Generic drugs

[Calvert Hall '62]

Originally Posted by lunetunelover

It is generally well known that thyroid medications can vary in their effectiveness between brand name and generic. I believe I heard it has something to do with the fillers/additives that different manufacturers use.

Originally Posted by HOSS429

i have no problems with my generic synthroid which does not come from america .. i have no job and no insurance at the moment but still need my meds ...

Two of my wife's endocrinologists insisted on Synthroid brand while others were satisfied with the generic.


Blood tests however did not reveal and differences in efficacy.

[suzy_q2010]

The difficulty with synthetic levothyroxine is that the therapeutic window is very narrow. The dose needed for a generic may be slightly different from the dose of Synthroid. When you are switched from Synthroid to a generic you should have blood testing done until the proper dose of the generic is determined. Then you should get the same generic each time. The pharmacy should not switch generics.

Most people do fine on the generic.

[AnnieA]

Thx for the responses. Since I seem to have a difficult time with some of my generics, I appreciated other experiences, even though not the same drugs.


I did do some extensive reading, last night, on the diabetic drug Metformin and it is all over the map with peoples sometimes anecdotal stories. The FDA did have a problem with one of the manufacturers (one of the largest) in that they were cited and had to pay fines because of careless manufacturing and adulteration of the metformin. I guess if you can get along on them, it is a lucky chance......<s>


Thx again.

[lunetunelover]

Originally Posted by suzy_q2010

The difficulty with synthetic levothyroxine is that the therapeutic window is very narrow. The dose needed for a generic may be slightly different from the dose of Synthroid. When you are switched from Synthroid to a generic you should have blood testing done until the proper dose of the generic is determined. Then you should get the same generic each time. The pharmacy should not switch generics.

Most people do fine on the generic.

Thanks for explaining that much better than I could.


This is where it gets weird for those who need that thyroid med. I was on Synthroid for years and did fine, and I do fine now on a generic - but you have to get the dosage right based on blood work.


The thing is, no matter if you are on synthroid or a generic, try to make sure it's the same every time you pick up your refill. Sometimes pharmacies can change generic brands and you may have to request additional blood work to make sure this generic is working as well for you.