Question 15898 — pharmacy and medications

Summary

Mr. Olivier Gaillard draws the attention of the Minister of Solidarity and Health to the difficulties encountered by people suffering from thyroid pathologies. Levothyrox is a medication prescribed to people suffering from a deficiency or total absence of thyroxine, a hormone naturally secreted by the thyroid. In March 2017, the Merck laboratory, which holds the market monopoly, marketed a new formula of this drug used by nearly 3 million people, to make it “more stable”. This new formula, launched without preparation or information, produced, for a large proportion of patients, numerous side effects that were very difficult to bear (dizziness, headaches, cramps, intense fatigue, depression, hair loss, muscle pain) not felt with the old formula. In November 2018, faced with the very numerous complaints recorded, the Merck laboratory announced that the old formula would be available in France for patients who have a prescription, throughout 2019. It insisted on this occasion on the transitional nature of this period “which should allow patients to find a lasting alternative solution”. An alternative solution for patients intolerant to the new formula corresponds to consumption other medications based on levothyroxine, such as L-Thyroxin Henning marketed by the Sanofi laboratory, which is also not suitable for all patients. Although this news is the announcement of a one-year respite for the many patients affected by the side effects of the new formula, the transitory nature of this measure does not constitute a long-term solution. Also, he asks him what long-term arrangements the Government intends to take steps to remedy this situation and to allow patients to have appropriate treatment.

Machine translation from French. The official text remains authoritative.

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