topic Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues? in Wellness

Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

foxywoods — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 21:26:22 GMT

I have Hashimotos according to the endocrine surgeon I had to remove 2 bad parathyroid in November '24. No other doctor ever mentioned Hashimotos. I had PCPs not specialists. My thyroid got blown out years ago, I've been on levo for 25yrs. Before levo I would fall asleep constantly, anywhere. I would drift off in the car (as a passenger, not driving!)

The levothyroxine generics from the pharmacy are causing so many wierd side effects. Mylan the brand CVS was giving had some efficacy issues which triggered a recall. My hair had been falling out daily for over a year until the Mylan recall forced a change in generic. The generic that replaced it (AMNEAL) STOPPED my hair loss. That generic got replaced(McLeod) AGAIN with a different one. This new generic brand splinters when I cut it. (I take 37.mcg -have to split a 75mcg tab) so I'm getting spotty dosages. My hair started to fall out again and I get horrible brain stem hedaches every day.

Seeing my PCP next week. so far my numbers have been normal however my MD is not a specialist. My endocrinologist is booked a year in advance, she only treated me due to my parathyroid problem which triggered osteoporosis)

Does anyone here take Armour thyroid and did it make a difference?

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

Laura14 — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 21:57:05 GMT

I am a certified pharmacy tech so I say this with some knowledge. Generics have the same active ingredient, but different inactives which is why the side effects are all over the place.

I can't give medical advice, but a symptom of hypothyroidism is hair loss so that may be a symptom of the dosage of the medication and not the medication itself. Something to consider while you are advocating. Thyroid meds are the hardest to dial in.

You want to actually have a conversation with your pharmacist who knows more than those two medical professionals put together about medications and who the medical doctors are probably asking to answer your questions.

Start with your pharmacist and they can work with your doctors to suggest the dosage and generic brand that may help you the best. Pharmacists also have access to the compounding pharmacies which can specially combine certain combos and ingredients and dosages if you need to go that route for side effects, efficacy, or both. We kept a special thyroid med in stock for just such an individual at our pharmacy.

It all starts with the medication specialist which is your pharmacist. The most underutilized free resource most of us never think of to use. Try it!

Good Luck!

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

foxywoods — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 23:56:05 GMT

@Laura14 wrote:
I am a certified pharmacy tech so I say this with some knowledge. Generics have the same active ingredient, but different inactives which is why the side effects are all over the place.

I can't give medical advice, but a symptom of hypothyroidism is hair loss so that may be a symptom of the dosage of the medication and not the medication itself. Something to consider while you are advocating. Thyroid meds are the hardest to dial in.

You want to actually have a conversation with your pharmacist who knows more than those two medical professionals put together about medications and who the medical doctors are probably asking to answer your questions.

Start with your pharmacist and they can work with your doctors to suggest the dosage and generic brand that may help you the best. Pharmacists also have access to the compounding pharmacies which can specially combine certain combos and ingredients and dosages if you need to go that route for side effects, efficacy, or both. We kept a special thyroid med in stock for just such an individual at our pharmacy.

It all starts with the medication specialist which is your pharmacist. The most underutilized free resource most of us never think of to use. Try it!

Good Luck!

@Laura14 CVS won't help me. They are the only game in town since Walgreens left. They get their meds from the cheapest suppliers. I made a point of asking them to put AMNEAL as my preferred in my profile and they dispensed the McLeod anyway. They refuse to take back the bottle so I'm stuck for 90 days.

ed. understand your points about pharmacists. The walgreens pharmacists were much more helpful. but most of the ones at CVS only care about saving their corporate hides = $$$.

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

Bird mama — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 23:57:11 GMT

@foxywoods Hi, I was diagnosed with Hashimotos in 2013. My endocrinologist prescribed brand name Synthroid for me at the time and even though I worked for Blue Cross at the time I still got the shock of my life when I found out they only paid generics and I was on the hook for difference. Well, let's just say they would pay name brand after you went through the rigamarole of trying generics, having them be a problem and then having your doctor say that brand name was the only way to go.

I called my endocrinologist from the Rite Aid (at that time) and said why the brand name? She said having the same recipe (so to speak) from one manufacturer day in and out was better. I paid the difference between generics and brand name for a couple of years. Then I had a one year change in insurance where generic was all that they would pay - they didn't care if it worked for the patient or not.

My doctor started sending my RX to Eagle Pharmacy in Florida. Insurance is not involved and my 90 day supply is under $90. I've been on the same dose of synthroid (75 mcg) since 2013.

I suggested Armour thyroid to my endocrinologist about a year into my disease and I thought her head would spin off like the girl in the Exorcist movie. I was ticked at the time because she was happy with my blood work and I said you know, not once have you asked how I feel? This synthroid isn't cutting it. As it turned out - I changed how I took it - at bedtime instead of first thing in the morning and it worked out.

I'm sorry that you are having so many issues. I know nothing about Armour and wanted to share my experience with brand name Synthroid.

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

foxywoods — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 00:47:08 GMT

@Bird mama wrote:
@foxywoods Hi, I was diagnosed with Hashimotos in 2013. My endocrinologist prescribed brand name Synthroid for me at the time and even though I worked for Blue Cross at the time I still got the shock of my life when I found out they only paid generics and I was on the hook for difference. Well, let's just say they would pay name brand after you went through the rigamarole of trying generics, having them be a problem and then having your doctor say that brand name was the only way to go.

I called my endocrinologist from the Rite Aid (at that time) and said why the brand name? She said having the same recipe (so to speak) from one manufacturer day in and out was better. I paid the difference between generics and brand name for a couple of years. Then I had a one year change in insurance where generic was all that they would pay - they didn't care if it worked for the patient or not.

My doctor started sending my RX to Eagle Pharmacy in Florida. Insurance is not involved and my 90 day supply is under $90. I've been on the same dose of synthroid (75 mcg) since 2013.

I suggested Armour thyroid to my endocrinologist about a year into my disease and I thought her head would spin off like the girl in the Exorcist movie. I was ticked at the time because she was happy with my blood work and I said you know, not once have you asked how I feel? This synthroid isn't cutting it. As it turned out - I changed how I took it - at bedtime instead of first thing in the morning and it worked out.

I'm sorry that you are having so many issues. I know nothing about Armour and wanted to share my experience with brand name Synthroid.

@Bird mama yes that's my concern also, over the years the generic manf change and its best to stay with one manf.. I could not tolerate Synthroid (even though it is levothyroxine I got bad headaches) I was on Levoxyl until maybe they went off-patent, they still made a generic. then something happened and it stopped being available? maybe 10 yrs ago or so . then had to go on Lannett's generic which was good, it worked. Then Mylan until the recall last year. My hair was falling off my head like rain from last May 2024 until February when I got the Amneal generic. Happy Happy! felt great again.

I used to take my thyroid meds at night too. For many years, until like 16 yrs ago in the hospital the nurses told me to switch to dosing AM. I hesitate to try at night because I take other meds at bedtime.

Armour thyroid is made from dessicated pig thyroids.

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

Sooner — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 01:28:05 GMT

I take a generic and I take it at night because if I don't eat pretty soon after I get up I will get a migraine headache. NOT doing that!

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

Icegoddess — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 01:49:57 GMT

As far as I know, I don't have Hashimotos. I've been taking Levothyroxine for years with no problem. I think it's been Alvogen for quite awhile now. Those pills dissolve in my throat.

From comments I have read in some Hypothyroidism groups, about as many people complain about their endocrinologist as do the ones who complain about their PCP. I don't have an Endo, and from what I've read from diabetics around here, none of the local Endo's are worth a darn.

I think it's sorta the same with Armour vs Synthroid. Some swear by one or the other and the other half had a terrible experience, so it seems to be very personal.

Now, I can tell the difference immediately when they change my proton pump inhibitor on me. But, there's nothing I can do about that. I just have to take what the pharmacy gives me.

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

IMW — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 02:41:27 GMT

Been on synthroid and the generic for 45 years. I have found no difference between brand name and generic.

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

tends2dogs — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 16:42:59 GMT

@foxywoods I have been taking Armour for over 20 years. I have Hashimotos, too. The clinic I go to, Born Preventive Clinic in Grand Rapids, is where I was diagnosed and treated. They don't even consider a synthetic so I have never taken one. I pay out of pocket for mine - insurance wouldn't cover. I finally got them to pick up some of the cost when my doctor said this is what he wants me to take as it has worked for me for so long. It wasn't much, but every bit helps.

I am not sure how familiar you are with Hashimots vs hypothyroidism, but there is a difference. One thing to know is that you can swing from hypo into hyper. I have had that happen twice and it is not a good experience. I am just getting back to normal after an episode this past winter. I had to go off my Armour for 5 months.

@Bird mama I had to laugh at your description of head spinning about Armour. Too bad that doctors aren't more open minded. I don't know if you are close to Born, but it may be worth your time to check them out. I would drive over 2 hours for my check ups there. They do bloodwork, but they treat more by how you feel.

I have never been to an endocrinologist. I have been satisfied with my care without seeing one.

Losing your hair is a symptom of hypothyroidism. Just because your numbers are in the normal parameters, they may not be normal for you. If you are interested, check out the book called "Stop the Madness".

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

Bird mama — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 21:30:20 GMT

@tends2dogs I didn't gain weight and I didn't lose hair and to be honest I think that my thyroid was out of whack for a long time and I blamed it on being post menopausal. You're in Grand Rapids Michigan? I'm in SE Michigan. I tired easily and didn't make much of it until I squatted down to look for brown mascara at a local Kmart and couldn't stand up - my legs were that weak. I grabbed the mascara that I wanted because I was on the floor already and then got on my knees and stood up like a toddler if that makes any sense.

I asked for blood work at my next doctor appointment and there it was. I sought out an endocrinologist in case anything ever went sideways and I needed surgery.

When I brought up the Armour and my endocrinologist looked like she was going to pass out I said, oh c'mon, as a woman you have to know about Premarin hormone replacement therapy. Why is a medicine made from pregnant mares any different than a pig hormone. Why all the pig hate?

She did have enough shame to turn red and look down at her shoes.

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

tends2dogs — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 13:43:18 GMT

@Bird mama When I was initially put on Armour, I wasn't having the typical symptoms either. My main complaint was that I felt flat, mentally. Not happy, not sad, just flat. I wasn't overweight or losing hair. They started me on Armour before all my test results were back. It made a MAJOR difference in my mental status.

I have been to two other doctors since because I needed a doctor closer than Grand Rapids. Being 72, I just need to have access to a doctor that is tied to a hospital that is local. No, I don't live in Grand Rapids. I had a local doctor (long gone) that was was always checking out and learning about alternative and better means of medicine. He sent me to Born because I refused to have anymore mammograms. I have been getting breast thermography for 20 years. This is where and when I began taking Armour.

Anyway, the other two doctors I have seen have/had NO problem writing me for Armour. There was no head spinning or smirking. Had there been, I would have looked for another provider. Also, neither doctor have had issues with thermography over mammogram. I guess you have to stand your ground for your own care. After all, I feel it is my body. I would rather use something natural over synthetic any day. My counters are full of the homeopathic remedies that we use. Even our vet uses them.

Earlier this year when I flipped into hyper (thyroid storm) I did lose hair, but that wasn't the worst of it. I thought I was having a heart attack. I had chest spasms that ran across my chest and up my neck. After all the tests were run, I was told that it wasn't my heart, all was well there. I went off my thryroid meds and had relief within 24 hours. My TSH was off the charts.

It can be a back and forth thing getting the right dose, but when you hit on it, what a difference it makes in your life and health.

I laughed about your mascara story. Happy you were able to grab your mascara and make it back up.

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

PINKdogWOOD — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 13:57:25 GMT

@foxywoods I was doagnosed with the same as you about 5 maybe six yrs ago, on levo as you too. I was actually hooked up my Endo referred to her from a NP I was seeing for annual pap appts. I'm surprised your Endo hasn't taken you on as a regular annual patient. I see mine every year for labs prior to seeing her, then going over not only results but she is pretty darn thorough in other health matters. After the years we've been working together my hypothyroid is under control and has been steady for 3 years.

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

PINKdogWOOD — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 14:05:18 GMT

@foxywoods I never thought about reactions to different brands of what I take. I've had the Mylan brand you noted fairly often too. I know brands change at my cvs too, not sure how or why this happens unless it's all about the money. The brand I have now is different too, the outer coating is weird, very dry, hard to get down at times in fact.

I never thought about things like brands changing and hair loss because I have hair falling out too - hmm.

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

foxywoods — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 17:04:28 GMT

@PINKdogWOOD wrote:
@foxywoods I never thought about reactions to different brands of what I take. I've had the Mylan brand you noted fairly often too. I know brands change at my cvs too, not sure how or why this happens unless it's all about the money. The brand I have now is different too, the outer coating is weird, very dry, hard to get down at times in fact.

I never thought about things like brands changing and hair loss because I have hair falling out too - hmm.

@PINKdogWOOD I have cycle of hair sheds but the worst was last year in May and the hairloss was constant until February when CVS subbed the Mylan for Amneal [ the Amneal is a hard round tablet like the Lannet I used get] CVS did not advise abou the Mylan recall either - I stumbled on that info - I go on Reddit quite often and I found that on one of their thyroid subs. I take Protonix (pantoprazole) as well so may be the Protonix as well?

Mylan levo was recalled because of potency issues in Dec 2024. The new generic from MsLeod is football shaped purple and soft, just like the one from Mylan.

I'm feeling a bit sluggish too since the changeover to the new generic. I've always read about not switching generics of 1. Thyroid meds and 2. Anti-convulsants. Pharmacists like to tell me it makes no difference but I my reply is you aren't taking these med, I DO and yes there is a difference in how my body reacts.

Thinking about switching to another pharmacy. Or maybe mail order.

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

foxywoods — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 17:13:14 GMT

@PINKdogWOOD wrote:
@foxywoods I was doagnosed with the same as you about 5 maybe six yrs ago, on levo as you too. I was actually hooked up my Endo referred to her from a NP I was seeing for annual pap appts. I'm surprised your Endo hasn't taken you on as a regular annual patient. I see mine every year for labs prior to seeing her, then going over not only results but she is pretty darn thorough in other health matters. After the years we've been working together my hypothyroid is under control and has been steady for 3 years.

@PINKdogWOOD Endos are scarce in these parts and the only reason I got to see her was 2 bad Parathyroids needed to be removed, I had abnormal PTH levels and high blood calcium levels - this depleted calcium in my bones. My PCP referred the endo and she agreed to see me within 4 weeks last year and then I had the para surgery 4 months later. I'll ask my PCP next week how to proceed. I'll get a full thyroid panel as well .

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

KLm — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 18:12:37 GMT

I'm late to this discussion. Missed it yesterday when scrolling through topics.

I alternate NP thyroid with a compounded T3/T4 capsule. NP one day, the capsule the other. This has been a challenge for some of my care teams over the years to conceptualize.

I've done this for more years than I can remember. My doc switched me from Armour to NP several years ago. Said NP was better. My bloodwork shows stable numbers.

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

FatCatinCT — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 18:31:42 GMT

Firstly, thyroid and parathyroids are two different animals. Parathyroid regulates the calcium and parathyroid hormone, hence why you have osteo. I have had 3.5 parathyroids removed due to hyperplasia.

Hashimotos, PCP's usually only do TSH and T4 not thyroid antibodies which diagnose Hashimotos which is autoimmune thryoid.

I have been on Armour, Naturethroid and then finally name brand Synthroid. It is the name brand Synthroid that was the golden ticket for me. I could never get optimal on the natural meds (pig thyroid and pigs are raised in horrific conditions and can very from script to script) and my endocrinologist does not care for the generic synthroid as pharmacy's often change out vendors for lower cost and the active ingredient varies from vendor to vendor.

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

foxywoods — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:43:01 GMT

@FatCatinCT wrote:
Firstly, thyroid and parathyroids are two different animals. Parathyroid regulates the calcium and parathyroid hormone, hence why you have osteo. I have had 3.5 parathyroids removed due to hyperplasia.
Hashimotos, PCP's usually only do TSH and T4 not thyroid antibodies which diagnose Hashimotos which is autoimmune thryoid.
I have been on Armour, Naturethroid and then finally name brand Synthroid. It is the name brand Synthroid that was the golden ticket for me. I could never get optimal on the natural meds (pig thyroid and pigs are raised in horrific conditions and can very from script to script) and my endocrinologist does not care for the generic synthroid as pharmacy's often change out vendors for lower cost and the active ingredient varies from vendor to vendor.

@FatCatinCT yes, I understand they are different... original post was not clear.

Endocrine surgeon removed two bad parathyroid glands . then explored the thyroid glands as well. surgical note observed and sectioned enlarged lymph nodes/ possible Hashimoto's Dx.

PCP ordered antibody so we'll see.

Re: Hypothyroid Generics - Efficacy Issues?

tends2dogs — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:20:45 GMT

@foxywoods Hashimotos and hypothyroid are treated the same. While it is nice to know what you are dealing with going forward.