Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Thyroid Medication? Levoxyl Discontinued

Tigercat17

Recommended Posts

Tigercat17 Enthusiast
Tigercat17
Posted

HI everyone!

 

I just found out yesterday that my thyroid medication was recalled and discontinued - Levoxyl. I've been taking this for the last three years without any problems. I am so bummed... So now I'm looking for another gluten free medicine.

 

In the past I've gotten deathly sick from the brand name Synthroid, Abbott Laboratories, so I'm a little stressed out about changing to a new medicine. I'm super sensitive to gluten, I can't do milk and I don't have a thyroid, so my doctor wants me to be on a brand named thyroid medicine.

 

So what does everyone take for thyroid medicine that they trust and know is gluten free? I'd really appreciate any advice. I did hear Armour Thyroid is a good brand? Is anyone here taking it?

 

Thanks so much!!! :)

 

 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

I take Synthroid.  It is gluten free.

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

I've been taking Armour Thyroid for almost 20 years.  It's been around for over100 years until synthetics came on the market.  Mary Shoman on thryoid.about.com has an excellent site that can assist you.  Just type in "armour" and in the site's search bar and you can read up on all the benefits of this  hormone replacement that's been around for over 100 years and make an informed choice.  My family members, who are hypo, and  have all fared much better on it. 

Adalaide Mentor
Adalaide
Posted

Levoxyl is just the brand name of levothyroxin right? There are a ton of companies that make it as a generic and I am sure a ton of them are gluten free. Just ask the pharmacy you usually use which generic they have and call the manufacturer. It seems silly imo to switch medications because the brand name will no longer be available, when there are a variety of reputable manufacturers making the same exact medication. My husband has been taking the generic since before I met him and has never suffered any problems from this and his thyroid function is tested regularly.

VeggieGal Contributor
VeggieGal
Posted

I take Eltroxin. If you search on here under "levothyroxine" you'll find a list on here i started compiling. My Eltroxin is also having manufacturing problems but ive spoken to them and they also make the generic version exactly the same under Goldshield and MercuryPharma

The one I can't have is by Activis which for some reason swells in my throat and effects my breathing.

If you manage to find another brand which is gluten free, please add to the list and good luck :)

https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/98599-levothyroxine-gluten-free-and-lactose-free/?fromsearch=1

Edited ..just to say that im in the uk, so i guess, ingredients may be different in the US even if the same company, so as Adalaide says, its always worth double checking with manufacturer and pharmacy.

Eltroxin also do a syrup which is gluten free and lactose free (i usually struggle with lactose but I seem ok with the tablet form as long as its not made by Activis).

Nikki2777 Community Regular
Nikki2777
Posted

I take a generic levothyroxine.  I think the manufacturer name is Mylan and I checked a few months back and it was gluten-free.

GFinDC Veteran
GFinDC
Posted

I take Natural Sources raw thyroid, freeze dried.  It has no dairy or soy etc in it.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


  • 4 weeks later...
TerraNeu Newbie
TerraNeu
Posted

I Had To Get Off Of Synthroid Since It Was No Longer Gluten-Free. I Am Also Not On Amour Because It Is Not Gluten-Free. I Have Been On Levothyroxine And It Has Made Me Bloat Up.

psawyer Proficient
psawyer
Posted

I Had To Get Off Of Synthroid Since It Was No Longer Gluten-Free. I Am Also Not On Amour Because It Is Not Gluten-Free. I Have Been On Levothyroxine And It Has Made Me Bloat Up.

Of course, you will have a source for this claim, and I expect that you will be sharing it with us promptly.

cahill Collaborator
cahill
Posted

I take name brand Synthroid  and have for the past 25 years. I have never had a problem with name brand Synthroid as it is gluten free.

Withjoy Newbie
Withjoy
Posted

My understanding of the Synthroid issue is that it depends on the amount you are taking.  Different strengths of Synthroid are different colors. (I take 100 mcg which is yellow.)  Apparently the pink version (which I think was 125 mcg) had gluten in the coloring ingredient.  I do not know if this is still the case.  I plan on following up with the company on my dosage. I'd love to switch to natural desicated thyroid, but my endocrinologist refuses to prescribe it.

cahill Collaborator
cahill
Posted

My understanding of the Synthroid issue is that it depends on the amount you are taking.  Different strengths of Synthroid are different colors. (I take 100 mcg which is yellow.)  Apparently the pink version (which I think was 125 mcg) had gluten in the coloring ingredient.  I do not know if this is still the case.  I plan on following up with the company on my dosage. I'd love to switch to natural desicated thyroid, but my endocrinologist refuses to prescribe it.

 Both the 112 mcg and the 200 mcg are pink . The 125 mcg ( which I take ) is light brown.

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

My understanding of the Synthroid issue is that it depends on the amount you are taking.  Different strengths of Synthroid are different colors. (I take 100 mcg which is yellow.)  Apparently the pink version (which I think was 125 mcg) had gluten in the coloring ingredient.  I do not know if this is still the case.  I plan on following up with the company on my dosage. I'd love to switch to natural desicated thyroid, but my endocrinologist refuses to prescribe it.

Try asking your GP instead!  

  • 1 month later...
jeslk Apprentice
jeslk
Posted

Hi all! Any updates on this? I have been having the worst time since switching to levothroxine after Levoxyl was discontinued. Went from severely hyper to hypo within three weeks at same dosage. And the levothroxine itself doesn't seem to agree with me. I was on synthroid for a year w no problem but when I got the celiac dx my doctor moved me to Levoxyl. I feel like I'm losing my mind and would so love to go back to Synthroid.

StephanieL Enthusiast
StephanieL
Posted

We use Mylan generic. I have called a few times to check on different strengths and as of my latest call (I think it was in January) they said all strengths were gluten-free.  I do know you need to be careful when switching brands though so you would be wise to set up an appt. for a blood draw after you switch (no matter which brand) to be sure it's keeping your levels where they need to be!

nvsmom Community Regular
nvsmom
Posted

I was on Synthroid for almost a year and had no gluten problems with BUT I did seem to react to the dyes... my lips would swell and go numb. I just used the white tablets and broke it into appropriate sizes.

 

I am now on Erfa's Thyroid (natural desiccated thyroid in Canada) and have no problems - it's gluten-free too.

Ishgabibble Newbie
Ishgabibble
Posted

I was on Synthroid for almost a year and had no gluten problems with BUT I did seem to react to the dyes... my lips would swell and go numb. I just used the white tablets and broke it into appropriate sizes.

 

I am now on Erfa's Thyroid (natural desiccated thyroid in Canada) and have no problems - it's gluten-free too.

I was taking Armor Thyroid and still having (gluten) problems. I read on some forums that others were experiencing the same thing. The Levoxyl or Synthroid I switched to was not doing the trick. Apparently a lot of people have issues with it not providing the right type of thyroid. I then found a type of dessicated thyroid such as Armor, but it only contains 2 ingredients and is gluten-free. It works great, its called Westhroid-P.

RunKat Newbie
RunKat
Posted

I too was taking Levoxyl and was finally "regular" in my levels!  When the ban happened I was switched to synthroid and started having terrible issues~ I gained 15 lbs in two months~ now that was a problem!  It made me sick and my fibro symptoms had returned too.  I am an active runner and a fitness coach, so I knew this was a result of my meds~ I had my blood work done and my levels had shot up to 8.67~ WOW!! so not only did I feel like I was getting gluten but the meds were doing nothing! I did a lot of research, and so did my doctor, it seems there are gluten in the fillers and dyes~ I started a compound med three days ago and am already feeling better~ now just to lose the weight again!

0range Apprentice
0range
Posted

I was on Synthroid for almost a year and had no gluten problems with BUT I did seem to react to the dyes... my lips would swell and go numb. I just used the white tablets and broke it into appropriate sizes.

 

I am now on Erfa's Thyroid (natural desiccated thyroid in Canada) and have no problems - it's gluten-free too.

 

I didn't know doctors prescribed NDT in Canada :( any recommendations? all the doctors I have seen believe in prescribing T4-only medication. I did very well on Eltroxin, but after a bout of overmedication, it hasn't been suiting me.

 

Regarding previous posts about levothyroxine: I think there is a lot of confusion regarding this! Levothyroxine sodium is in all T4-medication (Synthroid, Eltroxin, Levoxyl, Levothroid, etc.). It is the synthetic form of the hormone that our body naturally produces, which is thyroxine. Levothyroxine is not a brand name medication by itself - it is the chief medicinal *ingredient* in all T4 medication. But due to it comprising only a very small portion of the tablet, fillers and dyes make up most of the tablet and are what people react to in the medication. 

 

Also, some brands are more potent than others. I cannot handle Synthroid very well, and do much better on the generic version of it (called Eltroxin). Everyone is different in how they react (some do well on everything they are given!) so I can understand the anxiety of having the brand that worked well for you being discontinued! Ask your pharmacist if they can recommend another brand that is identical in the amount of fillers/dyes/etc. used. Hope you find an equally good alternative. 

nvsmom Community Regular
nvsmom
Posted

I didn't know doctors prescribed NDT in Canada :( any recommendations? all the doctors I have seen believe in prescribing T4-only medication. I did very well on Eltroxin, but after a bout of overmedication, it hasn't been suiting me.

 

My regular doctor refused to prescribe Thyroid. I had to find another doctor who is considered "alternative" who would do it. I'm in Calgary, so if you are in the area I can send you his name.

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

Of course, you will have a source for this claim, and I expect that you will be sharing it with us promptly.

I saw this claim again, Peter, and once again I went to the Forrest website (Armour) and checked the ingredients.  No gluten.  I also call my pharmacist and they checked and told me, "It does not contain gluten."  

 

FYI to all, I pay $11.00/month for Armour Thyroid and my dosage is pretty high (all local drug stores including Costco).  The price goes lower than $10.00/month if I purchase a 100 day supply.   I don't submit it for insurance since it's the same price!  

  • 2 weeks later...
TJorg Newbie
TJorg
Posted

Ask about Tirosint.

 

I've been struggling with my thyroid med dose for a long while, and today my dr said that Synthroid has been causing a lot of issues with Gluten Sensitive people. 

He gave me a sample of Tirosint. It's pretty new, gluten and die free. I start it tomorrow. It's also a levothyroxine sodium like the others. I really hope it's like Synthroid because I shut down with Levoxyl or any generics. Armour is way to strong for me too, so I really hope this helps me. 

 

kennedymoore Rookie
kennedymoore
Posted

HI everyone!

 

I just found out yesterday that my thyroid medication was recalled and discontinued - Levoxyl. I've been taking this for the last three years without any problems. I am so bummed... So now I'm looking for another gluten free medicine.

 

In the past I've gotten deathly sick from the brand name Synthroid, Abbott Laboratories, so I'm a little stressed out about changing to a new medicine. I'm super sensitive to gluten, I can't do milk and I don't have a thyroid, so my doctor wants me to be on a brand named thyroid medicine.

 

So what does everyone take for thyroid medicine that they trust and know is gluten free? I'd really appreciate any advice. I did hear Armour Thyroid is a good brand? Is anyone here taking it?

 

Thanks so much!!! :)

Tirosint is the only gluten free T4. I am a celiac and I take it without any problems. None of the other T4 compounds are gluten free - especially synthroid. Also, a compounding pharmacist can compound T4 and T3 for you with a Drs Rx.

cahill Collaborator
cahill
Posted

Tirosint is the only gluten free T4. I am a celiac and I take it without any problems. None of the other T4 compounds are gluten free - especially synthroid. Also, a compounding pharmacist can compound T4 and T3 for you with a Drs Rx.

the ingredient list for synthroid does not indicate any ingredient with gluten   Open Original Shared Link . Corn yes but not gluten .

Could you provide  a link to your source of information that states that synthroid contains gluten .

nvsmom Community Regular
nvsmom
Posted

Tirosint is the only gluten free T4. I am a celiac and I take it without any problems. None of the other T4 compounds are gluten free - especially synthroid. Also, a compounding pharmacist can compound T4 and T3 for you with a Drs Rx.

I had my pharmacist call the manufacturers to make sure it was gluten-free. As far as I know, in Canada, Synthoid is gluten-free.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      130,350
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    SHallRN
    Newest Member
    SHallRN
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.3k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      Confused About Results

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @Ginger38, Diabetes and Celiac often go hand in hand.  Having more than one autoimmune disease is common with Celiac.  I'd err on the side of caution and go gluten free.   I did not want to go on insulin, either.  I got my diabetes under control by following the low histamine version of the Autoimmune Protocol Diet (Dr. Sarah Ballantyne).  My diet now does include carbs.   We're supporting you through this difficult time.  
    • knitty kitty
      This Roller Coaster Ride Needs to Stop

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @Ginger38,  I've been there with horrible symptoms and diarrhea accidents and diabetes and the insulin conundrum!  My doctors were just as frustrating!   I had nutritional deficiencies.  I know your doctors refuse to test for this.  So did mine, saying "I can't make money prescribing vitamins."  Some members say a naturopathic doctor is more open to testing for deficiencies.  Remember not to start supplementing until after testing is done.  Otherwise the supplements will raise your blood levels falsely.   I had studied Nutrition at university, so I decided to supplement essential vitamins and minerals.  A B Complex, extra Thiamine (Benfotiamine) for the diabetes, magnesium and Vitamin D are the supplements I started with.   The B vitamins are water soluble so any excess is excreted easily.  Thiamine even in high doses is safe and nontoxic.  Diabetics lose more thiamine in urine because of weird kidney stuff.   I wanted to get my blood glucose levels under control because gluten free foods made my level spike for long periods, too.  I absolutely did not want to go on insulin.  Once you do, the pancreas stops making it.  Very scary.  Best to help the pancreas function with thiamine in the form Benfotiamine. I began the low histamine version of the Autoimmune Protocol Diet (developed by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, A Celiac herself).  It's a low carb, very strict diet at first, then expanded.  I considered it similar to feeding a sick baby.  You don't give hard to digest foods to a baby.  You give easily digestible foods.  This allows time for the gastrointestinal tract to calm down and heal.  Symptoms started to calm down quickly.  With the vitamins, I started feeling much better.  My blood glucose levels stabilized.  I did not go on insulin.  I do not take anti-glycemic pharmaceutical drugs like Metformin.  Just diet.  You're making the right decision to live as a Celiac.  Your body is telling you clearly.  You can get through this.  You're strong and you're fighting for yourself and your baby.  Good job!  You have the Tribe behind you!
    • maryannlove
      nuts.com -- no longer Celiac safe?

      By maryannlove · Posted

      Though trying to diligently eat gluten free, recent bloodwork was bad so searching for culprits.  Eat lot of (preferably mixed) nuts.  Most allergen labels say may be processed on equpment that also processes wheat, etc.  Finally found ONE kind (unsalted mixed) at BJ's.  Wessley (their store brand) that did not contain that warning.  Says in large letters "A GLUTEN FREE FOOD."  Well, all nuts are a gluten free FOOD!  Have been eating and now wonder if this is intentionally decieving.  So stopped eating until find culprit.  Nuts are so good for protein and fiber (especially if trying to not eat meat).  'Tis so frustrating.  Thanks to above, I'll look into Tierra Farms.   
    • somethinglikeolivia
      Am I celiac or not?

      By somethinglikeolivia · Posted

      Fascinating! This was very helpful, thanks for sharing
    • maryannlove
      Yasso frozen yogurt bars - be careful

      By maryannlove · Posted

      Despite being very diligent about eating gluten free, my recent bloodwork was bad.  So been on a mission to find the culprit(s).  During Covid my daughter found "certified gluten free" Yasso mint chocolate chip yogurt bars at Costco.  I was elated and have been eating them since.  When delving into possible culprits I discovered that the boxes with 12 bars at both Costco and BJ's no longer say "certified gluten free."  But the boxes with 4 bars at groceries and Target still say "certified gluten free."  Contacted the manufacturer and was told to go by what the box says.  So guess different machinery is used.  Was also told they were in the process of changing boxes.  Will be interesting to see what that brings.  
×
×
  • Create New...