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The cynomel, which concerns around 3000 patients in France, will stop being marketed from the end of October. A medically equivalent will be offered instead.
In 2017, the change in formula of Lévothyrox, of Merck, had led to a scandal. Today is a completely different product intended for the patients of the thyroid that will be replaced by another: the pharmaceutical giant Sanofi will soon stop marketing the cynomel (sodium Liothyronine), the National Agency for Medicines (ANSM) announced on Thursday. This medication, which contains a thyroid synthesis hormone with rapid and brief action, is used in the emergency treatment of hypothyroidism (insufficient secretion of hormones by the thyroid gland), or forced in other thyroid conditions.
The cynomel, which concerns around 3000 patients in France, will stop being marketed “As of October 31, 2025”according to a statement from the health agency. It was only available in France and production will be stopped. “In 2022, the company responsible for the production of cynomel for Sanofi announced its intention to stop this activity. A safety stock has been produced to anticipate production stopping ”said Sanofi to AFP, stating that this stock will supply the French market until October 2025.
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Substitution treatment will be available
“To ensure the continuity of patient treatment”the laboratory has undertaken to import alternative treatment into France, Thybon 20 Henning (Lithyronine Chlorhydrate). This medication has been authorized in Germany for over 25 years, the ANSM underlines. The two drugs have the same basic molecule (Lithyronine), but different excipients. These imports will take effect as soon as the cynomel marketed and will be followed by a marketing authorization request for Thybon, in order to“Ensure lasting access to this medication” et “To prevent patients with repeated drug changes”.
The ANSM prevents patients they will have to consult their doctor to have a new prescription. A possible adjustment of the dose may be necessary. Thyroid hormone dosages will also have to be carried out 6 to 8 weeks after the start of treatment or if certain symptoms appear.
The health agency also draws the attention of patients and pharmacists to the resemblance of Thybon 20 Henning boxes with another sanofi medication containing levothyroxine, another type of synthetic thyroid hormone sometimes taken concomitantly with Thybon 20 Henning.