Medication confusion: Hi, I am on... - The Roy Castle Lu...

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Medication confusion

Foxy17 profile image
16 Replies

Hi, I am on Levothyroxine, losartan and from yesterday B12.

I would like to know when I should take these medications and how far apart from food that interacts with them.

I am so confused now after googling. For example dark green veg good for anemia but not with thyroid meds or blood pressure.......

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Foxy17 profile image
Foxy17
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16 Replies
RoyCastleHelpline profile image
RoyCastleHelplinePartnerAsk the NurseRoy Castle

Dear Foxy17

We would advise that you either visit your pharmacist or call them, do not source anything from googling as it may confuse you more and may not be accurate.

The Pharmacist will guide and advise your correctly and ensure your medications are taken safely and minimise any interactions. You could also call your GP for advice.

If you wish to discuss anything you can call our Freephone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200.

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

Foxy17 profile image
Foxy17 in reply to RoyCastleHelpline

Thank you for your advice and I will go to the pharmacist as I am very confused when I return from a mini break

Swimdown profile image
Swimdown

Hi, it is very confusing. My Pharmacist advised me to take Levothyroxine first thing in the morning with water half an hour before breakfast or a cup of tea. He also advised taking blood pressure tablets at bedtime. I don't have any experience of B12. I have always found the Pharmacist the best person to ask about any medication, maybe you could pop in and talk to your local one or telephone. Good luck!

Foxy17 profile image
Foxy17 in reply to Swimdown

Thank you for your reply, I have now gone away till monday and I will definitely have a word with the pharmacist on my return. Once again I thank you for your reply

jckjanetrosalin profile image
jckjanetrosalin in reply to Swimdown

I have never taken levothyroxine half hour before food or drink and have never been advised to either. The only drug i have to do that with is Alendronic Acid which i take once a week

Swimdown profile image
Swimdown in reply to jckjanetrosalin

Hi. Well like you I had been taking Thyroxine for years with my morning cuppa but when I had a drug review with the Pharmacist a couple of years ago he advised me to take it first thing before drinking tea or food as it reduces the affect. So that's what I do now.

Foxy17 profile image
Foxy17 in reply to Swimdown

hit and miss with the internet on holiday in the middle of nowhere, but I’m in a pub for a meal. At the moment I take Levothyroxine as soon as I wake, then the losartan after breakfast and as I got the b12 mid afternoon, I decided to take it there and then. I’m am going to chemists tomorrow on my return and will chat with them. Thank you for your advice

Mauranne profile image
Mauranne

Hi Foxy

I've been on levothyroxine for over 20 years and I take it with my breakfast or early morning, same with losartan. These drugs do not interact with food. B12 I don't take but it's a vitamin and I wouldn't think it would interact with either of these drugs. You could ask any pharmacist. They will answer your questions about drug interaction.

Best wishes

Mauranne

Foxy17 profile image
Foxy17 in reply to Mauranne

Yes I think I need to check with the pharmacy on my return. Thank you for answering

jckjanetrosalin profile image
jckjanetrosalin in reply to Mauranne

Just found out today from chemist i have been taking levothyroxine wrong all these years. It should be took on its own 1 hr before breakfast or tea . The chemist should of printed this out on my medication box but he did not !!!!

jckjanetrosalin profile image
jckjanetrosalin

I am on levothyroxine for years and eat any thing with them. Leafy green veg ect. I also take alendronic acid once a week a serious drug and eat anything. I take over thr counter multi vitamins too. Ive never worried about anything i eat with any of the drus. If your concerned ask your doctor.

Foxy17 profile image
Foxy17 in reply to jckjanetrosalin

Thank you for answering and I shall be asking the chemist on my return

jckjanetrosalin profile image
jckjanetrosalin in reply to Foxy17

It is quite right. No breakfast or tea for an hour before having levothyroxine. Do not take with other drugs. Been taking this wrong for years. Ive spoke to chemist today. He should of printed thst on the label of my levothyroxine.!

Foxy17 profile image
Foxy17 in reply to jckjanetrosalin

I’ve been to the chemist and she also said to take Levothyroxine 1 hour before breakfast, then take losartan. The B12 can be taken with either of those medications, but better on an empty stomach.

I thank everyone who has responded to my query, I appreciated every answer and at least we all know now when to take our medications

JanetteR57 profile image
JanetteR57

All pharmacists are qualified health professionals and should be able to advise on drug interactions even if they are not your regular pharmacist so even if you are away, you could try a pharmacist where you're staying. I'd advocate always asking your clinician or pharmacist why something is being prescribed and the best way to take it. So many drugs are ineffective or not used as intended as once a person is out of hospital (where they optimise the best times for taking medication (with or without food as appropriate), we often slip into ways that are easier for us i.e. morning, lunch, tea (if 3 times per day) when the meds might be designed to be taken every 8 hours (i.e. 3 times over 24 hours) and if we're on other meds, these differences and interactions can make a difference. Supplements (vitamins/minerals etc) that people buy over the counter can also interact with prescribed medicines so always explain what you're taking to a pharmacist or clinician. good luck.

Foxy17 profile image
Foxy17 in reply to JanetteR57

Yes the chemist will be my first stop on my return tomorrow afternoon and see what they say. I also take ibuprofen and paracetamol for pain and have been taking them since a skiing accident in 2002. I’ve been reading that ibuprofen could possibly the cause why I’m now on b12. That’ll be the question I’ll be ask the doctor too. Thanks for your answer

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