Euthyrox and Headaches: What Users Say

• joy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2021

For Underactive Thyroid "In November 2020, I was diagnosed with low thyroid. My doctor put me on levothyroxine 25 mcg. I also went to Walmart and they gave me Euthyrox. I started taking it on the 11th. After taking it for one week, I began having hip pains that radiated into my legs. My joints ached and burned. I had headaches, low energy, dizziness, confusion, and a foggy brain. I didn't want to move as it hurt. I am a retired nurse and knew the recent change was due to medication. I stopped taking it on the 19th of November. I went to the doctor's office and was told to stop taking it. By Thanksgiving, I was feeling better. It took a few weeks to feel normal again. I have been prescribed Synthroid today and going to try it. It is the brand name of levothyroxine. Hopefully, I can use it. They need to inform people about how dangerous this medication is. I will stop using Walmart. They told me I was sick with a virus and treated me like I was delusional or making it up. I hope they never experience the same as I did."

• NAa...
• September 8, 2020

For Underactive Thyroid "Walmart switched my levothyroxine to Euthyrox. The first day, I had a headache almost at migraine level. Within two weeks, my hair was falling out, insomnia every night. I have been on levothyroxine for 12 years with no issues. Do not take this medication."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2020

For Underactive Thyroid "Pharmacy gave me Euthyrox instead of Levothyroxine (generic). I didn't think it would make a difference, so I have been taking it for several months. Kept feeling worse but didn't connect it to the meds. To the point now I can barely function - arms hurt so bad, so tired I can hardly make it through my day, headache, etc. Called pharmacy to see why they switched it. She said, 'That is just what Walmart sends us. Lots of people have been complaining and switching back.' So, so am I! Hope I start feeling better soon. Shame on you, Walmart, for switching people's meds without a doctor's request!"

• Geo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2020

For Underactive Thyroid "Began taking in early June when Walmart pharmacy refilled my prescription, saying Euthyrox was their new generic and what I would be getting going forward. Within days of taking the first pill, I began to experience headaches that progressively increased in duration and frequency during the four months of taking Euthyrox. Then began the insomnia, tinnitus, heat intolerance, uncontrollable sweating, swelling in the face and eyelids, diarrhea, neck and shoulder pain, blurred vision, fatigue, occasional dizziness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, and brain fog. Stopped Euthyrox almost two weeks ago, and most symptoms have gone away except for headaches and neck pain. Definitely returning to the prior medication, this one was disabling."

• gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2020

For Underactive Thyroid "My pharmacy switched me to Euthyrox instead of levothyroxine. Then, four hours after taking the first one, I had a massive headache, didn't think anything of it. The second day, same thing, only this time it was odd, I rarely get headaches, so it worried me how severe it was. I called my pharmacist and asked if it was related, yes, it is. I couldn't even function, it was so bad. I demanded they switch it back. I then found out today that with my recent heart attack, I shouldn't have even been given this med! HORRIBLE stuff!"

• mls...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2019

For Hashimoto's disease "This drug is causing all kinds of awful issues. My hair is falling out, I'm completely exhausted, want to sleep all day/night, can't think straight, can't make it through my work day, loose stools, headaches, cold. Increased heart palpitations. I feel exactly as I did when I wasn't taking anything."

• Joy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2020

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Walmart switched me to this brand back in April. They assured me it was the exact same thing as the levothyroxine brand I was taking. I had just had labs done in March. Things were good. By early May my TSH had jumped to a 14 from a 0.40. I had fatigue to the point that I was bed-bound. Headaches, sleeplessness, rapid heart rate, sweats, memory issues. This medicine is a dangerous medication. My doctor had several other thyroid patients complain of the same medication after Walmart switched them. It is absolutely not the same as what I was taking. This medication will crash your labs and make you feel like the walking dead. It shouldn't be on the market."

• Bob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 22, 2020

For Underactive Thyroid "Walmart switched my levothyroxine medicine without doctor permission. I started taking Euthyrox in May, started having sharp pain, muscle spasm, headache, dry mouth etc. The pain became unbearable. Went to the doctor and had inflammation, high sodium, kidney function decrease, and pain all over. I couldn’t focus as I had brain fog. This medicine should not be sold. Walmart is trying to save a dollars while putting our lives at risk."

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2020

For Underactive Thyroid "I had my Levothyroxine prescription refilled at Walmart like 3 weeks ago, and they gave me Euthyrox, saying that it was a new presentation. They said they had changed the name, but it was the same medication. I’ve been having lots of headaches, itchy skin, dry mouth, and loss of focus. I thought I had an allergic reaction to something, but I haven’t changed anything-soap, detergent, lotion, anything. My husband told me it could be the new pills, and now that I read all the comments, I realized that is my problem."

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2020

For TSH Suppression "I was given Euthyrox 50 mcg by Walmart instead of my usual thyroid medication. My doctors did not request Euthyrox or that the medication should be changed. I have been taking Euthyrox for 3 months and have experienced hives/welts on my left neck hairline and lower back. I am also experiencing headaches that are different from other headaches, along with joint and back pain. I may be a coincidence, but have requested Walmart to refill to my original prescription."

• Bud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2020

For Underactive Thyroid "Very similar to other reviews offered. I was switched by Walmart to Euthyrox from Levothyroxine back in June. I didn't question the change (I should have and researched). I've had three primary side effects, which are sleeplessness, daily headaches, and weight gain (approximately 20 lbs in 5 months). I actually was issued Levothyroxine today as my refill. I had asked to speak with the pharmacist prior to noting the change back, so apparently Walmart got the message. When I got home, I decided to research and was somewhat relieved to read the other reviews. This is by far the worst medication I have ever taken."

• Akj...
• August 14, 2020

For Hashimoto's disease "Started this Euthyrox about a month ago after Walmart switched me to it. Since then, I’m having daily headaches, sometimes migraines, more hair loss, and fatigue. Called Walmart, and they switched me back to my previous manufacturer with no problem. This brand didn’t work for me."

• Sco...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2020

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I am so glad I came on here to look at reviews for this medication, Euthyrox. I have had horrible headaches, dry mouth, brain fog, dizziness, muscle pain, tinnitus, and neck aches. I went to see my ENT because I thought I had something seriously wrong with me. He is scheduling me to have a CAT scan done. I'm going to tell my endocrinologist about my issues with this medication. Getting off this one and see if my issues subside. I was on a different generic med, but Wal-Mart switched me to this one. Shame on them!"

• Mtn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2020

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "My pharmacy switched my prescription to Euthyrox from levothyroxine, which I had been taking for 3 years with no problem. I figured it was maybe due to a supply shortage. The first day I took it, I thought something was terribly wrong with me. I had stomach cramps, heart palpitations, and a bad headache. The second day was worse. When I went to the bathroom, I felt like electricity was going up and down through my body. And another headache. This lasted all day. I decided not to take it the 3rd morning (of course, it was the weekend). I called the pharmacy and they replaced it immediately with my previous medication."

• Mch...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2020

For Underactive Thyroid "I was switched from my levothyroxine a few months ago. There was a doctor's name associated with it that I have never seen or heard of. I was given Euthyrox, and I also fill my prescription at Walmart. For a while, I have felt awful. More headaches, tired, achy, mood drops, thirsty, and have to pee more. Probably because I drink so much water at work. I am always hot, especially at work. I have been thinking it was because of the mask I have to wear at work. We are not allowed to use indoor fans either, so I get overheated, sweaty, thirsty, and headaches. It's been a vicious circle of not feeling well."

• Pom...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 5, 2021

For Underactive Thyroid "Been on levo for 35 yrs. Started Euthyrox in May 2020 when Walmart changed meds. Pharmacist said it was the same thing, just a different manufacturer. Was fine for a while, then started feeling bad. Saw Dr in Dec 2020 for hives on my shoulders and forearms. Levels were slightly elevated but not enough for concern. Between Dec 2020 and Mar 2021, it all went south. Started having strange symptoms - sensitive skin from scalp to foot, itching, insomnia, palpitations, and weird headaches that seemed to come from nowhere, and then the rash started. Nothing put on topically helped. Changed detergent, lotion, and shower gel, and it got worse. Suspected the Euthyrox. On Mar 30, found these reviews that explained it all. Saw Dr the next day, said I was the 2nd person that day with the same problem. After doing research on my levels, in Mar 2020 my level was 3.5; in Mar 2021, the level was 23."

• Dee...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 9, 2020

For Hashimoto's disease "Nope. Euthyrox is not viable for Hashimoto's. I’ve asked for the pharmacist to continue dispensing the green generic tablets because of severe fatigue, headaches, weight gain, yada, yada, yada this medicine delivers. It looks like it may work for a couple of folks here but not the majority. Even if the pharmacist or doctor looks at you like you have no clue, every one of us realizes that fine line with levothyroxine. Even in ultra-low dosages, sensitive Hashimoto's patients know right away. I don't feel like garbage, so I pass."

• Ton...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2021

For Underactive Thyroid "Back in February, Wal-Mart switched my levothyroxine to Euthyrox. I really thought nothing much about it. After a few weeks, I was in the ER with tachycardia, high BP, bloating, and nausea. It occurred to me it could be the med change, but my levels were good, so I thought it was anxiety-related. I ended up a month later at the ER again for the same plus major digestive problems. I eventually talked to pharmacy about switching me back, they did, and I started to get better after a couple of months. Then, a week ago, I got the Euthyrox again and I thought it was probably just digestive problems and gave it another try. Well, all my problems are back: rapid heartbeat, headache, bloating, and nausea. I'm calling Walmart tomorrow as now I'm certain it's the Euthyrox. Walmart or the makers of this drug should have to pay all my medical bills from the last 6 months."

• Vee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 21, 2021

For Underactive Thyroid "Was on generic levothyroxine for several years, then last year got switched to Euthyrox. Almost immediately started feeling awful. Nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, brain fog. My doctor couldn't explain why I was having issues. Reading similar reviews makes me realize it's not just me. I will have to find a better alternative because I can't function like this."

• Jos...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 27, 2022

For Underactive Thyroid "My dad had his thyroid removed about 30 years ago due to having severe Graves' disease. He's taken a high dosage of levothyroxine (200 mcg 2x a day). We used to have his prescriptions filled elsewhere but switched to Wal-Mart. About 2 years ago, they switched his meds to Euthyrox. He had been able to function previously and walk. Once the Euthyrox was introduced, things changed drastically. He started having muscle issues in his back and neck, then his arms and legs. He gets severe headaches and dizziness. Has been hospitalized 3x since February 2022. We are now realizing when he was hospitalized, he indeed got better because he was getting actual levothyroxine and not Euthyrox. Now we have to go back to the doctor and have him send over either brand name or fill his prescriptions elsewhere. Wal-Mart seems to be the only factor in all of these stories."

• Dus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 10, 2022

For Underactive Thyroid "Euthyrox, this is an awful medicine. Firstly, I live in Europe, but in a country that is not in the EU, but in Southeast Balkans. Whatever, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in 2019 and was put on thyroid replacement drug, 25 mcg of levothyroxine, which in my country, N. Macedonia, you can only find under the brand Euthyrox by an American-German company, Merck. From the very first day, I had horrible side effects like skipping heartbeats, fainting, headaches, digestive problems, dizziness, sleepiness, blurry vision, brain fog, and general mood swings. I tried several times to stop this medicine, I felt great, but as the symptoms of Hashimoto's persisted, the doctors advised I keep taking. I got used to feeling like this, doctors raised my dosage with time from 25 mcg to 50 and then 75 mcg. Very often, when I take this pill in the morning, my libido, mood, and zest for life go from great to almost zero. I really hope I can find a source of supply of some other brand of levothyroxine to switch to."

• joy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2021

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been on thyroid medications (Synthroid and levothyroxine) for quite a few years with no problems and good results/bloodwork. Several months ago, Walmart Pharmacy placed me on Euthyrox, and it has been a downward spiral since that time. I began experiencing many symptoms that only continued to worsen over time: muscle aches, fatigue, brain fog, headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, weakness. It was relatively easy to tell myself I was depressed, I was working too hard, it was age-related (I am 74), and on and on. Finally, I went back to when my symptoms began and knew the only change in that period of time was my medication. Then I checked out patient reviews of Euthyrox and knew I was not alone, so why is this medication still being prescribed? I called my pharmacy to put me back on my levothyroxine and never substitute that medication with any other drug again. My following lab level also showed a decrease in my level. Why is it still out there?"

• Jen...
• July 12, 2021

For Underactive Thyroid "I noticed I was having severe night sweats, muscle weakness, itchy hands, but the worst was days-long migraines and cramps around my menstrual cycle. It wasn't until I realized that there may be an issue with my thyroid med, as it all started 2 1/2 months ago, right at the time of my last refill. I noticed it came in a box, and the pharmacy said it was the same thing. Went for my last test 3 weeks ago, and my TSH levels were severely elevated. The doctor thought I wasn't taking my medication. I told her I take it like clockwork every morning at 5 a.m. so as not to interfere with coffee or food. So she increased my dose. So glad I put 2 and 2 together. Walmart shouldn't do things like that with such a serious issue. This isn't the first time I've noticed an extreme difference, as I was having major headaches when they switched from Mylan. Can't believe they are still selling this if it almost acts like a placebo instead of actual medication."

• Ms ...
• July 15, 2021

For Underactive Thyroid "I’m so glad to know I’m not the only one! I’ve been on Unithroid for 2 years for hypothyroidism with no issues! Went to Walmart Pharmacy and was given Euthyrox. I have been taking it for 4 days, and I’m nauseous, no appetite, my body hurts, headache, and insomnia! What the heck! I called my doctor this morning, and he contacted the pharmacy to tell them to refill my Unithroid! I haven’t felt this sick in years."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 30, 2021

For Underactive Thyroid "I am certain that this medicine is harmful. I started taking it ten days ago. My doctor prescribed a lower dose of 112 mg instead of the 125 mg I have been taking. This is the tenth day of taking it, and I feel bad. I have been fatigued, sleeping ten hours, dull headaches, stomach pain. For the past four days, it feels as if I am sleepwalking through the day. I just called Walmart and asked them to replace it with Levothyroxine. They should stop selling this Euthyrox!!"