I was taking Synthroid then my insurance decided that they wouldn't cover that drug anymore (only generic) unless the doctor did a lot of paperwork and showed that it was medically necessary. She decided to prescribe the Levothyroxin instead, and I have heard and read that there is a difference and Synthroid is really the only drug that should be given. I have felt very fatigued and just not "right" lately, and think it is the change in drugs. Anyone else have any experience in switching between the two? If it's all in my head I don't want to complain to the doctor and make her jump thru hoops for the insurance company. I fear this is just the beginning of insurance companies denying coverage for expensive brand names.
thanks.
How much difference-if any-is there between Synthroid and Levothyroxin? Are they interchangable?
- Posted:
- 3 May 2010 by jackiewright
- Topics:
- synthroid, hypothyroidism
Details:
Responses (10)
3 May 2010
I don't take thyroid replacement myself. I do know that levothyroxine is a fine drug to be on, but it is a slightly different formulation than synthroid. You may be feeling crummy because your TSH might have changed slightly, and your doctor might need to adjust your dose a bit to make sure you're back where you were before.
If you continue to feel "not right," however, maybe the synthroid formulation is better for you personally. I would talk with you doctor. Definitely don't feel guilty about asking her to jump through hoops. It is annoying, but unfortunately part of the job these days.
Good luck!
4 May 2010
I have been on synthroid for about 8 years. When I use the generic, my system is pretty messed up. I find I cannot use any generic, but the brand synthroid. Now I think I need T3's. Just had a full panel TSH blood work and will get the results either tomorrow or Thursday. I've been hearing wonderful review on Armour thyroid, a more natural medication that has T4, T3, T2 and T1. Depending on the results, I'm thinking of switching over.
vikki3
15 Jan 2011
It is not safe to stop using the medicine with out your doctor’s advice. It is a great possibility your legs pain was because you stopped using Levothyroxin.
Also you may experience water retention, syncope, and other health problems. If you stop your meds. Please refer to your doctor for consultation.
Sharon E
2 Feb 2011
Never, ever stop taking Thyroid Meds unless oked by your Dr. He/she may adjust them according to your lab tests, but you will be on them for life... Talk to your Dr if you think you are having a problem with your meds. Stoping can be very dangerous
Sharon E4 Sep 2010
My Endo just switched me from Levo to Synthroid, and told me it is like comparing apples to oranges. No Generics, he told me the generic versions can be different each refill depending on where the pharmacy gets it stock., and what fillers each company uses in there manufacture. Synthroid is ithe best as it is always the same. I was on Levo for 4 years and had problems with bouncing from high to low. Will know my next labs if I am doing better on Synthroid...
vikki3
15 Jan 2011
Yes, your lab test will show how you responding to Synthroid.
Sharon E
19 May 2011
I have been on synthroid for 6 months now and all seem to be well, I still have the flucation ups an downs but my Endo is on top of it, I have had my dosage increased 3 times 75 to 88 and now 100 and I have labs every 8 weeks. I do sometimes get hyper with palpatations, I go back in 2 weeks for labs again and will see where I am then so far the synthyroid is better than the Levo.
28 Apr 2011
I am in the same situation. I cannot afford the script synthroid. i have been on the levithyroxin for about 4years. it is making me sick as a dog. my whole body hurts, i feel like i am living in a fog. no energy. sweet cravings constantly. i am on my fourth day without it and i feel like a new person. i am seeing a new endo in a couple weeks to inquire about something else. i had my thyroid removed so i HAVE to take it and will start again tomorrow. just wanted to see how i felt without it. i was thinking i had a serious health issue i was feeling so bad. must be those pills because i feel great without them. i am hoping she can give me something else, i cannot live that way. all i do is lay on the couch, can't think, depressed, etc. all my blood tests for my tsh and t4 come back good, so my doctor says not much else i can do. there has to be something. i will post again once i see the new specialist!
Less Than...Anonymous 19 Sep 2011
yes, this is true about feeling crummy. My doc will only let me take synthorid. Von
1 Jan 2012
T 4-based medication must be taken at bedtime in order to receive the full strength. When taken at bedtime AND on the right dose it regulates: the circadian rhythm, relieves body aches, lethargy disappears, regulates BM, regulates menstrual cycle, less hair loss, dizziness disappears
I hope you find this information somewhat helpful.
Good luck with the Levothyroxine
rollerska...15 Jan 2012
I have my bottle of levothyroxin in hand. It is the generic for synthroid. You are correct that insurance companies do not want to pay for brand name drugs any more. My doctor wrote my script for synthroid. Because of insurance, the pharmacy dispensed levothyroxin.
I am noticing that there is a levothyroxine and a levothyroxin. Notice our generic for synthroid does't have the e on the end of the word. My levothyroxin is manufactured by Mylan.
My father has been taking hypothyroid medication for years. The generics did not work for him either. It is a trial and error situation. Look at it this way. Designer jeans are built for different body types. They do not fit everyone. The cheaper jeans fit some people but not others. That is the same with medications. We all have a slightly different chemical make up so medications affect each of us differently.
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Do you need a doctor's prescription for the Armour, like you do for Sythroid and Levo.? Where can I find out about it - I have actually heard of it but never paid attention to what I was hearing. I really think the generic is not working that well for me, but until I get lab work done there is nothing I can put my finger on to convince the doctor that it isn't working like the Sythroid. I get terrible fatigue, occasional anxiety, flushing (like hot flashes), and just don't feel good. Thanks for your response.
Yes, you do need a prescription. I got my test result and my Free t4 are high and free t3 are low. I really think I need some T3's. I have a followup with DR next Thursday where I will discuss results and see if he will prescribe Armour. Some DR do not like to do that. If he doesn't then, I will experience with Cytomel, which is synthetic formula for T3. Will let you know the results.
Keep me posted on what you find out. I don't have another lab and doctor apt scheduled till June, so by then maybe I will know enough to ask about switching to something else.
Thanks.
Hi Jackie, sorry to get back with you so late but I wanted to make sure I tried the Cytomel for a week before I make a judgement and give my experience. My PC started me with 5 mcg for once a day. With insurance it cost $25 for 60 tablets per month with 2 times daily... the doctor did this so that I could get more for the buck. On day 1 day 2, I followed the Dr advice and took only 1 (5mdg) a day and I was still crashing by 2PM. Day 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, I took it upon myself to take to take 2 daily (one with the 0.075 mg synthroid) in the AM and the 2nd dose at about 2PM. Still was very fatigue after 3PM.
Expand this post...
Today May 21 is actually my 8th day and decided to up my dose by taking 2 X 5 mcg = 10 mcg with the synthroid this morning. Surprising I was able to go thru this afternoon without crashing. I didn't even take a mid evening. The 10 mcg seemed to be enough for me at 1 time. However, this is just the first time I'm doing this, so I'll be doing this again tomorrow and report in another 2-3 day.
I do have more energy and I made sure to look out for heart palpitations (there was none so far). BTW, searching the Web, 0.075mg is equivalent to 75 mcg and cytomel dosage is for every 5mcg is equal to 20 mcg Synthroid since cytomel is 4 X potent. So by this calculation at 75 mcg synthroid I should be taking at least 15 mcg cytomel. If I find myself crashing after my body get used to 10mcg then I'll up my dose to 15 and probably split this with 10 AM and 5 PM. I'll be giving myself another week of experiment.
It really does help with the energy. Really hoping I will see some results of weight loss but right now is too soon to tell.