<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Medco Express Scripts said that Levoxyl, which I've been on for nearly 2 decades, is on back order from the company and not available.  They got my doctor to approve Mylan's generic version.

This is the problem.  When a drug company sends you a pill that has no brand name, just the chemical name, they can switch to any other available company, at will.  With thyroid medication, this is serious. 

My doctor writes brand medically necessary and/or dispense as written, but if it's not an actual brand, depending upon where you live, it doesn't apply.

Medco Express Scripts has on file that I'm gluten-free, but despite any law that generics must be comparable, some of us react differently to different versions.

I'm particularly upset about the thyroid medication.  I've been stable for nearly 17 years.  This year, due to a lot of exercise and changes to my diet, I jumpstarted my metabolism, and my thryroid meds had to be lowered.  Luckily, I'm getting blood tests every three months, for another medication, so we found that out in time.  In fact, it may be lowered again.  Now, switching to the Mylan version, I have to worry that my thyroid function will be affected by a new drug, as well as a new dose.  My doctor agrees that I'll have to get tested monthly, until we see the effects....and then, I'll have to do battle with Medco Express Scripts about not switching me off of Mylan's version.

In a panic, I contacted Steve Plogstead, who monitors glutenfreedrugs.com, and he verified what I've written above.  So despite Mylan's being gf, it's the principle that we can be given any generic that doesn't have a branded name, that is disturbing.  Thanks to Steve.  I don't know what I'd do without his list and his willingness to help.

Drug company also switched me from Zocor to non-brand simvistatin last year.  With exercise, I was able to go off it, by my total cholesterol is rising a tad, even though other scores are great. So I'll see if I have to go back on it.  I was going to try red rice yeast instead.  Everything has it's side effect. 



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