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.

[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.