Are synthroid and levothyroxine the same drug?

Question

My doctor wants me on synthroid but my pharmacy is pushing generics and gave me levothyroxine.The pharmacy says they are the same and the doctor says no.Also can the synthroid and the levothyroxine be taken together safely?I am taking .250mcg of synthroid and need to take .25mcg more.Any help will be great full.

Answer 1

I have low thyroid & your MD is right.

Although Synthroid is the brand name & levothyroxine is "the same",

MD's will decide to give you Synthroid or one of the generics, but once you start on one you are supposed to ALWAYS use that medication.

On the prescription your MD needs to write "DAW" in the box on the bottom so the pharmacist MUST give you the brand name.  I believe they  can have different effects.

I have taken Synthroid for over 10 years.

Also I don't think it's a good idea to mix them.

Call your MD tomorrow & have him write you a new prescription for the total amount of Synthroid & make sure he writes DAW.

Good luck & feel better.

Answer 2

According to my  PDR they are the same thing. (Physicians' Desk Reference)

It is just the generic, which is much cheaper.  I truly believe the pharmacist is correct.

Answer 3

All Synthroid IS levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is the name of the drug, Synthroid is the brand name.

But not all levothyroxine is Synthroid. There are other brands of levothyroxine besides Synthroid.

There is nothing wrong with taking generic levothyroxine. The thing is, once you start on a brand, even a generic brand, you need to stick with that brand. You may react to each slightly differently, and in thyroid treatment, consistency is very important. So never switch brands.

Answer 4

All this no brand switching nonsense actually is propaganda from the Synthroid's makers which they have fed physicians.  Many insurances will have a significantly higher co-pay for brands with generics.  Levothyroxine is equivalent to Synthroid.