synthroid vs. generic

[nothyroidboy]

Just a note to support all those who have warned against generic vs. name brand thyroxine. I posted here a couple weeks ago thinking my dosage was off only to find out the generic substitute was the culprit all along. Back on Synthroid and, most important, back to normal.

[Lou7777]

i have this problem and they will not relate it to the thyroid I have no idea of why drs cant listen to their patients but get a second opinion

[gimel]

Are you sure that your dosage is correct?  What symptoms do you have besides weight gain?  Please post your thyroid related test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report.  Also, if tested for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin, please post those as well.

[Tootsjps]

            I have been on Synthroid for 2 years now...forgot them when I went to DR, which was no problem but upon my return, I almost went nuts trying to get back on . Will NEVER do that again. I too, am sore all over but just thought this was normal for my age. (67)I take mine in the morning on an empty stomach and don't eat before noon. I am, however, considering taking them at night before bed now. My friend takes the same pill but with NO warning about food. ??? These comments are all so different but then I was told some people have a difficult time finding out what is good for them. I gained a lot of weight leading up to discovering my problem but now that I am taking that pill, I can' t seem to lose. What else is new?  Tootsjps

[karin1948]

One of the ingredients of Synthroid brand levothyroxine is acacia. Acacia is a family of shrubs and trees, and it is used as an ingredient in some medications to provide form and shape to tablets. Some people who have pollen allergies and hay fever -- especially to tree and grass pollens -- may also have an allergy to acacia, including when it's an ingredient in a medication. So, for some thyroid patients with allergies, taking Synthroid can cause allergic symptoms, including mood changes, runny nose, watery eyes, and congestion, among other symptoms.
Also contains lactose

[PatsyG35]

Who did you speak to at Caremark.  I had to argue with the pharmacist there to get the real deal that my doctor prescribed with no substitutions.
Am now on synthroid since levoyxl recall (1 month) and am feeling so much
better, no more exhaustion.

[SkepticOne]

Have u tried  prune  juice or has she taken magnesium supplemnts?

[michelle82554]

My daughter picked up her new RX a couple of weeks ago and didn't notice that it was generic levox vs. her normal synthroid.  I called the doctor once I saw that and asked if she was supposed to have the generic. He said no, but he forgot to mark the box that says "no generic"...at anyrate, she developed this intense facial rash this weekend - itchy bumpy face, neck and ears.  I am pretty sure it is the levox, as that is the only RX she is taking!  Thank God she has a new synthroid RX at the pharmacy!!  

[jws911]

The main problem with generics in the case of thyroid hormone replacement is the accuracv of the generic.  These drugs are measured in mcg - 1 millionth of a gram.  The generics can be quite inaccurate +/- 20 mcg.  Intolerable for most.

[jayr1961]

I have been on the generic for just over 4 months now, after switching doctors due to retirement from the military. My normal TSH measurement was in the 3-5 range, everything seemed fine, no hypo symptoms. Just had my TSH tested, its 350 now, and my cholesterol is very high as well, which is of course another symptom of the hypothyroidism, or is for me anyway. The doc wants to send me to an endocrinologist, but I'm going to insist on trying the synthroid again first as that seems to be the only thing that has changed. I'll let you all know

[ChitChatNine]

I agree with Barb above ... I'm not willing to risk the chance for generic.  Too many variables with this med that is hard enough to regulate w/o tossing generic fillers, etc., into the mix.

[Barb135]

That goes to show how different we all are.  I was on synthroid and didn't do well; went to generic levo and did better.  I'm now on Tirosint with additional T3 and doing best.

[AliasLKT]

I took the generic for 3 months, I couldn’t really tell a difference, 3 days ago I started taking the brand name Synthroid and my friend at work mentioned to me how energetic I seemed. She wondered what I was taking. I am convinced that the brand name works better. I feel better.

[camarocarol]

I tried name brand after being on generic since april 2011,i felt like crap,back on generic and feeling better..odd how differnt we are!

[donnadiane]

i am just beginning synthroid but I have have the variance issue with other drugs.  I recently was overdosed on a generic that I had been taking for over 30 years.  unbelieveable how things can change overnight.  My doc did not want to take me off my meds in fear that i would have a seizure.  my level was up 25% more than ever.  slightly above the norm scale but 25% up for MY norm.  I decreased my meds and took 2 on alternating days and 3 on opposing days to drain the excess out of my system.  It is working but it takes time.  this may be your doctors way of helping you get normal again without hurting you physically.  I noticed the dosages were lower.  trust him but clarify with him about it.  Good luck

[gimel]

I'd be more inclined to suspect that her thyroid meds and levels of thyroid hormones are inadequate, resulting in her remaining somewhat hypo, with resultant hypo symptoms that include constipation.  Does she exhibit any other hypo symptoms?  What thyroid tests are used to monitor her thyroid hormone levels?  What medication is she taking and how much daily?  If you will post her thyroid test results and their reference ranges shown on the lab report it will help members assess this possibility and advise further regarding the possible need for different tests and increased medication.

[lisai8190]

My daughter has been on levothyroxine for 2+ years.  Every 4-5 months she has an episode of suspected intestinal blockage.  She has severe abdominal pain either in her side or, more recently, just under her rib cage.  Four times we have had an xray done and been told there appears to be blockage.  Solution given: Miralax for 2 wks.  This, of course, creates loose somewhat unexpected bowel movements. I think the anxiety worrying about having an urgent bowel issue while at school or on the bus makes this solution a terrible one.  Should a 10yr old really need to take a softener so regularly? We have watched her diet and had her only eat soft foods to see if it helped. Did not.  
It has been suggested that the generic synthroid may be the culprit.
Thoughts? Can using generic synthroid cause intestinal blockage or gas?

[typet1]

I was put on generic and had many strong symptoms of hyper thyroidism occur.  Heat sensitive, nervousness,etc, increase pulse, trembleing.
Went back to synthroid and it was fine again.  My doctor said lots of trouble with generic l thyroxine

[curlz122]

i am really glad i found this board.  i am just about at my wits end.  i have been on so many different strengths of the levothyroxine that it has been ridiculous.  i asked my doctor to put me on armour thyroid, but there are so many issues with pharmacies keeping it in stock that she did not want to do that.  i remembered to ask her specifically to fill my prescription with actual synthroid as i remember feeling better on it.  i have been having having difficulty with balance mainly because of weakness in legs and just an overall sense of being off balance, especially in open spaces such as airports or just outside.  i even broke out in a very horrible rash on my chest.  i took my first dose of 100 mcg synthroid today and i am sure hoping to see a change for the better very soon.  

[nela75]

Does anyone know anything about eutyrox? They say it is the same thing as l-tyroxine. Thanks

[tarzana]

One and a half years ago, at 61 years old, I was started on generic levothyroxine 50 mcg.  Since then, I have had very loose BMs several times each day with occasional diarrhea.  For the first 61 years of my life I had one regular BM once a day or every other day and, if anything, tended toward occasional constipation.  I have never taken Synthroid, only the generic.  I recently had a colonoscopy, biopsy, blood work, and stool testing done by a Gastroenterologist and all tests were negative--not even any polyps found.  Has anyone else suffered from this problem with the generic?  If so, was the problem solved by switching to Synthroid?    

[Mary562]

I had been on Synthroid for 6-7 years 75mcg and the Dr switched me to
generic Levothroxine 3 days ago. I have felt nervous had trouble sleeping
and been cold. I am going back on Synthroid tommorrow.

[WTE]

Question....If I am currently taking Levothyroxine and I just recently found out that I am pregnant...do I necessarily have to change to Synthroid?  Prior to me getting pregnant, my doctor told me that I needed to let him know 6 months prior to me getting pregnant, so that he could switch me from Levothyroxine to the brand specific Synthroid.  I am just curious, if I am normal on Levothyroxine then why would I need to change.  I would assume he would just need to increase or decrease my dosage as my pregnancy progresses.  Let me know what you think.  Thanks!

[Cynnieb4]

I had some sorta weird rash while on levo. It was only on my legs. I was okay with synthroid, but when I ran out of samples they put me on generic. It didn't work so well lol! It couldve been a filler who knows:)

[Thypatient]

Welcome.  Glad you got a lot out of this thread.

Sounds like going back to the Synthroid might be something for you to work out with your dr.

I have read about the effectiveness of taking the med at night too.  That was an option my dr gave me but did caution that it needs to be taken on an empty stomach, several hours after eating.  So that's something to think about.  I found the idea of scheduling dinner in order to give time to take the med and get to bed at a reasonable hour too much, so I opted out.  However, each of us is different.

I hope you find what's best for you and that it works.

Good luck.