Synthetic vs. real thyroid meds???

[lowie]

I'm pretty sure many of you here have thyroid issues so i hope someone can help me.
My thyroid is totally out of whack, i've been on meds for over 5 years, sythroid 137/150. lately, i can hardly stay awake past 9 pm, i have no libido, i'm gaining weight, i can FEEL my thyroid is swollen and it's getting in the way of swallowing, also I had a recent blood test and my levels are over the high range and that's with taking my meds religiously and as directed. If I up the dose of synthroid i get terrible dizzy spells and heart palpitations.
I'm going to ask my doc about switching to real thyroid and want to know what others have experienced, good and bad.
Thanks!

 

[lindakmonty]

I had similar problems and my Dr. switched me to real synthroid and I also ended up having a cyst on my thyroid. They did a biopsy a few times and took out the fluid and that really helped relieve the pressure in my throat! Good luck and I would get in to your dr. I go to an ENT for my thyroid.

 

[lowie]

I had similar problems and my Dr. switched me to real synthroid and I also ended up having a cyst on my thyroid. They did a biopsy a few times and took out the fluid and that really helped relieve the pressure in my throat! Good luck and I would get in to your dr. I go to an ENT for my thyroid.

thanks for the reply. i do see an endocrinologist, i have an appt next week.. now that you mention it, after they did a biopsy on my thyroid last time it felt like the pressure went away a little.. and as much as i HATED that biopsy i'd do it again if i meant i'd be able to swallow without feeling like things are getting stuck

 

[hiwaygal]

Are you sure you are getting the EXACT same brand of thyroid meds every time you get a refill from the pharmacy?

My pharmacy likes to give me generics, but I started on the brand name and it's important to stick with the SAME brand (all generics, at least for this particular med, are NOT created equal).

 

[lowie]

Are you sure you are getting the EXACT same brand of thyroid meds every time you get a refill from the pharmacy?

My pharmacy likes to give me generics, but I started on the brand name and it's important to stick with the SAME brand (all generics, at least for this particular med, are NOT created equal).

good question, the answer is yes. i take name brand synthroid every single time.

 

[Laurajean1014]

Just went to my ENDO and he yelled at me for taking generics. So, I am now on .125 Synthroid each day. I feel great. I prefer Synthroid over the generics. No complications here.

What maybe happening to you is: the generics have a less stablization. Meaning: some generics can range from .125 to .150 per pill. However, Synthoid is mandatory on keeping the drug the exact dosage pill for pill. Therefore, if you go on Sythoid, you may need a slightly lower dosage.

Good luck to you.

 

[hiwaygal]

good question, the answer is yes. i take name brand synthroid every single time.

Let us know if the "real" works better for you than the synthetic. I, for one, would LOVE to feel human again (but, alas, my "numbers" are fine).

 

[lowie]

Just went to my ENDO and he yelled at me for taking generics. So, I am now on .125 Synthroid each day. I feel great. I prefer Synthroid over the generics. No complications here.

What maybe happening to you is: the generics have a less stablization. Meaning: some generics can range from .125 to .150 per pill. However, Synthoid is mandatory on keeping the drug the exact dosage pill for pill. Therefore, if you go on Sythoid, you may need a slightly lower dosage.

Good luck to you.

i am taking the name brand synthroid, i have since i was diagnosed.

 

[lisajl]

Is levoxyl generic? My numbers are "fine" according to the doctor, but I am getting tired again, no interest in my poor Dh and thought it was just that I was tired.

 

[hiwaygal]

Is levoxyl generic? My numbers are "fine" according to the doctor, but I am getting tired again, no interest in my poor Dh and thought it was just that I was tired.

No, it's not a generic...just a different brand.

 

[Nevergrow'nup]

I have been on an ever changing doese since last August. In August I went from 25 mcgs to 40 mcgs (1 1/2 tab) then they put me on 1 1/2 and every few days, take 2. In November, bloodwork told me to go back to 1 tab.!!
March told me 2 tablets or 50 mcgs. Just had it done again and now I am on 75 mcgs. Not quite sure what is up. I believe I am on the generic type so when I go to the Doctor in August for my yearly, I will ask about that. That will correspond with my next blood work test.
Same issue with weight, husband and energy. I am hoping the higher dose will help

 

[crazi4dlr]

Hi! I'm brand new to the board but I saw this post and had to join in. I have been on thyroid meds since Nov and see no real change in weight gain, stamina or libido. I'm on Levothyroxine Sodium. Is that the generic, I'll bet it is because we have no medical insurance right now and the doctor I saw is a jerk. I know I have to see an Endocrinologist but our insurance doesn't kick in until August. Thanks for any help.

Laura

 

[hiwaygal]

Hi! I'm brand new to the board but I saw this post and had to join in. I have been on thyroid meds since Nov and see no real change in weight gain, stamina or libido. I'm on Levothyroxine Sodium. Is that the generic, I'll bet it is because we have no medical insurance right now and the doctor I saw is a jerk. I know I have to see an Endocrinologist but our insurance doesn't kick in until August. Thanks for any help.

Laura

WELCOME to the DIS!!!!

Yes, the med you are taking is generic. There is nothing wrong with the generic as long as you keep taking the SAME one. If you switch, that's when the problem begins.

Some docs are better than others...sometimes you have to just keep looking to find one that does right BY YOU!

Keep your chin up until August!

 

[crazi4dlr]

WELCOME to the DIS!!!!

Yes, the med you are taking is generic. There is nothing wrong with the generic as long as you keep taking the SAME one. If you switch, that's when the problem begins.

Some docs are better than others...sometimes you have to just keep looking to find one that does right BY YOU!

Keep your chin up until August!

Thank you so much. I will make sure I get the same ones until I can see an Endo in August. This thing is a drag. I want to be a real girl again but alas.....

 

[Christine]

Hi Lowie!!

Before I go into my spiel, remember that I am talking to you as a "thyroid cancer" patient. We get treated a little bit differently than a regular thyroid patient but some of this information might be helpful.

As one of my listserv doctors has pointed out, no "self-respecting endocrinologist" prescribes Armour Thyroid (natural thyroid) these days. Armour Thyroid is the first thyroid medication producted. Before we knew how to make thyroid hormones synthetically, it was prepared from the thyroid glands of pigs. With Armour Thyroid you are getting both T4 and T3 in your pill. Since it comes from an animal and not produced in the lab, T4 and T3 amounts within the pill can *vary* a bit. For a thyroid cancer patient, they do not want this happening. We must keep our TSH levels VERY low. We can't be hopping all over the place because it can stimulate thyroid cancer. So, it is literally NEVER prescribed for a thyroid cancer patient.

Having said all that, many thyroid cancer patients do not feel well on T4 alone. Some people feel better when they take a pill that also has T3. Some people can't tell a difference.

Your issue though is that you don't feel good BUT you also don't have your TSH low enough to get rid of those feelings (due to heart palps, right). This is also a common problem for us thyroid cancer patients. Often we are given Inderal (a beta blocker) to get rid of the nasty side effects.

Another thought: sometimes when we change doses, there is about an 8 week time where we get lots of side effects and then it levels out and they go away as your body adjusts to the new TSH levels. Have you tried to stick with a higher dose?

Also, can you tell me what your TSH levels are?

If you take natural thyroid, you are going to get the same side effects. Swallowing a pill with T3 is going to give you a quick jump start and a "rush" because it is short-acting thyroid hormone. It will affect you probably like a higher dose of Synthroid.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

a great resource I have found is Mary Shomons site (her books, etc) and her support group forums - you will get first hand experience from hundreds of people....

I can't help you myself becuse Docs won't treat my Hashi's cause I am still in the "normal" range and I don't have what it takes to fight them.....

the one thing that worries me about the synthetics though - is that I used to belong to a recall site that listed drug recalls - that synthetics were CONSTANTLY being recalled - that does not leave me with a good feeling - (that was a couple years ago - things may have changed since then)

not the definitive word, just some food for thought

wish you luck in feeling better!!!!!

 

[SandrainNC]

Hi! I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's about 5 years ago. Two years ago I switched to Armour from the Synthroid because I still felt bad. There are doctors out there who will still prescribe Armour. You just have to ask and to find them. If you have trouble converting T4 to T3 then Synthroid won't work well for you, because it is only T4. Armour has what the natural thyroid would have because it is made from thyroids. I also recommend Mary Shomons site. I am still having a bit of trouble with the Armour, but I honestly think it is because the doctor won't up my dose because my TSH is normal (which should not be the only thing they look at - but that is another story).

Good luck with everything! But definitely make sure the pharmacy doesn't switch medications on you. I have that trouble all of the time with these mail order pharmacies. They switch around like crazy without bothering to ask.

Sandra

 

[lowie]

Let us know if the "real" works better for you than the synthetic. I, for one, would LOVE to feel human again (but, alas, my "numbers" are fine).

my doctor treats me for numbers and symptoms.. so even if i'm in the normal range if i feel like junk she'll still offer a higher dose, my body just can't handle more synthroid.

 

[lowie]

Hi Lowie!!

Before I go into my spiel, remember that I am talking to you as a "thyroid cancer" patient. We get treated a little bit differently than a regular thyroid patient but some of this information might be helpful.

As one of my listserv doctors has pointed out, no "self-respecting endocrinologist" prescribes Armour Thyroid (natural thyroid) these days. Armour Thyroid is the first thyroid medication producted. Before we knew how to make thyroid hormones synthetically, it was prepared from the thyroid glands of pigs. With Armour Thyroid you are getting both T4 and T3 in your pill. Since it comes from an animal and not produced in the lab, T4 and T3 amounts within the pill can *vary* a bit. For a thyroid cancer patient, they do not want this happening. We must keep our TSH levels VERY low. We can't be hopping all over the place because it can stimulate thyroid cancer. So, it is literally NEVER prescribed for a thyroid cancer patient.

Having said all that, many thyroid cancer patients do not feel well on T4 alone. Some people feel better when they take a pill that also has T3. Some people can't tell a difference.

Your issue though is that you don't feel good BUT you also don't have your TSH low enough to get rid of those feelings (due to heart palps, right). This is also a common problem for us thyroid cancer patients. Often we are given Inderal (a beta blocker) to get rid of the nasty side effects.

Another thought: sometimes when we change doses, there is about an 8 week time where we get lots of side effects and then it levels out and they go away as your body adjusts to the new TSH levels. Have you tried to stick with a higher dose?

Also, can you tell me what your TSH levels are?

If you take natural thyroid, you are going to get the same side effects. Swallowing a pill with T3 is going to give you a quick jump start and a "rush" because it is short-acting thyroid hormone. It will affect you probably like a higher dose of Synthroid.

ok, i'm not 100% sure i'm following you, but i like how you explained things... i have been on the same dose i'm at for a very long time, i alternate 137/150's. everytime i try 150's everyday i get these dizzy spells where i literally feel like i got hit with a brick and the world spins, sometimes for several minutes straight and then i stay slightly dizzy for hours. since i am the only driver in my family, i can't risk it. also the heart palpitations are BAD!
my TSH was at almost 6 last test, which was a few weeks ago, and now i feel MUCH worse, so i'm guessing if i was re-tested it would be higher.. i can feel when things are wrong, i'm sure you know what i mean.

i'm also in a family of thyroid cancer patients and that scares the heck outta me!

 

[lowie]

a great resource I have found is Mary Shomons site (her books, etc) and her support group forums - you will get first hand experience from hundreds of people....

I can't help you myself becuse Docs won't treat my Hashi's cause I am still in the "normal" range and I don't have what it takes to fight them.....

the one thing that worries me about the synthetics though - is that I used to belong to a recall site that listed drug recalls - that synthetics were CONSTANTLY being recalled - that does not leave me with a good feeling - (that was a couple years ago - things may have changed since then)

not the definitive word, just some food for thought

wish you luck in feeling better!!!!!

i remember hearing something a few years ago about the thyroid meds being so old they never had FDA approval.. not sure if there was truth to it... i do know that i wouldn't give up my meds for all the tea in china!

my doc is willing to try armour thyroid, i'm just not sure if that's the direction i should go in.