New here - intro and questions

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-22-2004
New here - intro and questions
3
Fri, 10-22-2004 - 12:57pm

Hello,
I am new here, but not new to hypothyroidism. I was diagnosed about 4 years ago - one year after my son was born. I've been fairly stable, even through my second pregnancy until recently. In July, I knew something was up and had my levels checked. My TSH was down to 0.1. My doctor took me off all thyroid medication and we rechecked in 6 weeks. My TSH level bounced up to 26. So, we went back on Synthroid (generic) at 112 mcg. 6 weeks later, the TSH was down to 0.7. I know I feel best when my TSH is between 1 and 2 so he decreased the dose to 100 mcg. 4 weeks later, the TSH was down to 0.6. He decreased the dosge to 88 mcg.

That's when the fun really started. About 4 days into the new medications, I broke out in itching and hives all over. My husband and I sat down and determined that the only thing that had changed was my meds. I stopped the generic, called the doctor and, after 2 days, the itching had decreased. The doctor finally returned my call and insisted I go back on the thyroid med. He said it couldn't possibly be the medication. Well, 8 hours after taking my med, the itching started up again.

I called the doctor's office and insisted on speaking to a different doctor. (My regular doctor has been on vacation through all of this). The new doctor is switching my to the brand Levoxyl and, if I am still having problems, I will go in on Monday.

Has anyone ever had this type of allergic reaction to their thyroid medication? I was fine on the generic 100 mcg from Sandoz labs. The 88 mcg is from Sandoz labs, too, but I just can't stay on it.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Sat, 10-23-2004 - 8:56am
Hi and welcome - I'm wondering if your body is responding, not to the thyroid medication itself, but to the fact that your doctor removed you from taking all thyroid medication back in July!! That, to me, is kind of astounding. Normally, when your doctor would find that your TSH level has gotten so low, he would simply DECREASE the medication, not cease it entirely. So I think that's a factor.

Then I think the fact that when you went back on, you went onto a different medication - and a generic one at that - had something to do with it. But I don't think it's the medication, I think it's your body's reaction to the decrease, then increase, and all the in betweens of the medication.

There might be a bunch of people out there who have had this happen as response to their meds. I hope they post if they're out there. But hives and itching are typically symptoms of a thyroid condition so it isn't surprising that you've reacted this way. I think once your body has switched back to the meds you're used to taking, and you get back to the normal level that you're used to, this should go away. You might want to ask your doctor about taking benedryl for the hives and itching. It really helps. But you can't take it if your TSH is really low - meaning you're leaning to the hyper side, because it will affect your heart rate etc, and that's not good. But once you've stabilized and if your still itchy, it might be worth it.

I used to have intense hives and itching. I also had strange itching on my upper arms. They were symptoms of hypo before I was diagnosed and as I was being treated early on. Both are gone now and I didn't do anything special to get rid of either condition but take my meds and get down to a normal range between 1 and 2, like you said.

I also think, in my own opinion, that you should NEVER see this doctor again! LOL! He's put you through all kinds of needless physical and emotional suffering and I don't think that's an exageration. It aggravates me so much when doctors who have no idea what they're doing - but think they do - "take a stab" at treating hypothyroidism. It's just unbelieveable how bad they can be!! Ok - I won't rant anymore. :) What do you think? Does this help at all?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Sat, 10-23-2004 - 10:16am
Hello!

I have never gotten hives, but I do know about the itching. I've scratched myself bloody a few times. It is, like Cathy said, a symptom of thyroid problems. I don't think I'm really stabilized yet but I'm due for more tests within the next three weeks or so. It would be nice to not be itchy all the time!

With regards to your doctor, there is "no harm, no foul" to get a second opinion. Consider this, if your doctor told you that you had a life threatening disease and needed immediate hospitalization and treatment...would you just do it, or would you seek another opinion? Well, the thyroid thing isn't necessarily "immediate", but if left untreated (or treated poorly) it can be life threatening. At least in my humble opinion.

I hope you get some answers and start feeling better soon!

dazed

Dazed
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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-22-2004
Mon, 10-25-2004 - 1:49pm
Wow, I did not know that itching could be a sign of hypo. It really makes me wonder. I can remember a time in early high school or junior high when I had a terrible itching on my arms. The doctor passed it off to "stress" and it did eventually go away. I believe I was hypo back then and it was never tested.

As to the doctor, I switched to a different doctor after the fiasco of being taken off in August. My new, regular doctor was out of town the week that the itching started. Once she returned, she switched me to Levoxyl and suggested benadryl to handle the itching. Now, we will wait and see if the itching subsides.

Chris