Synthroid versus generic...

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Synthroid versus generic...
4
Mon, 08-30-2004 - 4:15pm
I went to the pharmacy to refill my prescription of Synthroid, this was the last of 3 refills, and the pharmacist said, "this has been switched to generic." I said, "I do not want the generic." Then she told me that she would need to get approval from my Dr.

Has this happened to anyone? I know that they require the Dr. to write "no substitute," however this was a REFILL, not a new subscription, and I was never told this before!

I was under the assumption that the only reason they substitute the generic for the name brand is to save insurance companies $. Well, I am UNinsured, and pay out of my own pocket!

I would love to hear if anyone else has had this experience...or does anyone know if this is legal/appropriate for a pharmacist to do!?

At any rate, the matter has been settled...I phoned my Dr.'s office and they took care of it. I am "green" to all of these medication/prescription "rules," as this is the first time I have been on medication other than antibiotics , as a child.

Thank you!

~Karen

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Mon, 08-30-2004 - 4:31pm
Wow - I am really shocked at that. I've never had it happen to me but I'm glad you let us know about it. It will keep us all "on our toes" when getting our prescriptions refilled. I don't know if it's right or legal for the pharmacist to do but it sure doesn't sound right to me. I would talk with the manager of the store if you want to pursue it. It just doesn't sound right. Cathy :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Tue, 08-31-2004 - 7:34am
Cathy -

Interesting article, below. (I am glad I stuck with the Synthroid!)

~Karen

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/synthroid1/a/generic_3.htm

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Tue, 08-31-2004 - 9:13am
Yes, that is an interesting article. While everyone needs to make the decision for themselves, I wouldn't switch to generics. Cathy :)


Edited 8/31/2004 5:19 pm ET ET by cl-cathypem
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-20-2003
Tue, 08-31-2004 - 3:23pm
I am taking the new generic form of synthroid---levothyroxine and have had NO problems---in fact my symptoms seem to have gotten better??

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