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How to take thyroid hormone pills
thyroid hormone · thyroid pills · levothyroxine · thyroid replacement therapy
The pills replace the hormone your thyroid gland is missing. It is important to take them correctly, or they work less well.
When the thyroid gland is underactive or has been removed.
⏱ Duration: a pill every day; a test to check the dose is usually done 6 to 8 weeks after a change
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Time. The pill is usually taken in the morning on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Ask your doctor.
- Water. Take it with plain water, not coffee or milk.
- Other medicines. Iron and calcium are usually taken a few hours after the hormone - your doctor will say exactly.
What to bring
- Your pills
- Results of earlier hormone tests
- A list of your other medicines
How it goes
- In the morning, right after you wake up, take the pill
- Drink it down with a glass of plain water
- Wait before breakfast and coffee - usually 30 to 60 minutes
- Take the pill every day at the same time
- Do not change the dose on your own - only when your doctor decides
- Have the hormone test when your doctor tells you
What you'll feel
- Improvement usually comes gradually, over a few weeks
- If the dose is too high, you may get a racing heart and nervousness - tell your doctor
Afterwards
- If you missed it in the morning, ask your doctor what to do - do not take a double dose without advice
- Keep the pills dry and at room temperature
- Before the test, ask your doctor whether to take the pill before the blood draw
Contact a doctor straight away if
- A strong heartbeat or chest pain - call your local emergency number
Common questions
Can I ever stop taking the hormone?
Only your doctor decides this. Often it is taken for life.
Can I switch the brand of pills?
It is better not to without your doctor. After a change the test is usually checked.