Starting generics

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2003
Starting generics
4
Mon, 11-22-2004 - 9:54am

Hi all--

I was diagnosed hypo in September. I was started on levothyroxine (Sandoz generic). I keep reading how opposed most people seem to be to generics. Is it that they don't work as well, or is the problem only if you are switched to one after being stablized on brand-name. My doctor says it is fine to take the generic but I have had to have my dose increased 4 times in the last 2 1/2 months and feel better but not great. Maybe that is normal no matter what brand you take!

Any insights?? Anyone with good experiences on generics?

Lyndsie

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Mon, 11-22-2004 - 11:13am

Hi Lyndsie,

I'm not 100% sure, but I think the main problem with generics is if you have stabilized on the brand name and then get switched. I think if you start on the generics that you should be okay, but again, I could be wrong.

I personally don't have experience with generics, but even with the synthroid, it took about 6 months for me and my doctor to find a dosage that was right for me (and actually, I think it needs to be adjusted again, so back to the doc I go in a few weeks). In other words, I think the increase in dosage is normal until you get it regulated. Especially if you were just diagnosed in September.

I'm glad you are starting to see some results though and are starting to feel better. I hope that continues for you!

I'm sure Cathy (and maybe a few others) will have better information on the generics for you.

dazed

Dazed
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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Mon, 11-22-2004 - 2:58pm

Hi,

I've also read that if you are prescribed a generic medication, that it can be one of several...depending what the pharmacy has at that time. With thyroid medication everything is SO precise, it is here that problems could arise, from what I have read. Because each generic may be slightly different than the another, and when switched (sometimes without your knowledge) it is those minute differences that may cause problems.

My pharmacist tried giving me a generic, and I refused it. They phoned my Dr. and he requested that I get Synthroid brand, only...no substites.

~Karen

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Mon, 11-22-2004 - 3:02pm

>no substites.<

*substitutes

God, I hate typos!

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Tue, 11-23-2004 - 3:57pm

Hi Lyndsie - Generics are not as good as brand name medication. One reason is because they are not as consistent one pill to another. So say for a 25 mcg dose, one might have 18 mcg, another 20 and another 25. You can see how that wouldn't be good enough. Another reason is that the prescription may be filled by different comapnies each time so there is no assurance on the accuracy of the dose. The endo association did NOT approve of the generics but the FDA approved them anyway. I know a number of posters here who have had a bad experience with them - similiar to yours, and don't know anyone who's found them to be ok. It would be a good idea to ask your doc for a name brand prescription. Here's an article about it: http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhhypothyroi/?msg=8093.6

Hope this helps! Cathy :)