Last March, the Merck laboratory changed the formula of Levothyrox, a treatment intended for people with a thyroid problem. This change was made at the request of the drug agency (ANSM). The active principle of the drug has remained the same but the lactose contained in the composition has been replaced by other excipients, in order to “guarantee greater stability of the content of active substance”, explains the ANSM.
However, this new formula seems to be the source of undesirable side effects. Fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, digestive problems … patient complaints are increasing. This is the case, for example, of Nell Gaudry, who confided in Europe 1. The 72-year-old woman has been on treatment for 10 years after having her thyroid removed due to cancer. While she tolerated the old formula very well, she had to stop taking her treatment 15 days after the change. Indeed she suffered from “pain in the legs”, “virulent cramps”, “vision problems”, “memory loss”, “aggressiveness”, or even “depression”.
A definitive change
An online petition launched in June has already collected more than 40,000 signatures and numerous testimonies. She calls for a return to the old formula, which the ANSM excludes. The Medicines Agency qualifies the change as “final”, arguing the superior quality of the new formula. “No changes related to the modification of the formula are expected for patients. However, since levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone with a narrow therapeutic margin, the patient’s thyroid balance may be sensitive to very small variations in dose.” , summarizes the agency on its site.
However, the ANSM recommends taking a blood test 4 to 8 weeks after taking this new formula and reporting any adverse effects on the site of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
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