Oops! I forgot to take a pill! : I've been taking... - Thyroid UK

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Oops! I forgot to take a pill!

18 Replies

I've been taking 50mcg of Levo for 6 weeks and have just realised that I missed today's tablet!

Had a late dinner and stand no chance at staying awake another hour and a half to take it....what should I do?

Do I double dose tomorrow or just leave it out? Worried I might feel even worse if I totally skip it (if that's even possible!!)

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18 Replies
SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

Don't panic. Just take a double dose tomorrow. Levo doesn't work that quickly that you'll notice any difference by taking it at a different time. Some people even take a week's worth in one go.

in reply toSeasideSusie

Phew! Thank you for replying so quick, I can stop panicking now haha.

Hotentre profile image
Hotentre in reply to

I was always told to take med.1hour before food .First thing in the morning

bluebug profile image
bluebug in reply toHotentre

The reason people are advised to take tablets in the morning is that they are less likely to forget to take them.

in reply tobluebug

Hahaha, apparently that doesn't apply to me Blue

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Presumably you are due a blood test anytime soon - 6-8 weeks after starting or any dose change

Always get any thyroid blood test done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after

in reply toSlowDragon

Yeah they told me to go back after 8 weeks so making appointment for next week.

Thanks for the tips :) all very new to me! Is there anything else I should be asking at the check up with gp after?

bluebug profile image
bluebug in reply to

Yeah - "Please can I have a copy of the test results with ranges for my own records?"

in reply tobluebug

Thanks. Do you know if they automatically check the other vitamins and minerals etc that are generally affected? Or do I have to ask them to do that?

bluebug profile image
bluebug in reply to

Nope.

You need to have a clinical need for them to be tested. Do you have Hashimotos?

in reply tobluebug

I don't really understand if there's a difference between hashimotos and hypothyroidism or if they're the same thing 🙈 I was told I have hypothyroidism

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to

Most GP's aren't really sure of the difference either. They never call it Hashimoto's,it they call it anything they say autoimmunethyroid disease

In UK 90% of hypo is due to autoimmune

Latest research suggests anyone with autoimmuneis likely to have leaky gut - possible as the source of autoimmuneissues.

So ask if you have had thyroid antibodies tested? If not can they be tested

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

in reply toSlowDragon

Great will do, thank you :)

It would be autoimmune as nothing would have happened to cause it, its hereditary in my family

bluebug profile image
bluebug in reply to

Hashimotos is autoimmune thyroid disease. You need a separate test to see if you have the raised antibodies for it.

The treatment is the same but you are more likely to have nutrient deficiencies if you have it.

The problem you have asking for nutrient tests now is unless you have clinical symptoms and signs your doctor is more likely to ignore your request or say wait and see, than do the tests.

Part of being a patient now is learning how to deal with the NHS to get what you want from them.

How long did they take to diagnose you with thyroid problems?

in reply tobluebug

I've been going back and forward with throat problems, headaches, dizziness, brain fog, tiredness, anxiety and muscle aches for the last 3-4 years. They treated it all separately. They only paid attention when they sent me for endoscopy re throat then left it there. They diagnosed me recently due to going back with more throat annoyance, tiredness and brain fog so wanted to do routine bloods.

Thyroid problems run in my family though...nothing in particular would have caused this...just my own body 😕

bluebug profile image
bluebug in reply to

You can ask your GP to do the nutrient tests just be prepared for him/her to say "No".

You need to explain why you want them and what symptoms and signs you have. If you have horizontal not vertical lines on your nails and they are brittle make sure you show the doctor. (Though some GPs are rude and refuse to look)

Point out to him/her that thyroid suffers frequently also have nutrient deficiencies due to the time delay in getting a diagnosis. If you have a sun tan don't expect the doctor to do a Vitamin D test but they should test your vitamin B12, folate and ferritin levels. You will specifically need to say you want these tested.

As the others have said if the GP refuses to do them then do your own private tests.

The advantage of doing your own private tests is you get your thyroid antibodies checked and free T3. The NHS rarely does these tests for a variety of reasons.

Regardless of whoever does the tests If the tests show that you are under the reference range then go back to your GP first with a copy, then post a new thread on here stating what the GP has offered you and the results with ranges.

If however your tests are within the reference range then post a new thread on here the results with ranges to check they are optimal.

The NHS's job is only to treat you if you are severely deficient not if you are just low in the range.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

You can do private tests if your GP is very unhelpful

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Useful to monitor antibodies, especially if you decide to go gluten free. As antibodies should fall once you heal gut

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice

DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw

silverfox7 profile image
silverfox7

Welcome to the forum which is run by Thyroid UK have a look st their site as lots of useful info. Should put if anything you don't understand.

also if your GP moans about you Tesco g stuff on the internet you can point out that Thyroid U.K. is recommended by NHS Choices!

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