[Update June 2019: Some comments on this blog post may lead readers to believe the Canadian version of Synthroid “works better” than the ones sold in the U.S. or India, and vice versa. Different people respond to medications differently, hence why it’s difficult to affirm one “works” better than the other.
On the subject at hand, we believe that the Synthroid sold in the U.S. and that sold in Canada are the same medication, based on the below pill bottles sold in Canada and our contact with Abbvie concerning Synthroid sold in the U.S.
Synthroid sold in Canada is manufactured in Puerto Rico
Synthroid marketed in the United States is manufactured in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Ireland (Data on file, AbbVie). AbbVie sources ingredients for Synthroid marketed in the United States from the United States, Puerto Rico, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Germany.
This information is subject to change. If this information is needed in the future, please contact AbbVie Global Medical Information for updated information.
Thank you for continuing the conversation.]
Synthroid is the brand name for a medication called levothyroxine, which is manufactured by drug company Abbvie in the U.S. and Mylan in Canada. It treats hypothyroidism, as well as enlarged thyroid gland and thyroid cancer. Synthroid sells for about $100 for a three-month supply in the U.S. compared to $32 in Canada. Over the course of a year, since this is a maintenance medication, the annual costs are $400 vs. $128. You compare Synthroid brand prices here. This is a very popular drug: about 23 million prescriptions are written monthly for Synthroid. For Americans who do not have insurance or their insurance doesn’t cover Synthroid, buying it from Canada means real savings. But will they be getting the exact same drug?
After all, there are generic versions of levothyroxine sold in the U.S. that cost even less than Synthroid in Canada: $10 at Walmart for a three-month supply. For most medications (but there are exceptions) your best bet is the lower cost U.S. generic compared to a higher cost brand drug internationally. In the U.S., the FDA affirms that approved generics are bioequivalent to the brands, meaning the active ingredient has the same rate and extent of absorption in the bloodstream (for all intents and purposes they are the same). But for some medications, especially those with a narrow therapeutic index, your provider may not want you to take a generic. Medications with a narrow therapeutic index have a narrow range between the drug’s risks and its benefits and small differences in dose or blood concentration may matter, meaning it’s more critical that the amount of pharmaceutical ingredient is precise and delivered correctly through the bloodstream. But what about brand products of the same medication made in different countries?
In the case of Synthroid, the brand company licensed Mylan, a generic drug company, to manufacture the one sold in Canada: it was made by Abbvie but licensed for distribution to Mylan, and has the same ingredients per the chart below as the one sold in the U.S. So, while we cannot make any guarantees, our research indicates Synthroid made in Canada and the U.S. are the same drug made to the same specifications*.
Synthroid ingredients
| U.S. | Canada | |
| Active ingredient | Levothyroxine (T4) | Levothyroxine (T4) |
| Inactive ingredients | Acacia, confectioner’s sugar (contains corn starch), lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, povidone, talc and color additives by tablet strength. | Acacia, confectioner’s sugar, lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone, talc and color additives. Gluten-free. Each tablet contains less than 70 mg of lactose. |
| Source | http://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/Synthroid.pdf | http://www.mylan.ca/en-ca/businesses/brand-specialty. |
*Although, another thing to consider is that the source of the active pharmaceutical ingredient used to manufacture the finished prescription drug product – Synthroid – could be different in the U.S. and Canadian versions.
Remember, this is just for Synthroid manufactured in the U.S. and Canada. Online pharmacies in our program that sell Synthroid or levothyroxine may work with pharmacies in other countries, other than the U.S. or Canada. Those medications, too, would be high quality but they may be slightly different than the U.S. and Canadian versions.
So, it is important to talk to your provider regarding changes to your medication, especially with a medication like Synthroid due to its narrow therapeutic index.
I ordered Synthroid from Canada after years taking the US name brand. I didn’t know the manufacturer was different. But after three weeks on the Synthroid from Canada, I was tired, depressed and lethargic. I swtiched back to my US-made Synthroid and within days was back to normal. There is a difference!
Mylan is the manufacturer of Synthroid in Canada. To the best of my knowledge, there have not been adverse reports from people who take Synthroid in Canada, but I’d like to look into it. Thanks for sharing.
What did you find out, is the formulation by Abbvie (Abbotts) and Mylan the same?
Hi Ray, See the corrections within the blog post.
My latest Synthroid prescription label says Synthroid by Abbott, a brown round scored pill. What I got is Synthroid by Abbvie and it is not a brown pill. Do I have a generic drug? I talked to the pharmacist and he tells me I got the brand name Synthroid, is he correct?
I have been buying Synthroid brand maid by Abbot from Canada for several years without a problem.
On my last refill I received an identical bottle to the precariously received bottles, onlu that it had Mylan name on it.
I did not think much about it and started using it about 5 weeks ago.
Since then I started to feel progressively worse fatigued and gained approximately 10 pounds!
I called the CanadaPharmacyOnline (where I purchased it) and they told me that “it is only distributes by Myla Canada but is made by Abbot”.
My research proved otherwise but they insisted that that is the case.
Needless to say, I am going back to the US source, made by Abbot – now Abbvie.
Hi Malka –
We looked into this further and found that our blog was not correct: the Synthroid sold in Canada is not made by Mylan but by Abbvie in Puerto Rico. So the same company appears to make it for both the U.S. and Canada. I’m going to update the blog accordingly.
Our research ishowed that the Canadian and U.S. Synthroid have the exact same ingredients. If your medication is not working then please contact your healthcare provider immediately.
I’m still confused, is the synthroid in Canada, which seems to be manufactured by BGP Pharma, the same as the US synthroid manufactured Abbott or Abbvie? I believe Abbott and Abbvie are the same company, yes?
Carolyn,
Many doctors have begun to realize that many people are allergic to the ten or more additives in Synthroid.
I had papillary thyroid cancer over 30 years ago. I had surgery and I have been sick for over 30 years. The brain fog was terrible. I have fired more than 20 doctors over this time. They always said, “Your lab report says your levels are fine”.
On my second visit to a holistic doctor, she changed me to Tirosint, which has no additives. Tirosint is relatively new and in produced in Europe.
TRY TIROSINT. Please….You will not be sorry.
Hi Richard, Where is Tirosint manufactured in Europe? I started looking into the Levothyroxine Synthroid I get in Canada. I don’t feel any better taking it and have gained weight. I overall still feel lousy. I was concerned the drug was manufactured in China. I wanted some confirmation I’m not ingesting something noxious from China. Can you give me more info on the Tirosint please? Where in Europe is it from? Is it a Synthroid etc. Do you feel much better etc? Thank you!
Hello!
I’m on Levothyroxine /genetic a Cytomel. I would like to know from where the raw material for this Ned’s is coming from. China? India?
There have been reports, that those companies are not producing proper strengths and are contaminated! Do you know anything about it?
Thank you ! Viera
Hi Viera,
The FDA is alerting active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) repackagers and distributors, finished drug manufacturers, and compounders that Sichuan Friendly Pharmaceutical Co. Limited, China, has recalled all unexpired lots of porcine thyroid API due to inconsistent quality.
The U.S. FDA currently recommends patients not use porcine thyroid drug products made by Westminster Pharmaceuticals LLC, they recalled all unexpired lots of levothyroxine and liothyronine (thyroid tablets) 15mg, 30mg, 60mg, 90mg, and 120mg.
You can call and ask the pharmacist from where you ordered the medication to see if your meds are affected. Please email info@pharmacychecker.com with your order number if you’d like us to check for you.
This recall is quite recent so the recall list will probably continue growing.
Read more here: https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm617287.htm
I wrote here a few weeks ago about Canadian Mylan Synthroid not working at all for me — tired, sluggish — even though its ingredients are supposed to be identical to the Abbvie (US ordered) I had been taking successfully. Now I have ordered Canadian Pharmacy World’s Abbott/ Abbvie Synthroid made in India. Do you know anything about this version’s reliability? Would love to hear from you.
Our updated research shows that Both Abbvie and Mylan’s Synthroid is made in Puerto Rico (by Abbvie). Please see our update to the blog post, and you’ll see a link to the source showing that U.S.-sold Synthroid is made in PR and the picture of the Canadian Synthroid that shows it’s made in PR. Our pharmacist’s research shows that both drugs have the exact same ingredients. We recommend checking with your health care provider on this matter. Regarding the Synthroid made in India, we don’t have the same research at this time in terms of exact ingredients and place of manufacture.
I can tell you they are not the same. Had zero problems with Abbott brand …then everything went Geniric (Thyroid Meds) and without any notification was switched to Mylan. That was near six years ago. I have NEVER been able to tolerate generic versions of any pharmaceuticals especially, Synthroid. I have been sick everyday for six years. It doesn’t help that I’m also intolerant or allergic to the ‘fillers’ in these meds. Bio equivalent my butt!!!
Yeah Walmart was selling levothyroxine from Canada they did not tell me they switched to Canada me and my sister both had throat problems I felt hurt we found out it was Walmart levothyroxine so we switch manufacturers I think we went to Rite Aid never had no more problems Canada has poor manufacturer’s
My throat hurt not I felt hurt
I agree, because the Synthroid made by Mylan made me sick.
I have been on Synthroid for 40+ years and have been buying it from Canada for the last 10 years. The bottle always said Abbott Labs but my last refill, 6 months ago, has Mylan (BGP Pharma)on the label. I have not had any changes in my symptoms (or lack of them) and my test results of TSH have been right at my maintenance level. I was concerned about the change in supplier so I started researching this and spoke with AbbVie in Canada but this site has been the most informative. I believe I am safe to continue buying my meds ($21.04 for a 90 day supply) from Canada vs $109 in the US. Thanks for the information. BTW, AbbVie offers a patient assistance program for Synthroid but being on MediCare, I do not qualify.
Janis, Which Canadian pharmacy are you buying it from please?
Hi
Can you give me the address where you purchase your synthroid I have been taking np thyroid, was ok till now
I was told by my pharmacist not to buy meds from Canada, but when I picked up my Synthroid (3 mo supply) the prescription label was placed on the original bottle label and it had made in Canada on it! What/something is wrong with this picture?
Sorry for my typo in my above comment.
It is “made” not “maid”
“previously received”
“only” not “onlu”
Thank you
Since Puerto Rico is no longer producing Synthroid (due to hurricane damage), what will happen to my health when I can’t get the med?
Hi Pat–AbbVie has issued a statement that its facilities are running on generators. They are working to restore normal operations, and U.S. patients are unlikely to be affected. Please let us know if you have heard differently. You always can order internationally: https://pharmacycheckerblog.com/is-synthroid-in-canada-the-same-as-in-the-u-s
I felt so lazy and sluggish with the Synthroid I’m buying from the US. But since I started the one from Canada, I started feeling energetic and now has control in the amount of food I eat. So for me, the one from Canada works for me better.
I know this is an old thread. I moved to the US, from Canada, a couple months ago. I recently started purchasing my meds here and I feel my symptoms coming back that I haven’t had in years.
🙁
Angel, what manufacturers are supplying your Synthroid both here and in Canada. I recently switched from US (Abbott manufacturing) to the one in Canada. I still waiting on the shipment from Canada, so I’m not sure who the manufacturer is. I’m hoping that the new prescription will give me better results.
Since Synthroid (Levothyroxine) can vary by 95 -105% in potency, I suggest a blog section devoted to Synthroid Lot checking. People experiencing problems could log the Company, Lot number, and Expiration Date. The Lot number is located by the Expiration date; you may have to carefully peel back the pharmacy’s label.
Documenting lot numbers are a great way to identify specific batches for medication related issues. However, the best way to alert the manufacturer about any quality related issues of any prescription medication is to contact the manufacturer directly. Pharmaceutical companies have pharmacovigilance and quality assurance departments to appropriately process adverse events that you observe or suspect for prescription medications including serious drug side effects, medication errors/ use errors, product quality issues, and therapeutic failures.
If you’re in the U.S, you can also submit a voluntary FDA medwatch form online with any information you have. The FDA uses these data to maintain safety surveillance of these products. Your report could be critical to prompt a change in use or design of the product and improves overall safety of the medication leading to increased patient safety.
Here is a link to begin a voluntary report as a consumer: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=reporting.home
Thank you for this information.
I switched a week-plus ago from US Abbvie Synthroid (though I don’t know where it is produced). Have been on Mylan Synthroid ordered from Canada, same dosage, Lot 1102805, Exp Dec 4, 2019. On Mylan Synthroid, I am very tired — never the case with Abbvie Synthroid. Very strange, as the ingredients in the two brands are supposed to be identical. Any thoughts about what’s going on here? Of course I can switch back; it’s just triple the price in the US.
Been buying Synthroid made by Abbie Vie from Canadian supplier for 10 years+. TSH readings rock solid.
Switched to Walmart USA provided Mylan mfg. for 3 months and readings became too strong, i.e., it appeared that the same dosage from Mylan was stronger than the Abbie Vie version.
Who knows? Those were my results.
Since I’m been taking synthroid for years and I still feel terrible. My tsh level is .3. I’m on 50mcb, I cat my medication in half and still feel yucky. My cost is $213 for 90 days. I’m going to Canada this week for the next is $27. What should I do, stay with 50 or 25. My symptoms are extreme fatigue, anxiety, can’t sleep, muscle pain. Feel like I have the flu daily. My Dr says I’m fine.
Hi Carolyn, We cannot give you medical advice. We suggest listening to your doctor; if you feel they aren’t listening to your concerns, seek out a second opinion from a doctor.
Carolyn I have been experiencing the exact same symptoms as you and I cannot figure it out.
Though they’ve been shown to be chemically the same, with the exact same size bottle and the exact same shape pill, Abbott and Mylan are not the same. I’ve been taking the Canada Mylan version for the last few years, unknowingly taking a generic version though it was labeled with the Synthroid brand name. I’ve struggled with a stressed out body….increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, and anxiety. I had to retire early because of it. Fortuitously with a change in dosage I was back on the Abbott version, and very quickly my blood pressure went down and my body relaxed. I again tried the Mylan version, and immediately felt like I’d been hit with an unwelcome stimulant. I will now happily pay more for the US brand name. Everyone’s body is unique to them. But if one thing isn’t working try another. It was a hard lesson for me.
How were you able to switch? My insurance won’t allow me to purchase from different pharmacy. I am unable to take the Synthroid from Ingenio mail order pharmacy. Previous mail order was Express Scripts. No problems for years!!!!! Express Scripts will not even allow me to buy outright full cost.
You can get approval from Medicare to buy the named brand if the generic does not work for you. The only brand name if from Abbott.
I too just realized it 5 days in I’ll be buying Abbott from now on too. Ugh!!!!!!
Carolyn,
Many doctors have begun to realize that many people are allergic to the ten or more additives in Synthroid.
I had papillary thyroid cancer over 30 years ago. I had surgery and I have been sick for over 30 years. The brain fog was terrible. I have fired more than 20 doctors over this time. They always said, “Your lab report says your levels are fine”.
On my second visit to a holistic doctor, she changed me to Tirosint, which has no additives. Tirosint is relatively new and in produced in Europe.
TRY TIROSINT. Please….You will not be sorry.
I have been taking replacement thyroid hormones for many many years. I purchase by the month as I found that near the end of a 90 day supply my symptoms would recur. My theory is that exposure to air/moisture/whatever deteriorates the ingredients making them less effective. I think that by buying more frequently I’m likely to get fresher Medes. Any comments?
Many doctors have realized that many people are allergic to the ten or more additives in synthroid.
I had papillary thyroid cancer over 30 years ago. I had surgery and I have been sick for over 30 years. The brain fog was terrible. I have fired more than 20 doctors over this time.
On my second visit to a holistic doctor, she changed me to Tirosint, which has no additives.
TRY TIROSINT. Please….You will not be sorry.
I’m trying to find out if I can get name brand Synthroid in MEXICO cheaper? And, is it the same as the name brand sold in the USA? by Abbvie (or Abbott)
I’ve been taking the Canada Mylan version for the last few years. Last bottle (Lot 1112185, Exp. 2020Jn14) make me feel terrible: my throat hurts, blood pressure is not stable, vaginal blood traces (menopause for 5 years), sleep problems, weight gain (8 lb in 2 month)… Was wondering if they did change manufactory or something wrong with this particular Lot. Started to take the same dose from Abbvie, in 4 days most of the symptoms disappeared.
Anybody has the similar issues?
SYNTHROID IS POISON.
Many doctors have realized that many people are allergic to the ten or more additives in synthroid.
I had papillary thyroid cancer over 30 years ago. So, after surgery, I have been sick for over 30 years. The brain fog was terrible. I have fired more than 20 doctors over this time.
On my second visit to a holistic doctor, she changed me to Tirosint, which has no additives.
TRY TIROSINT. Please….You will not be sorry.
I have been on Synthroid for practically my entire adult life. I am now 84 years young. About 20 years ago I switched to buying from Canada because I was advised to use only the brand name. My TSH has stayed in the normal range.
I do not carry insurance for drugs. I pay $37.50 for 90 pills.
Today I looked at my last bottle and saw that the drug company is Mylan. I began to worry that I might actually be receiving a generic. Research led me to this website. So far I feel fine but am still concerned.
I’ll play the wait and see game.
Hi Augusta, We advise that you monitor this situation with the help and guidance of your doctor. We also recommend that you only purchase medication online through websites that are credentialed and monitored. You can compare prices for Synthroid among these safe options here: https://www.pharmacychecker.com/synthroid/ Please let us know should you have any questions. We’re here to help.
SYNTHROID IS POISON.
Many doctors have realized that many people are allergic to the ten or more additives in synthroid.
I had papillary thyroid cancer over 30 years ago. So, after surgery, I have been sick for over 30 years. The brain fog was terrible. I have fired more than 20 doctors over this time.
On my second visit to a holistic doctor, she changed me to Tirosint, which has no additives.
TRY TIROSINT. Please….You will not be sorry.
Trying to get a straight answer to a simple question. Are any of the ingredients in the Synthroid manufactured by AbbieVie in the US sourced in China? Same question for Hydroxychloroquine and Olmesartan. Thanks.
Hi Steve– Because this information is subject to change, we advise that you please contact AbbVie Global Medical Information for updated information. As of our update in June 2019, Synthroid marketed in the United States was manufactured in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Ireland (Data on file, AbbVie). AbbVie sourced ingredients for Synthroid marketed in the United States from the United States, Puerto Rico, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Germany.
SYNTHROID IS POISON.
Many doctors have realized that many people are allergic to the ten or more additives in synthroid.
I had papillary thyroid cancer over 30 years ago. So, after surgery, I have been sick for over 30 years. The brain fog was terrible. I have fired more than 20 doctors over this time.
On my second visit to a holistic doctor, she changed me to Tirosint, which has no additives.
TRY TIROSINT. Please….You will not be sorry.
I have been on Synthroid since complete thyroidectomy for cancer, for almost 5 years. I started with the generic, and it gave me massive anxiety and depression. So, am now on Synthroid by Abbvie. I still feel acute depression. 2 years ago, I was on vacation and forgot to take Synthroid for 5 days. The depression was lifted! I felt normal again!
My levels are normal. But I do not know where to turn. Should I try a different manufacturer? ANY help whatsoever would be greatly appreciated.
SYNTHROID IS POISON.
Many doctors have realized that many people are allergic to the ten or more additives in synthroid.
I had papillary thyroid cancer over 30 years ago. So, after surgery, I have been sick for over 30 years. The brain fog was terrible. I have fired more than 20 doctors over this time.
On my second visit to a holistic doctor, she changed me to Tirosint, which has no additives.
TRY TIROSINT. Please….You will not be sorry.
I have been on synthroid since 2011, which has been supplied by my HMO And the supplier has been Canadian. Now they swapped to a European supplier, and it created many side effects. I’d like to return to the previous supplier. Could you please help me find out who was that supplier in Israel and where I could order that prescription? Please. This is a matter of life and death.
Hi Lea — I encourage you to work with your pharmacist to seek out your preferred supplier and monitor your drug therapy.
SYNTHROID IS POISON.
Many doctors have realized that many people are allergic to the ten or more additives in synthroid.
I had papillary thyroid cancer over 30 years ago. So, after surgery, I have been sick for over 30 years. The brain fog was terrible. I have fired more than 20 doctors over this time.
On my second visit to a holistic doctor, she changed me to Tirosint, which has no additives.
TRY TIROSINT. Please….You will not be sorry.
Rita, SYNTHROID IS POISON.
Many doctors have realized that many people are allergic to the ten or more additives in synthroid.
I had papillary thyroid cancer over 30 years ago. I had surgery and I have been sick for over 30 years. The brain fog was terrible. I have fired more than 20 doctors over this time.
On my second visit to a holistic doctor, she changed me to Tirosint, which has no additives.
TRY TIROSINT. Please….You will not be sorry.
Is the Canadian Abbott synthroid manufactured in India the same as American Abbott synthroid ingredients ?
My latest Synthroid prescription label says Synthroid by Abbott, a brown round scored pill. What I got is Synthroid by Abbvie and it is not a brown pill. Do I have a generic drug? I talked to the pharmacist and he tells me I got the brand name Synthroid, is he correct?