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.

[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.

[SandiMcK]

I have been on synthroid for years & dr. orders regular blood tests to be sure dosage is right. My latest test indicated slight hypothyroid so she raised the dosage, but prescribed levothyroxine (generic for synthroid).  I came on here to see what everyone has to say about it.  From reading all the posts I am going to request the prescription be written for synthroid.  I do NOT want any generic.  It's so important to keep throid in balance and worth any extra cost.  

LEG PAIN...I have it badly, but have had 4 back surgeries and attributed the leg pain to my bad back...I figured it was the nerves in the bad back causing leg pain.  When I read about some of you with leg  pain & heaviness in the legs (I feel like I'm walking in wet cement & can hardly lift each leg to take a step) .... I am definitely going to try your idea of taking synthroid at night.  I've always taken it in the morning before eating or drinking anything (dr. recommended routine).   I'm anxious to see if taking it at night makes a difference.

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to post on here.....