I’m currently taking 100mcg and 75mcg of Levothyroxine on alternate days. I stuck with Wockhardt brand as the chemist gave me Teva and I felt like it was making no difference and symptoms were coming back. I’ve been with the tablets im on, but recently I’ve noticed a sensation of a tablet(s) being stuck in my throat. I drink lots of water with the tablets, but the feeling is still there. I’m also noticing some symptoms starting to appear.
Does anyone have any advice on how to make sure all the tablets are swallowed properly?
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I take my thyroid meds with food. It was recommended to me by Dr Peatfield who said that it is better for the stomach. I've also seen it recommended by other doctors.
I find that it makes things so much easier. You don't have to count the hours. I take it at the start of a meal, but I've seen it suggested to take at the end of the meal. You might find it easier for you if you are swallowing food anyway. You probably wouldn't have to drink so much water with it.
I've got some other links if you want them, but I haven't time at the moment. There was a recent discussion on here but can't find it.
Thanks for your reply Anthea55. It would be a lot easier all round to take the tablets with food, but I thought that affected the absorption of the thyroxine. I’d be grateful if you could forward the links to me when you have time. I’ll see if I can do some digging around in the meantime.
In his book Dr Blanchard says 'a few patients require more T4 because of the reduced T4 absorption due to mixing with food, but this effect is surprisingly uncommon'.
I always take Wockhardt 25mcgs, having had some problems with other brands, particularly Teva. They are very tiny and 3 or 4 are still not noticeable. They taste quite nice- I put them under my tongue and wait for them to dissolve or crunch them up completely. Otherwise the chemist tends to give me 25mcgs oof Wockhardt and 50 of something random (often teva) which doesn’t work.
Yes, I totally understand about the Teva. I’ve found the same, that’s why I’ve stuck with the Wockhardt, even though they’re a bit fiddly. Have lost count of the number of tablets I’ve ‘lost’ which I find days later 😂. I hadn’t thought to chew the tablets. This may be another approach to try. Thanks for the tip Ginny52.
“Lump in throat “ suggests thyroid swollen and under medicated
What vitamin supplements are you currently taking
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.
Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)
Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s
Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.
Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.
In U.K. medics never call it Hashimoto’s, just autoimmune thyroid disease (and they usually ignore the autoimmune aspect)
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
Thanks for taking the time to reply SlowDragon. My last results were in December 2021 and are as below. I have never been told whether I have an autoimmune thyroid condition, but I assume so as I began to develop symptoms in my forties. I am currently taking 500iu D3 daily and a high EPA fish oil supplement. I haven’t had any private tests done, but it is something I need to consider. I did ask my GP if I could have FT4 tested, but I was told that the labs won’t do it as they don’t consider it useful.
This sensation of a stuck tablet has only started recently.
Thanks SlowDragon. Will get on with that. Weight is 74kg (and not coming down), so yes probably under the dosage I should be on. I do get the same brand of tablets each time - sorted that with the chemist.
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