The Latest on Beleaguered Thyroid Drug Eltroxin
Tuesday July 1, 2008
Eltroxin, the levothyroxine drug manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, is being sold to Johannesburg-based Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd., the southern hemisphere's largest generic-drug maker.Eltroxin has been under fire recently in New Zealand, where the drug, the only government-funded thyroid hormone medication, was reformulated, and is apparently causing a variety of symptoms, discussed in the following articles.
- June 11, 2008 -- What's Happening to Thyroid Patients Taking Eltroxin?
- June 25, 2008 -- More News on Patient Problems With Eltroxin
One has to wonder if the reformulation and subsequent problems with Eltroxin are the reason for -- or result of -- GlaxoSmithKline getting rid of the drug from its product line. We probably aren't going to find out, but something to consider.
Photo: clipart.com
Comments
the alternative to eltroxin is difficult to locate and not funded here. I take the eltroxin and have noticed more fatigue since the change over. However I spoke to my pharmacist who I trust and he said it is not likely the alternative will be funded and in consultation with my GP to increase my dosage which i have done and feeling abit better not getting that mid afternoon flat patch.
Unfortunately some of us dont have a choice so we have to make the most of whats avail.
Liss – a group of us are trying to get alternatives available and funded. Please read the other site here about it.
http://thyroid.about.com/b/2008/06/11/whats-happening-to-thyroid-patients-taking-eltroxin-brand-levothyroxine-in-new-zealand.htm