FDA considers generics equal to Synthroid. They are dead wrong. They are using the wrong standards to test the drugs.They used healthy volunteers instead of thyroid patients.They used T4, not TSH as the standard. If a generic was within 33% of Synthroid it was considered equal. Even with the new FDA baseline correction they were still 12.5% difference from Brand, and called equal! Wow, 12.5% is enough to throw your treatment off.If you get generic at the drugstore you would need another test in 6 weeks because it was a different amount, with the same dose on the bottle! How many of you are asked to get retested when they switch on you? The PDR calls for retesting after generic substitution.A recent study found 25% with significant change in there blood TSH tests with generic substitution. The groups most at risk are the elderly, from lipid,osteoporosis and heart complications from over, or underdosing that occurs with generic switching without retesting. Pregnancy also is a dangerous time for generic substitition. Thyroid cancer patients receiving T4 for supression of cancer growth could have either overdose, or underdose if substituted without a retest. T4 suppression is, after total thyroidi9ectomy, the best way to insure a relapse free course of your cancer. In my opinion Synthroid is the only long standing brand name.All the rest are generics to me. However the FDA calls Unithroid, and Levoxyl brands also.What to do if they try to substitute?
Be proactive and say "NO".
Dr.G
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