The thyroid medication levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach at around the same time every day.
You should avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes to one hour after taking it.
There are variations in how and when you should take other kinds of thyroid medication.
Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell
Some may need to be taken at specific times of the day or with or without food.
You may also need to avoid certain other medications that can interact with these drugs.
Do not skip or delay doses.
Missing even a day or two of thyroid medication can cause symptoms.
That can help you establish the habit.
If you’re forgetful, try setting an alarm on your phone.
While this is safe, it’s better if you remember to take it every day.
Liothyronine can be taken with or without food.
Some recent research supports taking thyroid medication at bedtime to maximize absorption.
If you take a combination T3/T4 therapy or desiccated thyroid, you might have difficulty falling asleep.
Changes Over Time
Your proper dose of thyroid drugs may change over time.
Switching Brands or Manufacturers
The amount of levothyroxine in a tablet can differ between manufacturers.
For example, a 100 mcg tablet may contain between 95 mcg and 105 mcg of hormone.
Different brands and generics may also contain various other ingredients that can affect absorption.
Switching brands of levothyroxine or changing to a generic may affect your symptoms or side effects.
Storing Your Medication
Storethyroid medicationproperly.
Don’t expose it to moisture orheat.
Avoid storing it in the bathroom.
Food Interactions
Food can bind with thyroid medication.
That can change how fast it dissolves and how it’s absorbed in your intestines.
They include prescription and over-the-counter products.
Your dose will likely need to be increased.
Your health team may want to keep a closer eye on your thyroid levels while you’re expecting.
It’s considered safe to take your hypothyroid treatment while breastfeeding.
Studies show minimal amounts get into the milk.
Don’t mix it with food.
Polymorphisms (genetic differences) can lower the effectiveness of thyroid hormone in some people.
One example is differences in a gene called iodothyronine deiodinase 2 (DIO2).
DIO2 affects how your body converts T4 into T3, which is the active form of the hormone.
Still, you should keep some considerations in mind to ensure your medication is working as well as possible.
Taking Tapazole with food or milk can help prevent an upset stomach.
Forgetting Your Medication
Consistently taking your medication is important.
The guidelines regarding missed doses depend on what kind you’re taking.
Medication Interactions
Some drugs can interact with hyperthyroidism treatments.
These include:
These interactions can usually be lessened by reducing the dose of the accompanying drug.
Be cautious with over-the-counter cold medications or any drugs with a stimulant effect.
Adverse Reactions
It’s possible to have serious side effects from anti-thyroid drugs.
Be on the lookout for potential symptoms.
Also, be sure to stay up-to-date on immunizations.
Summary
Thyroid drugs work best when taken correctly.
Certain drugs and supplements, and some medical conditions can make you absorb more or less of the drug.
Check with your provider any time you change your medication or supplement regimen.
Watch for negative side effects and drug interactions.
If you get pregnant, you may need to increase your dosage.
For hyperthyroidism treatments, confirm you don’t double up on natural T3 drugs.
That can cause an overdose.
you gotta take Tapazole and PTU consistently.
Figure out ways to remind yourself so you’ve got the option to be consistent.
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