UPDATE 1-Mylan allowed to sell generic Synthroid in Florida

(Adds comment from Abbott Labs)

BOSTON, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Mylan Inc MYL.N, one of the biggest generic drugmakers, said on Friday it has obtained an order from an administrative law judge that will allow it to sell its generic version of the branded drug Synthroid in Florida.

Synthroid, known generically as levothyroxine sodium, is designed to treat hypothyroidism, a condition in which a person is deficient in the thyroid hormone. The condition can lead to a slow metabolism and symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, weakness and memory loss.

Pittsburgh-based Mylan said the order found that the inclusion of levothyroxine sodium on Florida's negative drug formulary was an invalid exercise of authority.

When a drug is included on Florida's negative formulary, pharmacists are prohibited from substituting a generic version of a prescribed brand drug.

Abbott Laboratories Inc (ABT.N), the Abbott Park, Illinois-based maker of Synthroid, said it has filed an appeal, and has asked the court to maintain the status quo until the appeal is heard.

U.S. sales of Synthroid were $458 million in 2007. Scott Stoffel, a spokesman for Abbott, said the company does not break out what portion of those sales are in Florida.

(Reporting by Toni Clarke; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn, Phil Berlowitz)