Things you need to know about Thyroid Hormone Tablets!

Do you sometimes feel tired, lethargic, or gain weight? At such a time, a doctor has prescribed a pill for you, saying that your thyroid hormone level is low, which means you have ``Hypothyroidism''? A question that many people have is how to take this medicine exactly, and what things to be careful about. So, today we will talk about these thyroid pills in a very simple way.

What kind of medicine is this?

Simply put, the thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. It produces thyroid hormones, which are essential for our bodies. Sometimes, this gland may not produce enough hormones. That's when doctors prescribe thyroid pills. These pills artificially replace the thyroid hormones that your body naturally produces.

Think of it this way, this thyroid hormone is like an `engine` in our body. Thyroid hormones are essential for controlling the energy in our body, for properly digesting the food we eat and converting it into energy (this is what we call `metabolism`), for heart function, brain development, and for controlling body temperature. So, when these hormones are low, the aforementioned symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and dry skin appear. This medicine compensates for that deficiency.

This medicine is sometimes given as a treatment for other thyroid diseases or some types of thyroid cancer. Your doctor will explain this to you in detail.

What should I tell the doctor before starting this medication?

Before you start taking thyroid pills, there are a few important things you need to tell your doctor. This medication is not for everyone. Therefore, it is very important for your own safety to inform your doctor about these things.

If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor:

• If you have any problems with your adrenal glands, such as Addison's disease.
• If you have heart disease, for example, if you have chest pain (angina), or if you have had a heart attack before.
• If you have any bone problems, such as osteoporosis.
• If you have diabetes.
• If you are on a special diet to lose weight, or if you are using any medication (weight loss program) to do so.
• If you have fertility problems.
• If there is any disorder in the pituitary gland.
• If you are taking any medication (e.g. Warfarin) to prevent or treat blood clots.
• If you have previously been allergic to levothyroxine, other thyroid hormones, any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative.
• If you are currently pregnant, or are expecting to become pregnant soon.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

By discussing these issues with your doctor, you will be able to begin treatment in a way that is most appropriate and safe for you.

How exactly do I use this medicine?

To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to know how to use it correctly.

• How to take: This pill is to be taken orally with a glass of water.
• Time: It's best to take it at the same time every day. That way, it's easier to keep your hormone levels consistent.
• The most important thing: This medicine should be taken in the morning, half an hour (30 minutes) or an hour (60 minutes) before eating, on an empty stomach. Imagine that you take this medicine with a little water as soon as you wake up in the morning, before drinking anything else (even tea). Some foods, especially dairy products containing ``calcium'', ``iron'' pills, and ``antacids'', reduce the absorption of this medicine. That is why it is said to be taken on an empty stomach.
• Stopping: Continue taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to "stop taking this medicine now." Do not stop suddenly, even if you feel better.
• If given to children: There are special considerations when giving this medicine to young children. Talk to your pediatrician about this and get advice.
• Overdosage: If you accidentally take more than the prescribed amount of medicine, go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately, or call a poison control center.
• Giving to others: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give your medicine to anyone else for any reason. It could be dangerous for them.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

We sometimes forget to take our medicine. If that happens, don't worry.

• Take your medicine as soon as you remember.
• However, if it is very close to the time of your next dose when you remember (for example, if you are due to take the next dose in a few hours), skip the missed dose and just take the next dose at the scheduled time.
• Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Doing so may increase the amount of medication and cause side effects.

What other things can interact with this medicine?

If you are taking other medications, vitamins, or dietary supplements while taking thyroid pills, you should also be careful about that, as some things can affect the effectiveness of thyroid medication.

Here are a few such things:

• Amiodarone (a medicine for heart disease)
• `Antacids` (liquids/tablets for gastritis)
• Anti-thyroid medications
• `Calcium supplements`
• `Carbamazepine` (a medicine used for epilepsy)
• Some medications for depression
• Some medications for cancer
• Cholestyramine, Colesevelam, Colestipol (medicines to lower cholesterol)
• Digoxin (a medicine for heart disease)
• Female hormones, for example birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections that contain estrogens
• `Iron supplements`
• `Ketamine` (an anesthetic)
• Liquid nutritional products like `Ensure`
• Lithium (a medication for mental illness)
• Some medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• Medications for diabetes
• Weight loss medications or dietary supplements
• `Methadone`
• `Niacin`
• `Orlistat` (a weight loss drug)
• Medicines in the barbiturate class, such as Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin (a medicine for epilepsy)
• `Rifampin` (a medicine for tuberculosis)
• Soy isoflavones (contained in soy products)
• Steroid medications, e.g. prednisone, cortisone
• Sucralfate (a medicine for gastritis)
• `Testosterone`
• Theophylline (a medicine for asthma)
• Warfarin (a blood thinner)

Important: This list only includes the most common interactions. It is not a complete list. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (both prescription and over-the-counter), vitamins, supplements, herbs, and if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other illegal drugs. Your doctor can give you the best advice.

What are the things to be careful about when taking this medicine?

When using thyroid pills, it is very important to pay attention to your health and follow your doctor's instructions.

• Switching Brands: Do not change the brand of thyroid medication you are taking without your doctor's approval. There may be slight differences between brands. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor and ask about it.
• Routine tests: You will need to see your doctor regularly for exams, as well as blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels. This is how your doctor will check if your medication dose is right for you or if it needs to be changed.
• Symptoms may take longer to improve: If you are taking this medicine for an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), it may take several weeks for your symptoms (such as fatigue and weight gain) to improve and you to feel better. Be patient. If your symptoms do not improve, tell your doctor.
• Lifelong: Some people may need to take these thyroid pills for the rest of their lives. This depends on your condition. Never stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice.
• Diabetes and blood sugar: This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor.
• Smell of the medicine: Some brands of thyroid pills may have a slightly pungent smell. This does not mean that the medicine has gone bad. But if you are in doubt, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
• Hair loss: Some people may experience some hair loss when they first start taking the medication. This is usually temporary and will go away over time. If your hair loss continues, tell your doctor.
• Surgery: If you are having any surgery, be sure to tell your doctor and surgeon that you are taking thyroid pills.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like any medication, thyroid pills can cause side effects in some people. But most often, these occur if the dosage is not exactly right, that is, if it is taken too much.

Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately:

• Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (may cause difficulty breathing).
• Changes in mental status: severe anxiety, restlessness, agitation.
• Sweating and heat sensitivity: Excessive sweating, decreased ability to tolerate heat.
• Fever: Fever without an obvious cause.
• Changes in heart rate: Feeling like your heart is beating faster, hearing a pounding sound in your chest, irregular heartbeat (`heart palpitations`).
• Other heart rhythm problems (`Heart rhythm changes`): Very fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing.
• Changes in women's menstrual cycles: Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting during menstruation.
• Severe diarrhea.
• Tremors: Shaking of the hands or body.
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep.

Side effects that usually do not require medical advice (but should be reported to a doctor if they persist or are bothersome):

• Change in appetite (increase or decrease).
• Hair loss (this is common at first, but it will go away later).
• Headache (Hisay Redima).
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.

This list only includes common side effects. In addition, if you experience any other, unusual symptoms, be sure to tell your doctor about them.

How do you store medicine?

To maintain the quality of medicines, they must be stored properly.

• Keep away from children and pets: Always keep medicines out of the reach of children and pets.
• Temperature: Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, or between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Protect from extreme heat or cold.
• Light and Moisture: Keep the medicine bottle/packet away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not store the medicine in places with high humidity, such as the bathroom. Keep the cap of the medicine bottle/packet tightly closed.
• Expired medication: Check the ``expiration date'' on medications and discard any medication that has passed that date.

The most important things to remember

I hope you have a good understanding of thyroid pills from what we have discussed. Finally, keep these points in mind:

• Thyroid pills are a very important medication that helps correct low thyroid hormone levels in your body.
• It is imperative to take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, on an empty stomach, before breakfast, as prescribed by the doctor.
• Do not stop taking the medication, change the brand, or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
• Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other illnesses you have.
• If you notice any side effects or anything unusual, tell your doctor immediately.
• See the doctor on time and get the necessary tests done.

If you use this medicine correctly, it will help you avoid the discomfort caused by hypothyroidism and help you stay healthy and active. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.

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