Levothyrox : the prescribing of the old formulation is limited

ALLILI MOURAD/SIPA

Published the 02.10.2017 at 12h26

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LévothyroxthyroïdeANSM

The sick thyroid will be able to return to the old formula of Levothyrox. Available in limited quantities, the MSNA has stated that the delivery of this drug would be conditioned.

“If a prescription should be performed, it must be after 14 September 2017, and refer specifically to the specialty “Euthyrox” to be able to give rise to its dispensing pharmacy “, the agency said in a press release on Monday. If the name of the specialty is indicated in all letters, the pharmacists must not substitute Euthyrox by generics.

In addition, this alternative to the new formula should be reserved for “patients who continue to experience adverse effects with the new formula,” added the MAN. These measures have been put in place because the medication is available in small quantities (130 000 boxes of 100 tablets of 8 different assays).

Other alternatives mid-October

In two weeks, other drugs come onto the market. But this diversification of the offer does not mean that the new form of Levothyrox marketed by the German laboratory Merck is of poor quality. Last week, the minister of Health has described the drug as’ excellent ‘ and the health care agency ensures that no defects were revealed during the inspections carried out in the laboratory.

As well, the minister and the MAN will advise patients who tolerate the new formula of the Levothyrox no change in treatment. They also point out that patients of the thyroid should not discontinue or change their treatment without the advice of their doctor.

About three million patients treated with Levothyrox, more than 9 000 patients have reported an adverse effect to the MSNA. More than fifty have made a complaint.
 

Source : national security Agency of the drug (MSNA)