The public pharmaceutical management agency made the u-turn to subsidise the Synthroid brand of levothyroxine tablets from August 1, which comprises three strengths of Synthroid, including a lower-strength 25-ug tablet.

There has been pressure for Pharmac to provide the subsidy after many Kiwis reported ill effects from taking the only Pharmac-funded drug Eltroxin, which the manufacturer changed last year.

Bucklands Beach resident Margaret Nalder convenes a support group for people with thyroid problems.

She needs lifelong treatment to replace thyroid hormones. When her medication was changed last year she developed Alzheimer’s-like symptoms and it became difficult for her to run her business.

When she heard about the problems other thyroid sufferers were experiencing with Eltroxin, she opted to pay for Synthoid and her health considerably improved.

“Synthroid cost $30 a month,” says Mrs Nalder. “At the last meeting people felt it was about time [the subsidy was instated].

“A lot of the older ladies on the pension couldn’t afford to pay for it so a lot of them had continued taking Eltroxin, even though they knew it wasn’t right for them.”

Some women are also fighting for compensation after the medication was changed and their behaviour changed dramatically and their employment was compromised.

Mrs Nalder says many took extended sick leave and behaved completely out of character.

The next support meeting is at 2pm on September 27 at Papatoetoe Bridge Club, 57 Hillside Road. All interested people are welcome.

Phone Margaret on 534-2158 and transport can be provided.