Levoxyl Shortage for Thyroid Patients

I recently tried to refill my prescription for Levoxyl and learned I cannot due to a recall by the manufacturer Pfizer.  I called Pfizer this morning and spoke to a robotic, though pleasant, customer service representative in India.  She provided little useful information.  Between my own research on the FDA and American Thyroid Association websites I learned the following:   * Pfizer has suspended production of Levoxyl, which is manufactured at a plant in Tennessee.  Chemical contamination is the reason for suspended production.  Emission of a strong odor was reported by pharmacists when opening 100 and 1000 tablet bottles of the product.  * Patients do not need to discard or return Levoxyl that they already have. * The recall was initiated on March 28, 2013 and Levoxyl may not be available again until 2014.  * This recall impacts all strengths of Levoxyl. * Pfizer cannot advise you on substitutes.  You should contact your doctor to create a game plan for alternative medication you can take during the shortage.   As a young adult thyroid cancer patient, each morning I pop a Levoxyl 137 mcg.  This  tiny blue thyroid-shaped pill is a big part of my healthcare routine.  I had a total thyroidectomy as a result of my papillary carcinoma, and because I have no thyroid gland to produce the hormone thyroxine, my blue Levoxyl pill is a substitute.  Thyroxine regulates cellular metabolism, which in turn controls functions such as my body temperature, heart rate,...
Source: Everything Changes - Category: Cancer Authors: Tags: Uncategorized thyroid cancer levoxyl papillary carcinoma synthroid Source Type: blogs