Is ibuprofen OK for Hashimoto sufferers?

[Adam10]

I suffer from Hashimotos and hypothyroidism and am down with the flu. My endocrinologist has prescribed Advil Cold & Sinus (1-2 caplets 3 times a day for 7 days).

Each caplet has 200 of ibuprofen which I have read somewhere is not good for thyroid sufferers. Does anyone know if Advil/Ibuprofen is safe for Hashimotos sufferers?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Adam10,

I could not find anything to say that there is an issue. However, I know nothing except what I can find on the internet.

Variable Effects of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Agents on Thyroid Test Results

M. H. Samuels K. Pillote D. Asher J. C. Nelson

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 88, Issue 12, 1 December 2003, Pages 5710–5716, doi.org/10.1210/jc.2002-021869

Published: 01 December 2003

Abstract

To investigate the effects of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on thyroid tests, 25 healthy subjects underwent a single-dose study and/or a 1-wk study. In the single-dose study, subjects received a single dose of one of six NSAIDs (aspirin, salsalate, meclofenamate, ibuprofen, naproxen, or indomethacin) at 0800 h. Total and free thyroid hormones and TSH were analyzed 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 h later. In the 1-wk study, subjects received one of six NSAIDs for 7 d. Thyroid hormones and TSH were analyzed at 0800 h each day. Total T4 and total T3 were measured by RIA, free T4 and free T3 were measured by equilibrium dialysis, and TSH was measured by immunometric assay. There were no changes in any hormones after a single dose or 1 wk of ibuprofen, naproxen, or indomethacin. Single-dose aspirin or salsalate decreased, whereas meclofenamate increased, various total and free thyroid hormone measurements. One week of aspirin or salsalate decreased total T4, free T4 (salsalate only), total T3, free T3, and TSH. These data confirm that aspirin, salsalate, and meclofenamate affect total and free thyroid hormone measurements and identify three NSAIDs that did not change thyroid tests. TSH remained within the normal range during acute or 1-wk administration of all of the NSAIDs.

Rest of paper freely accessible here:

academic.oup.com/jcem/artic...

I found ibuprofen (actually as a gel) caused me stomach discomfort after using for a while. Mentioned only to highlight the possibility of non-thyroid side-effects.

[Adam10 in reply to helvella]

Thanks hellvella. It’s reassuring that there’s no dire warning not to take them. Yes internet research is our main source. I was worried that the strength of ibuprofen might cause problems. In the end I stayed with panadol and kept the dosage low.

[HEA72]

Hi Adam10, sorry to read you've got the flu. I have it too and I'm replying to your post to say "hope you feel better soon".

It's tough enough dealing with thyroid issues, let alone flu on top isn't it! I avoid synthetic pain killers, as I'm on a detox programme presently and sorry can't advise re the ibuprofen and Advil cold remedies. Epsom salt baths and warm showers I find helps soothe the viral body aches and just keeping warm generally. Blanket and hot water bottle on me when on the sofa or wrapped up in bed. Downing the vit C, vit D, garlic but to no avail so far. This bug's messing with my quality of sleep, so I'm sure if my sleep was better, I'd be more feisty to fight the infection off. Good old fashioned sleep is probably the best medicine - if it's achievable!

[Adam10 in reply to HEA72]

Thanks HEA72. Your reply is a good reminder not to reach for the synthetic stuff and instead rely on traditional methods. I took a day off work and slept over a three day weekend. I did use Panadol together with Vit C and garlic caplets but those are my daily vitamins anyway.

[HEA72 in reply to Adam10]

I know it's tempting to reach for the synthetic medicines when feeling so rotten. I was very close to caving in a couple of times so far with this flu, as the viral aches and pains were so intense but I just completely rested or took a bath or shower and they passed thankfully. Keep going with the nutritional goodies though. I've read that elderberry extract can be good for flu too....looking into adding that to my repertoire.

This article may help inspire:

articles.mercola.com/sites/...

Sounds like you had some good rest over the weekend. Fingers crossed the bug's on it's way out with you now.