This blog is an open letter to the Food and Drug Administration about your having declared certain formulations of levothyroxine to be "equivalent" to Synthroid. They are NOT equivalent -- and your having declared them so is putting me and other thyroid patients in mortal peril.
I first started Synthroid many years ago, due to hypothyroidism -- later diagnosed as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. I also have a history of heart palpitations.
At that time, I tried a generic "equivalent" of Synthroid. I quickly discovered that the so-called "equivalent" gave me heart palpitations, when Synthroid did not.
My primary care physician referred me to an endocrinologist. The endocrinologist explained to me that the body is highly sensitive to small changes in dosage of thyroid medication. The generic levothyroxine uses a different substrate from what the Synthroid uses. This causes changed efficacy in the body. My endocrinologist said that I must always use brand name Synthroid.
Recently, my health insurance company, MVP, demanded that I try other brands, before getting rid of the brand name penalty price for Synthroid. I tried Levoxyl. I experienced heart palpitations, anxiety, poor sleep, inability to focus, and tingling in my chest, face, and mouth. These are all clear symptoms of overdose.
I'm over 60. I have a strong family history of heart disease. I personally have suffered from heart palpitations before. I have been treated with Doxil, which can cause heart damage. It's dangerous for me to be playing with these medications.
Now MVP wants me to try another generic "equivalent" before getting rid of the brand name penalty for Synthroid. This is too dangerous for me personally. My physician says that she has not previously been able to convince insurance companies to stop this practice.
The Food and Drug Administration having falsely declared other formulations of levothyroxine as equivalents of Synthroid is putting my life in danger.
#Synthroid #levoxyl #genericdrugs #levothyroxine
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