Thyroid Hormone Replacement
In order to replace the hormones once produced by the thyroid, thyroid cancer patients take synthetic hormone called Levothyroxine or T4. Synthroid and Eltroxin are the brand names for Levothyroxine in Canada.
Things to remember about taking Levothyroxine
- It is extremely important that you take your thyroid hormone every day, at the same time and under similar circumstances. The best time is first thing in the morning, an hour before eating. Alternatively, you can take the pill at bedtime.
- Swallow the pill with water only. Food, minerals, and other medications will bind with the hormone and interfere with its absorption.
- If you have trouble remembering to take your pill, buy a day-of-the-week pill dispenser and use it religiously.
- Some products will bind to Levothyroxine and interfere with absorption: iron-containing medications, sucralafate (Carafate), cholestyramine, large doses of aluminium hydroxide gels (Maalox, etc), and soy protein supplements. Calcium and food containing calcium (milk, cheese, etc.) may also interfere. If any of these items must be consumed, they should be taken 5 hours away from the hormone replacement pill. Upon request, the pharmacy that fills your prescription can provide you with written instructions on how best take your pills. Note that estrogens and birth control pills do not interfere with Levothyroxine absorption.
- Levothyroxine will lose potency if exposed to heat. Store your pills at a controlled room temperature between 15-10 C and protect them from light and moisture. Take only the number of pills you require while travelling, as a hot car or warm climate will quickly reduce the potency of your pills.
Disclaimer: The information contained on this website does not constitute medical advice. Visitors are encouraged to work closely with their doctors to make sure that their individual medical needs are met. The Canadian Thyroid Cancer Support Group (Thry'vors) Inc. does not endorse any product, treatment, service or practitioner and is not responsible for the quality of the information or services offered by other organizations or websites.
© Canadian Thyroid Cancer Support Group (Thry'vors) Inc.