Levothyroxine side effect. Rash?

[FESpex]

Hello

I’ve taken Levothyroxine since November 2017 for low T4. It seems to have fixed that if new blood tests are correct.

I didn’t noticed big difference in how I felt but my being far too hot all the time has eased and I am not quite so tired. Energy levels not too much better though.

Since last week I have had a very itchy and ‘bumpy’ rash over my whole back and now on my upper chest and a little on my upper thighs and top of my feet. I’ve never had such a rash before.

I have read that Levothyroxine can cause a rash. Is that correct? And is it possible it can start after taking the meds for five months?

Thank you.

[Jazzw]

Hi FESpex

2 questions if I may? How much levo are you taking? And have you been switched to a different brand recently (does the packaging look the same as it did when you were first prescribed it)?

[FESpex in reply to Jazzw]

Hello. 50mg once per day.

As far as I can see I have had same make for at least two months.

[Jazzw in reply to FESpex]

OK. Well -I think it’s likely you need an increase in dosage. 50mcg is only a starter dosage and when we’re left on low doses for too long it makes things worse not better. Maybe ask your doctor to run blood tests to see how you’re responding. Just so you know - most people feel best on levothyroxine when their TSH is below 1.0 and FT4 and FT3 high in their ranges. Many doctors think “within range” is enough - but it isn’t for many of us.

[FESpex in reply to Jazzw]

Thank you. That’s very useful.