual med inside the pill should be the same.
For example, Claritin used to be by prescription only. Now they are sold OTC and there are generics of these meds at a greatly reduced cost.
It is a big deal that the patent runs out and these meds can be sold as generics. The cost is very much less. it is worth it to try the generic and see if it works for YOU>
Can a generic to be of slightly different strength from company to company? Maybe. Even Synthroid could be "slightly" different from batch to batch.
Generics are NOT bad. They are good because they are cheaper.
I would NOT be afraid to be on L-thyro or to switch to save money. Stay on whatever is working for you! Millions of people take the L-thyro and never miss a beat.
Heck, you can always go back to whichever one works best for you. Don't get in a panic about this. And ask questions. My brother is a doctor and you would NOT believe how he blows my sisters and me off sometimes if we ask too many medical questions.
They are doctors and they are full of it. Sorry--but it's true, and you need to remind them they are still human!!! So ask whatever question you want.
Yes it does matter because you may have generic and then the next time you go to
the pharmacy, it may be a different generic. Especially with cancer, it is best to stick with synthroid because they use the same ingredients each time. I know there is a debate, but I have read many sites that with cancer treatment, synthroid is the best.
the pharmacy, it may be a different generic. Especially with cancer, it is best to stick with synthroid because they use the same ingredients each time. I know there is a debate, but I have read many sites that with cancer treatment, synthroid is the best.
I am more confused by reading all this than ever. My Family Dr. had me on 25mcg of Levethoroxine then my Endo put me on 50 mcg of Synthroid but in parenthasis it says underneath the Synthroid (Levethroxine).
They say you should not switch but sounds like they are the same thing? I paid $10.00 for 30 Levethroxine 25mcg and now I pay $53.00 for Synthroid (Levethroxine) for 50mcg 100 pills. I am so confused????
They say you should not switch but sounds like they are the same thing? I paid $10.00 for 30 Levethroxine 25mcg and now I pay $53.00 for Synthroid (Levethroxine) for 50mcg 100 pills. I am so confused????
My understanding of the generic of any item is that the generic could have a possibility of not having a consistent quality that you could obtain from a brand name. I have asked my endocrinologist this exact question regarding the generic vs. synthroid because of the simple fact that its cheaper for me to be on the generic rather than synthroid according to my health insurance. My endo is adimant (sp?) about me taking nothing but the brand name. I was hoping he would let me take the generic because it definitely is cheaper on my health plan. Also, since the doc doesn't benefit finacially by making you take a generic vs. brand name I have to go with the professional and believe that if he things the consistency of synthroid is superior over the generic then I will go with it.
What did you mean saying that Levoxyl-is branded generic. My doctor just switched me from Shyntroid to Levoxyl and she said --it is just different brand name. Could you explain please what is the difference between brand name and brandes generic? Thank you very much. Sveta.
If it's unbranded levothyroxine generic it is not the same med every time. It is manufactured at several different labs. There are branded generics, like Levoxyl, that are cheaper than Synthroid. Levoxyl cost me about ten bucks I think... The next trip to the drugstore CVS may have a generic made at a different lab and be different. From Dr. Lupo:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Thyroid/messages/2390.html
It's not a matter of better, just like dac said, but consistency and the only road to consistency is to get it from the same lab each time.
That's my impression. Speak to your endo about it.
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Thyroid/messages/2390.html
It's not a matter of better, just like dac said, but consistency and the only road to consistency is to get it from the same lab each time.
That's my impression. Speak to your endo about it.
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