Medication

[SES079704]

I have had trouble keeping up with my medication, I use to take levothyroxine but am no longer taking it because I cannot afford to go to a immediate appointment. Whenever I do get it refilled I always fall off from taking it everyday. It starts with one day then two and so on. Sometimes its hard to get an appointment with my free clinic right after i run out so I go long periods without taking my medication. Am I the only one with this problem? Do you have any tips or advice on how I can resolve this?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Levothyroxine only works if you take it every day without fail

Always take on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after

Many people take levothyroxine after waking. Might be more convenient, possibly more effective taken at bedtime

Get a weekly pill dispenser. Set an alarm

Only retest bloods 6-8 weeks minimum after taking levothyroxine everyday

Always same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

[Hidden in reply to SlowDragon]

How many hours after eating if you changed dose for night time? Thank you in advance. Normally, I have something for constipation at night. Let us say, magnesium or probiotics. Should I change the timing for those? Thanks again and again.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Magnesium must be four hours away from levothyroxine

Food and probiotics at least 2 hours

[Hidden in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks

[Anthea55]

Can you try to make your appointment for well before you run out of meds? That way you should always have some available.

[fibrolinda]

I have just read your intro and very , very well done on making a fresh start. The symptoms you describe sound like hypo symptoms which will resolve when you can get thyroid meds supply sorted. You do not say where in the world you are? They're may be others in the same country who can give informed advice. You really do need to find a way to get your meds supply sorted and take them every day without fail. It may take time but once you have found the right dose for you your anxiety and foggy brain will hopefully go. Is it possible to make advance appointments at the free clinic? As in when at appointment for meds you make next appointment for refill of meds and so on? I use an alarmed pill dispenser so I don't miss taking any meds.

[sueE17]

You do not say where you live. But here in the UK the prescription is renewed every month. I do need to request this one week in advance though. I always try to take thyroid medication at the same time every day. And 6 month blood tests for check up. I find using a calendar helps with the reminders.

[isg000]

I've had a look at your profile and first of all, I also would like to say well done for making a positive fresh start with your health issues. As sueE17 said, you've not stated if you are in UK so not too sure what health support you have. I had years of not being consistent with my Levothyroxine - just couldn't get it sorted for whatever reason but now I have a routine I feel the health benefits of the drug - can't believe the difference in my mental health too.

I have a weekly pill dispenser which I fill on Saturday mornings for the following week (I take a few other meds so this works best for me) - I then take the dispenser to bed each night and take as soon as I wake - get in the habit & it's easier to remember that way. I also used to take iron tablets (anaemia) but had to change these to night time as the iron cancelled out the Levothyroxine (just a thought).

Since routinely taking Levo my depression, anxiety and mood swings have considerably improved - my doctor usually prescribes 2months dosage at a time and I reorder every 6-7wks to make sure I don't run out - bloods every 12mths now I'm stable but was every 6months to start with. Good luck.

[America-lover]

I take my Levo as soon as I rise in the morning, its become second nature to me. I have purchased a pill box which helps me tremendously that I don't run out of the pills, which did happen some years ago when I was diagnosed. I am in the UK and I am able to request my pills online and pick them up from the pharmacy in 48 hours. It all works for me.

[Beachlover2021]

You can try to source your Levo somewhere else 0n the web- but you have to take it everyday, get yourself in a routine set your clock an hour before you wake up take it go back to Sleep- it’s that easy.

[yesilkedi]

I am registered with an online pharmacy who remind me to order my medication and then they send it through the post. I wonder though if you've not in the UK?

[Maof4]

Hi A pill dispenser is brilliant and a visual reminder Strongly recommend you get one. Take Thyroxine every morning on its own with a glass of water.