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France to bring back old thyroid drug after thousands complain over new formula

An old version of a thyroid medication will be reintroduced in France after thousands of the country's three million users complained of serious side effects from a new formula, the government said Friday.

France to bring back old thyroid drug after thousands complain over new formula
AFP
The side effects of the new version of Levothyrox that went on sale in March are said to include cramps, headaches, dizziness and hair loss.
   
The government of President Emmanuel Macron, which has been accused of “shameful indifference” over the scandal, said the old version of the drug would be reintroduced in two weeks.
 
The German producer of the drug, Merck Serono, said the new version of the treatment was set to be approved in other European countries.
 
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Levothyrox: The controversy over one of France's most commonly prescribed drugs explained

The French drug watchdog Agence Francaise du Medicament had asked Merck to develop the new formula, which is stabler than the old version, in 2012.
   
Health Minister Agnes Buzyn told France Inter radio that “alternatives, other brands, other drugs” would be available in a month.
   
“Gradually… patients will be able to choose the drug that suits them the best,” she said.
   
Only one alternative is currently available in France, L-Thyroxine.
 
As of Monday, more than 9,000 patients had reported undesirable side effects.
   
   
Levothyrox is used to treat underactive thyroids or following surgery for cancer of the organ, which regulates the body's metabolism.
   
France is the world's leading consumer of Levothyrox and the first country where the new version was introduced.
 
 
The legal fallout from that episode is ongoing.