cytomel

[janey626]

Hi,
I was diagnosed this last summer (after I gained 30 lbs!!). Anyway, I am still w/in "normal" range so I am on a low dose of cytomel and Levoxyl. Well, neither of those have made any difference in the way I feel, so I have begun to see a homeopath.....though I am still on the meds until I can see my endocrinologist in January. The reason I am posting is because my pharmacist said that they have stopped manufacturing cytomel....I live in LA, does anyone know if this is true or if there is somewhere I can find it?

thanks!

[wcollier]

Hi Janey:

What do they define as "w/in normal"? Do you have your results and the lab's reference ranges?

Can't answer you about the Cytomel though. I take the natural dessicated pig thyroid as well as Synthroid.

Wanda

--edit-- couldn't you just get a generic T3 if it's discontinued?

[Natrushka]

Hi,
The reason I am posting is because my pharmacist said that they have stopped manufacturing cytomel....I live in LA, does anyone know if this is true or if there is somewhere I can find it?

I would be inclinded to think this is a mistake on the part of your pharmacist, Janey. Cytomel (http://www.kingpharm.com/product_view.asp?id_product=36), according to the manufacturer (http://www.kingpharm.com/default_king.htm) is still in production. I was, however, told by my Endo that it might be harder to get in Canada as the US was trying to punish Canada for selling it's own cheap drugs to US patients.

As Wanda said, what were your numbers (and lab ranges) last summer? Have you been tested lately? It's likely that you're undermedicated and this is why you don't feel much better on your current dose.

BTW, W, Cytomel is the only T3 only med there is, to my knowledge. There is no 'generic' as yet.

Nat

[janey626]

I called a new pharmacy today and found it.....I think the problem was that my old pharmacy is pretty small and in a small town. Now that I am in LA I dont think I should have a problem.
I don't have my lab results. I know that I am in the normal range but on the outskirts (I wish I had actually numbers to give you!) So I will have to wait until January to see my endocrinologist. I am also taking natural thyroid medication called Thytropin PMG, I think it is also Bovine thyroid, is that what you are taking? My homeopath would like me to slowly come off of the medication given to me by the doctor but I am going to wait until I talk to the endocrinologist. Changing the way I eat (going low carb) has helped with my energy level and I have lost a little bit of weight.
Just out of curiosity do you count calories? Most people on atkins say they eat about 1600 cals for someone my weight (160lbs) but since I have this thyroid problem should I be eating a lot less than that? HOw much?

Thanks for your help. This whole thyroid nightmare is new to me.

[wcollier]

BTW, W, Cytomel is the only T3 only med there is, to my knowledge. There is no 'generic' as yet.


Thanks for the clarification Nat, I didn't realize that.

Janey, can you get your results faxed to you or pick up a copy from the office? I keep a file at home with all my lab results. It's a very useful thing to do, if you can.

This whole thing is new to me too Janey. Hang in there. Nat's such a wonderful source of info, I'm sure she can help you get things straightened out. She did wonders for me.

Wanda