RE: Is Synthroid really superior???

[Guest guest]

Michele,

Unbeknownst to me, I was switched from Synthroid to Levoxyl at the pharmacy

level. After about 3 weeks, I felt awful (tired, run down, fatigue, muscle

cramps, you name it). I called my doctor and she, of course, wanted me to

have blood work. She also asked me to check my pill bottle. Sure enough,

there had been a change from Synthroid (which I had been adequately titrated)

to Levoxyl. My TSH was also high and we're just lucky that this didn't have

any effect on my TG. Everyone is different where there medicine is

concerned, so I'm not saying that you will definitely respond in this same

way. However, there is a very high potential for drug to drug difference in

therapeutic doses. If you switch, just make sure that your doctor is taking

frequent blood work in order to maintain proper titration.

Sincerely,

Audra

[Guest guest]

Michele,

Unbeknownst to me, I was switched from Synthroid to Levoxyl at the pharmacy

level. After about 3 weeks, I felt awful (tired, run down, fatigue, muscle

cramps, you name it). I called my doctor and she, of course, wanted me to

have blood work. She also asked me to check my pill bottle. Sure enough,

there had been a change from Synthroid (which I had been adequately titrated)

to Levoxyl. My TSH was also high and we're just lucky that this didn't have

any effect on my TG. Everyone is different where there medicine is

concerned, so I'm not saying that you will definitely respond in this same

way. However, there is a very high potential for drug to drug difference in

therapeutic doses. If you switch, just make sure that your doctor is taking

frequent blood work in order to maintain proper titration.

Sincerely,

Audra

[Guest guest]

Michele,

Unbeknownst to me, I was switched from Synthroid to Levoxyl at the pharmacy

level. After about 3 weeks, I felt awful (tired, run down, fatigue, muscle

cramps, you name it). I called my doctor and she, of course, wanted me to

have blood work. She also asked me to check my pill bottle. Sure enough,

there had been a change from Synthroid (which I had been adequately titrated)

to Levoxyl. My TSH was also high and we're just lucky that this didn't have

any effect on my TG. Everyone is different where there medicine is

concerned, so I'm not saying that you will definitely respond in this same

way. However, there is a very high potential for drug to drug difference in

therapeutic doses. If you switch, just make sure that your doctor is taking

frequent blood work in order to maintain proper titration.

Sincerely,

Audra

[Guest guest]

Michele:

You're asking a couple of different questions (if I understand what you

wrote).

First of all, levoxyl is NOT a generic form of levothyroxine. It's another

brand (like Unithroid and Synthroid). There has been some discussion (on

this list and elsewhere) that the manufacturers of Synthroid have kept their

prices artificially high over many years (so just because a drug costs more

than another one doesn't mean that it's automatically better or more

effective).

Second, regarding the use of generics: my endo told me early on (3 1/2 years

ago) to stay away from generic drugs (even if the pharmacist wanted to

substitute a generic drug for one of the name brands). He informed me that

generics (unlike the brand-name drugs) can have as much as a ten or twenty

percent variance in potency (that is, a 150 mcg dose could be " off " as much

as 30 mcg from bottle to bottle!). Obviously, receiving a consistent and

accurate dose is very important; thus, he steered me away from generics.

When it comes to being accurately dosed and suppressed, it's not worth

saving the money (with a generic) and then not knowing whether the drug's

doing the job.

Peace,

Doug

north of Boston

dx pap. thyca 2/98; TT 3/98, RAI (150 mCi) 4/98, 29 EBR to trachea

8/98; right neck dissection 7/99; left neck dissection 1/01

> Is Synthroid really superior???

>

> Hi thyca buds,

>

> I haven't posted in a while, I have a question regarding meds. To

> make a long story short. The doc said I could switch to levoxyl and

> when I went to pick up the generic for synthroid the pharmacist told

> me to stick to synthroid and that it is the better drug. I am

> confused about this. I have already switched to levoxyl 10$ a month

> is much better than $30 since my medication list keeps on growing and

> growing.

>

> How many of you have switched from brand to generic? Have you noticed

> any difference? Is there anything else I should know?

>

> Thanks as always for the help

>

> Michele

> 28 from CT

> dx pap./foll. var.

> pt 5/1/00

> tt 5/8/00

> clean scan on 6/15/01!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>

>

> For more information regarding thyroid cancer visit www.thyca.org. If you

> do not wish to belong to this group, you may UNSUBSCRIBE by sending a

> blank email to thyca-unsubscribe

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Michele:

You're asking a couple of different questions (if I understand what you

wrote).

First of all, levoxyl is NOT a generic form of levothyroxine. It's another

brand (like Unithroid and Synthroid). There has been some discussion (on

this list and elsewhere) that the manufacturers of Synthroid have kept their

prices artificially high over many years (so just because a drug costs more

than another one doesn't mean that it's automatically better or more

effective).

Second, regarding the use of generics: my endo told me early on (3 1/2 years

ago) to stay away from generic drugs (even if the pharmacist wanted to

substitute a generic drug for one of the name brands). He informed me that

generics (unlike the brand-name drugs) can have as much as a ten or twenty

percent variance in potency (that is, a 150 mcg dose could be " off " as much

as 30 mcg from bottle to bottle!). Obviously, receiving a consistent and

accurate dose is very important; thus, he steered me away from generics.

When it comes to being accurately dosed and suppressed, it's not worth

saving the money (with a generic) and then not knowing whether the drug's

doing the job.

Peace,

Doug

north of Boston

dx pap. thyca 2/98; TT 3/98, RAI (150 mCi) 4/98, 29 EBR to trachea

8/98; right neck dissection 7/99; left neck dissection 1/01

> Is Synthroid really superior???

>

> Hi thyca buds,

>

> I haven't posted in a while, I have a question regarding meds. To

> make a long story short. The doc said I could switch to levoxyl and

> when I went to pick up the generic for synthroid the pharmacist told

> me to stick to synthroid and that it is the better drug. I am

> confused about this. I have already switched to levoxyl 10$ a month

> is much better than $30 since my medication list keeps on growing and

> growing.

>

> How many of you have switched from brand to generic? Have you noticed

> any difference? Is there anything else I should know?

>

> Thanks as always for the help

>

> Michele

> 28 from CT

> dx pap./foll. var.

> pt 5/1/00

> tt 5/8/00

> clean scan on 6/15/01!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>

>

> For more information regarding thyroid cancer visit www.thyca.org. If you

> do not wish to belong to this group, you may UNSUBSCRIBE by sending a

> blank email to thyca-unsubscribe

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Michele:

You're asking a couple of different questions (if I understand what you

wrote).

First of all, levoxyl is NOT a generic form of levothyroxine. It's another

brand (like Unithroid and Synthroid). There has been some discussion (on

this list and elsewhere) that the manufacturers of Synthroid have kept their

prices artificially high over many years (so just because a drug costs more

than another one doesn't mean that it's automatically better or more

effective).

Second, regarding the use of generics: my endo told me early on (3 1/2 years

ago) to stay away from generic drugs (even if the pharmacist wanted to

substitute a generic drug for one of the name brands). He informed me that

generics (unlike the brand-name drugs) can have as much as a ten or twenty

percent variance in potency (that is, a 150 mcg dose could be " off " as much

as 30 mcg from bottle to bottle!). Obviously, receiving a consistent and

accurate dose is very important; thus, he steered me away from generics.

When it comes to being accurately dosed and suppressed, it's not worth

saving the money (with a generic) and then not knowing whether the drug's

doing the job.

Peace,

Doug

north of Boston

dx pap. thyca 2/98; TT 3/98, RAI (150 mCi) 4/98, 29 EBR to trachea

8/98; right neck dissection 7/99; left neck dissection 1/01

> Is Synthroid really superior???

>

> Hi thyca buds,

>

> I haven't posted in a while, I have a question regarding meds. To

> make a long story short. The doc said I could switch to levoxyl and

> when I went to pick up the generic for synthroid the pharmacist told

> me to stick to synthroid and that it is the better drug. I am

> confused about this. I have already switched to levoxyl 10$ a month

> is much better than $30 since my medication list keeps on growing and

> growing.

>

> How many of you have switched from brand to generic? Have you noticed

> any difference? Is there anything else I should know?

>

> Thanks as always for the help

>

> Michele

> 28 from CT

> dx pap./foll. var.

> pt 5/1/00

> tt 5/8/00

> clean scan on 6/15/01!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>

>

> For more information regarding thyroid cancer visit www.thyca.org. If you

> do not wish to belong to this group, you may UNSUBSCRIBE by sending a

> blank email to thyca-unsubscribe

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

My doctor will NOT let me take generic Synthroid AT ALL!

[Guest guest]

My doctor will NOT let me take generic Synthroid AT ALL!

[Guest guest]

My doctor will NOT let me take generic Synthroid AT ALL!

[Guest guest]

Hi again,

So lemme get what you're saying......Levoxyl is not a generic

therefore it should be alright???? I guess I got confused beacuse

Levoxyl is priced like a generic in my ins co's formulary. I

shouldn't have any of the potency problems that you suggested

generics beaucse I am still taking a brand name. I certianly

understand us thycans shouldn't be messing with unstable thyroid

drugs. I haven't taken any chances yet with any of this so it is good

to know that I am not compromising my well being.

Thanks!!!!

Michele

> Michele:

First of all, levoxyl is NOT a generic form of levothyroxine. It's

another

brand (like Unithroid and Synthroid).

Second, regarding the use of generics: my endo told me early on (3

1/2 years ago) to stay away from generic drugs (even if the

pharmacist wanted to

substitute a generic drug for one of the name brands). He informed

me that generics (unlike the brand-name drugs) can have as much as a

ten or twenty percent variance in potency (that is, a 150 mcg dose

could be " off " as much as 30 mcg from bottle to bottle!). Obviously,

receiving a consistent and accurate dose is very important; thus, he

steered me away from generics. When it comes to being accurately

dosed and suppressed, it's not worth saving the money (with a

generic) and then not knowing whether the drug's doing the job.

Peace, Doug

I haven't posted in a while, I have a question regarding meds. To

make a long story short. The doc said I could switch to levoxyl and

when I went to pick up the generic for synthroid the pharmacist told

me to stick to synthroid and that it is the better drug. I am

confused about this. I have already switched to levoxyl 10$ a month

is much better than $30 since my medication list keeps on growing and

growing.

How many of you have switched from brand to generic? Have you noticed

any difference? Is there anything else I should know?

Thanks as always for the help

Michele

[Guest guest]

Hi again,

So lemme get what you're saying......Levoxyl is not a generic

therefore it should be alright???? I guess I got confused beacuse

Levoxyl is priced like a generic in my ins co's formulary. I

shouldn't have any of the potency problems that you suggested

generics beaucse I am still taking a brand name. I certianly

understand us thycans shouldn't be messing with unstable thyroid

drugs. I haven't taken any chances yet with any of this so it is good

to know that I am not compromising my well being.

Thanks!!!!

Michele

> Michele:

First of all, levoxyl is NOT a generic form of levothyroxine. It's

another

brand (like Unithroid and Synthroid).

Second, regarding the use of generics: my endo told me early on (3

1/2 years ago) to stay away from generic drugs (even if the

pharmacist wanted to

substitute a generic drug for one of the name brands). He informed

me that generics (unlike the brand-name drugs) can have as much as a

ten or twenty percent variance in potency (that is, a 150 mcg dose

could be " off " as much as 30 mcg from bottle to bottle!). Obviously,

receiving a consistent and accurate dose is very important; thus, he

steered me away from generics. When it comes to being accurately

dosed and suppressed, it's not worth saving the money (with a

generic) and then not knowing whether the drug's doing the job.

Peace, Doug

I haven't posted in a while, I have a question regarding meds. To

make a long story short. The doc said I could switch to levoxyl and

when I went to pick up the generic for synthroid the pharmacist told

me to stick to synthroid and that it is the better drug. I am

confused about this. I have already switched to levoxyl 10$ a month

is much better than $30 since my medication list keeps on growing and

growing.

How many of you have switched from brand to generic? Have you noticed

any difference? Is there anything else I should know?

Thanks as always for the help

Michele

[Guest guest]

Hi Michele:

Just to be clear on this..... Yes, you are right. Levoxyl is not a generic

(even if it is priced like one); it's the drug that my endo's put me on.

But you should make sure that your pharmacist knows NOT to substitute a

generic (that happens at some drug stores if you're not on top of things). I

spoke with my pharmacist early on, and he knows that I can't have a generic

substitute when it comes to levothyroxine.

Peace,

Doug

north of Boston

dx pap. thyca 2/98; TT 3/98, RAI (150 mCi) 4/98, 29 EBR to trachea

8/98; right neck dissection 7/99; left neck dissection 1/01

> Re: Is Synthroid really superior???

>

> Hi again,

>

> So lemme get what you're saying......Levoxyl is not a generic

> therefore it should be alright???? I guess I got confused beacuse

> Levoxyl is priced like a generic in my ins co's formulary. I

> shouldn't have any of the potency problems that you suggested

> generics beaucse I am still taking a brand name. I certianly

> understand us thycans shouldn't be messing with unstable thyroid

> drugs. I haven't taken any chances yet with any of this so it is good

> to know that I am not compromising my well being.

> Thanks!!!!

>

> Michele

[Guest guest]

I don't know if Synthroid is superior but I do know that I get horrible

headaches on Levoxyl. Once it got substituted for Synthroid so I thought to

try it since it was cheaper. No way can I use that stuff.

Re: Is Synthroid really superior???

> >

> > Hi again,

> >

> > So lemme get what you're saying......Levoxyl is not a generic

> > therefore it should be alright???? I guess I got confused beacuse

> > Levoxyl is priced like a generic in my ins co's formulary. I

> > shouldn't have any of the potency problems that you suggested

> > generics beaucse I am still taking a brand name. I certianly

> > understand us thycans shouldn't be messing with unstable thyroid

> > drugs. I haven't taken any chances yet with any of this so it is good

> > to know that I am not compromising my well being.

> > Thanks!!!!

> >

> > Michele

>

>

> For more information regarding thyroid cancer visit www.thyca.org. If you

do not wish to belong to this group, you may UNSUBSCRIBE by sending a blank

email to thyca-unsubscribe

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I don't know if Synthroid is superior but I do know that I get horrible

headaches on Levoxyl. Once it got substituted for Synthroid so I thought to

try it since it was cheaper. No way can I use that stuff.

Re: Is Synthroid really superior???

> >

> > Hi again,

> >

> > So lemme get what you're saying......Levoxyl is not a generic

> > therefore it should be alright???? I guess I got confused beacuse

> > Levoxyl is priced like a generic in my ins co's formulary. I

> > shouldn't have any of the potency problems that you suggested

> > generics beaucse I am still taking a brand name. I certianly

> > understand us thycans shouldn't be messing with unstable thyroid

> > drugs. I haven't taken any chances yet with any of this so it is good

> > to know that I am not compromising my well being.

> > Thanks!!!!

> >

> > Michele

>

>

> For more information regarding thyroid cancer visit www.thyca.org. If you

do not wish to belong to this group, you may UNSUBSCRIBE by sending a blank

email to thyca-unsubscribe

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I don't know if Synthroid is superior but I do know that I get horrible

headaches on Levoxyl. Once it got substituted for Synthroid so I thought to

try it since it was cheaper. No way can I use that stuff.

Re: Is Synthroid really superior???

> >

> > Hi again,

> >

> > So lemme get what you're saying......Levoxyl is not a generic

> > therefore it should be alright???? I guess I got confused beacuse

> > Levoxyl is priced like a generic in my ins co's formulary. I

> > shouldn't have any of the potency problems that you suggested

> > generics beaucse I am still taking a brand name. I certianly

> > understand us thycans shouldn't be messing with unstable thyroid

> > drugs. I haven't taken any chances yet with any of this so it is good

> > to know that I am not compromising my well being.

> > Thanks!!!!

> >

> > Michele

>

>

> For more information regarding thyroid cancer visit www.thyca.org. If you

do not wish to belong to this group, you may UNSUBSCRIBE by sending a blank

email to thyca-unsubscribe

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Li and all who have responded to this inquiry so far.

In four days I will be changing from Synthroid to Levoxyl after 36 years

on Synthroid. I will be having a TSH on September 14th. So, I'll let you

know how it goes for me. It is my understanding that Levoxyl is a Brand

Name levothyroxine sodium as Doug has said. One pharmacy tried to tell me

that it was a generic. I didn't get it filled there. The manufacturer is

s Pharmaceuticals. Also on the bottle is JP-. St. sburg,

Fl.

My pharmacist whom I trust, told me that studies were done to determine

the difference if any, between Levoxyl & Synthroid and the two were found

to be identical.

I'm just a wee bit nervous in changing, but the price is so much better

that if Levoxyl works for me, I'll be as happy as a termite in a yo-yo. I

think we've been paying too much for Synthroid for too many years.

Li, I hope it doesn't give me headaches--I've purchased 100 so I could

have the original, unopened container.

TT 1965

RAI 1982

HPTH

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Li and all who have responded to this inquiry so far.

In four days I will be changing from Synthroid to Levoxyl after 36 years

on Synthroid. I will be having a TSH on September 14th. So, I'll let you

know how it goes for me. It is my understanding that Levoxyl is a Brand

Name levothyroxine sodium as Doug has said. One pharmacy tried to tell me

that it was a generic. I didn't get it filled there. The manufacturer is

s Pharmaceuticals. Also on the bottle is JP-. St. sburg,

Fl.

My pharmacist whom I trust, told me that studies were done to determine

the difference if any, between Levoxyl & Synthroid and the two were found

to be identical.

I'm just a wee bit nervous in changing, but the price is so much better

that if Levoxyl works for me, I'll be as happy as a termite in a yo-yo. I

think we've been paying too much for Synthroid for too many years.

Li, I hope it doesn't give me headaches--I've purchased 100 so I could

have the original, unopened container.

TT 1965

RAI 1982

HPTH

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Michele,

Levoxyl is NOT a generic drug!

Sue

--- mdmt1@... wrote:

> Hi thyca buds,

>

> I haven't posted in a while, I have a question

> regarding meds. To

> make a long story short. The doc said I could switch

> to levoxyl and

> when I went to pick up the generic for synthroid the

> pharmacist told

> me to stick to synthroid and that it is the better

> drug. I am

> confused about this. I have already switched to

> levoxyl 10$ a month

> is much better than $30 since my medication list

> keeps on growing and

> growing.

>

> How many of you have switched from brand to generic?

> Have you noticed

> any difference? Is there anything else I should

> know?

>

> Thanks as always for the help

>

> Michele

> 28 from CT

> dx pap./foll. var.

> pt 5/1/00

> tt 5/8/00

> clean scan on 6/15/01!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Michele,

Levoxyl is NOT a generic drug!

Sue

--- mdmt1@... wrote:

> Hi thyca buds,

>

> I haven't posted in a while, I have a question

> regarding meds. To

> make a long story short. The doc said I could switch

> to levoxyl and

> when I went to pick up the generic for synthroid the

> pharmacist told

> me to stick to synthroid and that it is the better

> drug. I am

> confused about this. I have already switched to

> levoxyl 10$ a month

> is much better than $30 since my medication list

> keeps on growing and

> growing.

>

> How many of you have switched from brand to generic?

> Have you noticed

> any difference? Is there anything else I should

> know?

>

> Thanks as always for the help

>

> Michele

> 28 from CT

> dx pap./foll. var.

> pt 5/1/00

> tt 5/8/00

> clean scan on 6/15/01!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Michele,

Levoxyl is NOT a generic drug!

Sue

--- mdmt1@... wrote:

> Hi thyca buds,

>

> I haven't posted in a while, I have a question

> regarding meds. To

> make a long story short. The doc said I could switch

> to levoxyl and

> when I went to pick up the generic for synthroid the

> pharmacist told

> me to stick to synthroid and that it is the better

> drug. I am

> confused about this. I have already switched to

> levoxyl 10$ a month

> is much better than $30 since my medication list

> keeps on growing and

> growing.

>

> How many of you have switched from brand to generic?

> Have you noticed

> any difference? Is there anything else I should

> know?

>

> Thanks as always for the help

>

> Michele

> 28 from CT

> dx pap./foll. var.

> pt 5/1/00

> tt 5/8/00

> clean scan on 6/15/01!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

mdmt1@... says:

> How many of you have switched from brand to generic? Have you noticed

> any difference? Is there anything else I should know?

Michele,

Generics work fine for lots of people. In fact, some people feel

better on Levoxyl than Synthroid. Some do better on one particular

brand, and it's not necessarily the most expensive one that works best

for you. You'll just have to try it for 8 weeks or so and see; if you

don't notice any difference, buy the cheaper one!

ellen

--

mailto:ellen@...

[Guest guest]

mdmt1@... says:

> How many of you have switched from brand to generic? Have you noticed

> any difference? Is there anything else I should know?

Michele,

Generics work fine for lots of people. In fact, some people feel

better on Levoxyl than Synthroid. Some do better on one particular

brand, and it's not necessarily the most expensive one that works best

for you. You'll just have to try it for 8 weeks or so and see; if you

don't notice any difference, buy the cheaper one!

ellen

--

mailto:ellen@...

[Guest guest]

mdmt1@... says:

> How many of you have switched from brand to generic? Have you noticed

> any difference? Is there anything else I should know?

Michele,

Generics work fine for lots of people. In fact, some people feel

better on Levoxyl than Synthroid. Some do better on one particular

brand, and it's not necessarily the most expensive one that works best

for you. You'll just have to try it for 8 weeks or so and see; if you

don't notice any difference, buy the cheaper one!

ellen

--

mailto:ellen@...

[Guest guest]

Hi again,

Should have read all posts b4 I posted... sorry

Michele, appears your questions have been answered....

again, sorry,

Sue

--- Sue Ramsdell wrote:

> Hi Michele,

> Levoxyl is NOT a generic drug!

> Sue

> --- mdmt1@... wrote:

> > Hi thyca buds,

> >

> > I haven't posted in a while, I have a question

> > regarding meds. To

> > make a long story short. The doc said I could

> switch

> > to levoxyl and

> > when I went to pick up the generic for synthroid

> the

> > pharmacist told

> > me to stick to synthroid and that it is the better

> > drug. I am

> > confused about this. I have already switched to

> > levoxyl 10$ a month

> > is much better than $30 since my medication list

> > keeps on growing and

> > growing.

> >

> > How many of you have switched from brand to

> generic?

> > Have you noticed

> > any difference? Is there anything else I should

> > know?

> >

> > Thanks as always for the help

> >

> > Michele

> > 28 from CT

> > dx pap./foll. var.

> > pt 5/1/00

> > tt 5/8/00

> > clean scan on 6/15/01!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

> >

> >

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hi again,

Should have read all posts b4 I posted... sorry

Michele, appears your questions have been answered....

again, sorry,

Sue

--- Sue Ramsdell wrote:

> Hi Michele,

> Levoxyl is NOT a generic drug!

> Sue

> --- mdmt1@... wrote:

> > Hi thyca buds,

> >

> > I haven't posted in a while, I have a question

> > regarding meds. To

> > make a long story short. The doc said I could

> switch

> > to levoxyl and

> > when I went to pick up the generic for synthroid

> the

> > pharmacist told

> > me to stick to synthroid and that it is the better

> > drug. I am

> > confused about this. I have already switched to

> > levoxyl 10$ a month

> > is much better than $30 since my medication list

> > keeps on growing and

> > growing.

> >

> > How many of you have switched from brand to

> generic?

> > Have you noticed

> > any difference? Is there anything else I should

> > know?

> >

> > Thanks as always for the help

> >

> > Michele

> > 28 from CT

> > dx pap./foll. var.

> > pt 5/1/00

> > tt 5/8/00

> > clean scan on 6/15/01!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

> >

> >

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>