Splitting the Levo dose

[Diyena]

My TSH has fallen to 3.68 from 5.85 after being put on 50mcg. My doctor gave me the choice of staying on 50 or upping to 75, so my levothyroxine has been upped to 75mcg. They apparently don't do a tablet of 75mcg so have been given 50 + 25 daily. My question is, am I better splitting the dose or taking it as one dose like I've been doing so far with the 50 ?

[bantam12]

Take one dose of 75, no point in splitting it.

[Diyena in reply to bantam12]

Ok thank you. I didn't know if the thyroxine lost its potency within the body as the time went on during the day.

[Jazzw in reply to Diyena]

Hi Diyena

No, Levo has a half life of about a week - in theory (and some do this) you could take a week's dose at once (like filling up with petrol, LOL).

Once a day is fine, leaving it at least an hour before food.

[Anthea55]

Try to get the same brand of levo in the different sizes. Some people find that mixing brands doesn't work for them.

[Diyena in reply to Anthea55]

Yeah I have heard this, but he has given me two different brands of levo thyroxine 😐

[bantam12 in reply to Diyena]

That's because 25mcg are not available in all brands, I think only MP do 25's.

I split a 50mcg to get my 25mcg because I have to stick with Actavis brand.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to bantam12]

Only MercuryPharma and Wockhardt supply 25 microgram tablets in the UK.

See here:

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/treatm...

[bantam12 in reply to helvella]

Wockhardt only do 25's so no good if higher dose of the same brand is also needed.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to bantam12]

Perfectly good if the prescription can be written as, for example, three times 25 microgram levothyroxine sodium.

[Anthea55 in reply to Diyena]

Speak to your chemist and ask if they can get you the same brands next time you have a prescription. They may say that the doctor has to specify the brand on the prescription.

Chemists usually dispense the cheapest brand they can get.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Anthea55]

In my view, it is not a good idea to get the make on the prescription. If circumstances change (and over the years, most makes change availability, branding, etc.) you could end up with a prescription that cannot be dispensed.

Far better to discuss with pharmacist and come to an amicable agreement. If one pharmacist won't help, go to another.

[shaws Administrator]

Usually levo is taken first thing with a full glass of water (it can expand in throat) before breakfast and wait about an hour before eating. Or it can be taken at bedtime as long as you've last eaten about 2 to 2.5 hours before.

I would take it in one dose. You can take the two tablets together. It's best for you.

I'll tell you something right now that your doctor has no knowledge of treating someone who is hypothyroid. Due to the fact that he let you choose 50mcg or 75mcg when your TSH is nearly 4. He is another who thinks you are on sufficient when your TSH drops into the top end of the range.

You need sufficient increases every six weeks with an increase of 25mcg to allow your TSH to be 1 or lower. Some of us even need it suppressed.

You have to read and learn otherwise you will have never feel better. Once you feel well with the removal of symptoms you can stay on that dose.

It takes about six weeks for your first dose of levo to be absorbed and it has a long half life.

From now on always get a print-out of your blood tests from the surgery for your own records and so that you can post if you have a query. Also ask for Vitamin B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate tested next time you are due a test.

A blood test should be the earliest possible and fast (you can drink water) and leave about 24 hours between your last dose of levo and the test and take it afterwards. So that you remember, the day before put your levo in another place so that you aren't on automatic pilot and take it before test as it will skew your results and may cause doctor to reduce your meds which will then result in a reduction.

Whatever dose you are on one daily dose is best.

[Diyena in reply to shaws]

He told me the result and said that I'm now in range, before he could say anymore, and tell me that all was ok, I said 'yes but 1 is optimal as I still have symptoms' Thanks to the researching on this forum, I knew to not settle for 'in range' 😏. I have been getting the printouts for each blood test.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Diyena]

I bet you surprised him. More and more doctors will be realising that most of us who aren't getting well know more than they do about proper treatment. I doubt many know the true role of T3.

[Jefner]

Hi Diyena, take them together hon. I moved down to 75mcg a few days ago and because I don't currently have any 50's I am take 3 x 25's. I would also go for one of those private test kits (Blue Horizon) like I have done and by having that done I was able to confirm I have Hashi's whereas my doctor wouldn't even entertain the idea when I mentioned it to her. It gives the full picture on what is going on compared to the rubbish tests that our GP's do. Our surgeries may only be across the road from each other but they all pretty much work the same

[Diyena in reply to Jefner]

How much was the blue horizon test? He is only testing my TSH. I have however had t3, antibodies, d3, b12 and ferritin tested on my second to last test.

[Clutter in reply to Diyena]

Diyena, BH do several tests. Check out costs via thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

I take Actavis 100mcg and Wockhardt 3 x 25mcg alternate days. Wockhardt has fewer fillers than Actavis and Mercury Pharma so is unlikely to cause problems. If it does, ask your pharmacist to prescribe Mercury Pharma 25mcg.

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I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.