Teva and Numark branded 100microgram levothyroxine tablets licence suspended

The Medicines and Healthcare product Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has suspended the licence of levothyroxine 100 microgram tablets, manufactured by Teva, for patients with hypothyroidism.

This follows investigation of patient reports of loss of control of their hypothyroidism when switching between brands.

Teva has now ceased the manufacture and distribution of levothyroxine 100 microgram tablets while investigations are ongoing. In the meantime Numark advises its members that this is NOT a product recall and that patients should not be alarmed.

The following categories of patients who have been taking these brands of medicine should make an early appointment with their GP:

• pregnant women, throughout pregnancy but especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy(first trimester )
  
• patients with heart disease
  
• patients under treatment with TSH suppressive doses of levothyroxine following treatment for thyroid cancer

All other patients should continue to take existing Teva/Numark branded levothyroxine and change to a different levothyroxine product at their next prescription. It should not be necessary to make an early appointment with the patient's GP.

Most patients are unlikely to notice any change if they are switched from the Teva product to another levothyroxine product. If they start to feel unwell then they should see their GP.

Please note that all other strengths of Teva levothyroxine remain unaffected.

In order to engage with your local surgery, we have pulled together a template letter for you to print off and send to your local surgeries advising of the protocol for patients who have been prescribed levothyroxine 100mcg.

We would also suggest that you send a list of those patients that you have dispense the Teva and/or Numark brand of this drug so that the surgery are aware of those patients affected.

Pharmacist counselling patients who are concerned about the change in medication, could consider doing a Patient Intervention Service where appropriate.