What to do if Synthroid is in shortage — for Italy
Drug shortages happen periodically — manufacturing issues, supply chain disruptions, regulatory holds — and Synthroid (Levothyroxine) may become temporarily unavailable in some pharmacies or countries. For chronic users at 25mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg, 100mcg, 150mcg, knowing how to handle a shortage prevents unnecessary treatment interruption.
Italy context
Drug shortages in Italy are tracked by AIFA (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco) when significant. For Synthroid, shortage of one strength or one manufacturer rarely means total unavailability of Levothyroxine — authorised generics or alternative manufacturers usually fill the gap, with the pharmacist coordinating substitution and the prescriber confirming any formulation change at 25mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg, 100mcg, 150mcg.
- Regulator
- AIFA (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco)
- Currency
- EUR
How shortages work for Synthroid
When Synthroid is in shortage, the pharmacist usually has several options: dispense an authorised generic of Levothyroxine, source from a different manufacturer of the same active ingredient, suggest a different formulation (e.g. liquid, dispersible) or, in extended shortages, ask the prescriber to consider an alternative Hormones and Birth Control agent. Levothyroxine replaces deficient endogenous thyroxine, which is converted in tissues to the active hormone triiodothyronine (T3) by deiodinase enzymes.
Practical steps
According to general pharmacy practice, the first step in a Synthroid shortage is to ask the pharmacist about authorised generic availability — most shortages affect a single brand or strength, not the entire supply of Levothyroxine at 25mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg, 100mcg, 150mcg. The prescriber should be informed if the pharmacist needs to substitute or change formulation. Stockpiling or buying extra outside regulated channels is not the right response.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if my pharmacy doesn't have Synthroid? ▾
Ask the pharmacist whether an authorised generic of Levothyroxine is available — usually yes — or whether another pharmacy in the area has stock of Synthroid at 25mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg, 100mcg, 150mcg. The pharmacist can also contact the prescriber if a formulation switch is needed.
Will Synthroid come back in stock? ▾
Most shortages are resolved within weeks to months as manufacturing or supply issues are fixed. Until then, the authorised generic of Levothyroxine is the standard alternative and is clinically equivalent to Synthroid at the same 25mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg, 100mcg, 150mcg strength.
What to do if Synthroid is in shortage in other countries
- the United StatesFDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- the United KingdomMHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
- SpainAEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios)
- MexicoCOFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios)
- ArgentinaANMAT (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica)
- GermanyBfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte)
- FranceANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé)
- BrazilANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
- CanadaHealth Canada
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.