<p>HUGCHECK:</p>
<p>I have no problem getting generic LEVOTHYROXINE at any pharmacy. WalMart has it for $4 for a month’s supply.</p>
<p>Since my neck surgery this summer, I am allergic and sensitive to just about every drug on the planet. I have no troubles with my generic levothyroxine manufactured by Mylan.</p>
<p>Yep. Mylan is the manufacturer of the levothyroxine tablets I have gotten at a major pharmacy chain and at WalMart.</p>
<p>Apparently, the differences between brands are related to how much drug is released with a particular binder formula and shelf life potency over time. The FDA has gone to stricter control of shelf life because thyroid dose levels are so narrow. I think a bigger issue is figuring out how to take the medicine on an empty stomach so the dose you actually get is consistent.</p>
<p>Beware of the use of generics in the case of thyroid medication. Even though they are approved, there is still concern and debate about their use. Of course, if your doctor monitors you and you are doing fine on them, it’s probably not an issue for you. </p>
<p>Each manufacturer has to keep potency stable, but between manufacturers a wider range is acceptable. Unless you have assurances from your pharmacy that you will always be getting the same manufacturer’s generic, you run the risk of getting pills from different manufacturers. This means you may not be stable on a given dosage from one month to the next. These drugs have been on the market long enough that the cost differences between brand and generic is not as huge as with many other drugs. I think I pay $13 for synthroid. </p>
<p>Manufacturers also use different fillers - some patients may be allergic or sensitive to the ingredients (lactose, gums as binder) in one versus another. Levoxyl happens to upset my stomach, while synthroid does not at all.</p>
<p>ID- bedtime is a good time, plus then it forces you to stop night time eating :)</p>
<p>What difference does it make when you take it, as long as you always take it at the same time and you’re stable?</p>
<p>The issue is he does best on this particular formulation, brand name Levothroid. It will no longer be produced. He has tried 'em all and found this to be his best one by far. Oh well. I think he’ll go to Tyrosint and I remember he did not do as well on that one and it was very expensive. Will mention generic Levothyroxine at Walmart but he probably tried it already. This thyroid stuff is a never ending journey for us, or so it seems. I wish he would try Armor because I have heard that folks are happy with that and it has T1 and T2 as well as T3 and T4. He does seem to not want pig hormone; guess I can understand that. Oh well. Roshke thanks; I appreciate your understanding of the issues with generics.</p>
<p>VH- they say you should take it on an empty stomach, no food for 2 hours before and after and also that you should try to take it at the same time everyday for maximum effectiveness.</p>
<p>In my longtime experience, thyroid Rx has a long half life and I dont notice any big difference, but I do try to do the empty stomach thing.</p>
<p>I tried Armor for a year didn’t really feel any different or better, went back to generic Levothyroxine.</p>
<p>Levothyroxine is a sensitive drug. It has to be taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. It binds easily and thus food can affect its bioavailability. </p>
<p>Random fact of the day, Armour Thyroid has that name because originally the thyroids came from pigs being slaughtered at the Armour meat packing plant. </p>
<p>Levothroid is a branded generic of levothyroxine.</p>
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<p>It apparently is better absorbed in the intestine, rather than the stomach. So the idea is to take it on a empty stomach and allow the pill to pass directly through the stomach into the intestine. If you have eaten or eat soon after taking it, the digestive juices break down the pill in the stomach, where absorption is poor. Empty stomach is the best way to get a consistent dose.</p>
<p>Yes, take in on an empty stomach and dont’ eat for 2 hours. The key words are “consistent dose”</p>