Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Thyroid Hormone Medicines for Hypothyroidism
Thyroid hormones work best when they are taken as prescribed. It is best to take your thyroid medicine on an empty stomach. If you have trouble taking your thyroid medicine as prescribed, talk to your doctor.
Keep follow-up visits with your doctor to make sure you are taking the medicine correctly. Your doctor also may need to adjust your dose. Most people return to their doctor for blood tests to measure hormone levels 6 to 8 weeks after starting therapy. After thyroid hormone levels have returned to normal, thyroid function tests are checked once a year.
Certain medicines can affect the way thyroid medicines work. People taking the following medicines need to see their doctor often to make sure they are getting the correct dose of thyroid hormone medicine. Some of these medicines include:
- Calcium. Take calcium supplements at least 4 hours before or after taking thyroid hormone medicine.
- Iron supplements.
- Birth control pills or other hormones.
- Cholestyramine.
- Sucralfate and some antacids containing aluminum hydroxide.
- Some seizure medicines.
People with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the most common cause of hypothyroidism, often need treatment for the rest of their lives.
People who have other health conditions in addition to hypothyroidism, particularly coronary artery disease, may sometimes develop problems if they are started on a large dose of thyroid hormone. These people are often started on a lower dose that is carefully increased.
If an infant has intellectual disability from hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone medicine will control symptoms of hypothyroidism but will not reverse the intellectual disabilities.
Too much thyroid hormone medicine can increase bone loss (osteoporosis).
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) 
(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: July 16, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
Care Finder
