Ouch!: Started taking thyroxine a week ago and... - Thyroid UK

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Ouch!

Joant24 profile image
26 Replies

Started taking thyroxine a week ago and all was fine until I did my yoga class on Thursday (2nd one back after the summer). I began aching on the way home and it got worse. The following day I was still really sore and even today, Sunday I’m still really aching. I’m assuming it’s the medication and would like to think it’s waking up my muscles 😂. Any thoughts?

Xx

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Joant24 profile image
Joant24
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26 Replies
Joant24 profile image
Joant24

I do normally ache a little after a session but this is on another level. Been doing yoga for last six years and not ached for so long.

asiatic profile image
asiatic

Having practiced yoga for many years I was aware early on that something wasn't quite right in my body as my muscles were complaing in certain poses and sure enough I was later diagnosed with Graves. I am in my seventies and now do Yin Yoga from Youtube which is more age appropriate and makes me feel good. Listen to your body and adapt your style of Yoga Practice if necessary. Namaste 🙏

Joant24 profile image
Joant24

thanks both for comments and I agree but the previous week pre thyroxine I was fine after yoga, this week after taking it I was on a new level of aching. I’m hoping this won’t continue as I love my yoga class and my teacher is very understanding and readily adapts any pose that causes problems 🥰. Anyone else have muscle aches after starting medication ? Xx

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator

Which brand of levothyroxine are you taking? Some brands do cause issues for people.

Joant24 profile image
Joant24

Teva!

Sparklingsunshine profile image
Sparklingsunshine in reply toJoant24

Hi

Teva is the one brand I know of that seems divisive, people either love it or hate it. Its got mannitol as a filler and it doesn't suit a lot of people. I've not experienced Teva myelf as I've never taken it but it does seem as though a lot of people dont get on with it. How much are you taking? If it continues maybe request another brand. I tried 3 until I found one to suit.

Joant24 profile image
Joant24

Thanks. Only on 50mcg, I’ve been struggling for the past few years and finally got listened to so I’m thinking it’s a big change and my body is starting to wake up. I’ll wait a while and see how I go.

I did request no Teva but the online pharmacist said he couldn’t find any other source of lactose free medication so I went with it hoping I’d be one of the lucky ones!! If it keeps up I’ll get in touch with the Dr. I know Aristo do one but not in 50mcg. Maybe I could get half the amount at 100mgs on prescription and cut them in half or take one every other day but that maybe too sensible 😂😂

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply toJoant24

The Teva brand may well be the issue with new muscle aches and pains. See how it goes but you might need to switch to a different lactose free brand. I have found online pharmacies least cooperative and most difficult to deal with for special requests.

Sparklingsunshine profile image
Sparklingsunshine in reply toJaydee1507

Hi

I've found big pharmacy chains the least helpful personally as they seem very inflexible. Independent pharmacies are much better in my experience.

Sparklingsunshine profile image
Sparklingsunshine in reply toJoant24

Hi

There's a new one called Glenmark which is lactose free but I'm not sure how widely available it is yet.

Joant24 profile image
Joant24 in reply toSparklingsunshine

my prescription comes from the Thyroid Clinic straight to the online pharmacy. In fairness to all she wrote “No Teva” on the script and the pharmacy then rang me to say they couldn’t find another he had looked. He’ll have to look harder next time and I’m more on the ball now as to alternatives. I gave in because I was desperate to start medication. Onwards and upwards 🥴xx

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply toSparklingsunshine

It appeared to be reasonably available then, from comments here, disappeared.

Joant24 profile image
Joant24

I’ll see how I get on next Thursday at yoga and if it’s as bad as last week I’ll get in touch with the Doctor and try a different brand. Thanks for info x

jrbarnes profile image
jrbarnes

So you're only on 50mcg? The dosing guidelines state 1.6 mcg per kg of body weight. Sounds like you're not taking enough which explains the sudden onset of aches when trying to do exercise. I was started on 50mcg then increased every 6 weeks until I reached 88mcg at 47 kg of weight. Today I'm 59 kg and at 112 mcg and still increasing. The bioavailabilty of Levo in tablet form is 80% which means you're not actually getting the full amount. The absorption of liquid/capsule Levo is near 100%. The dosing guidelines even state that you can increase sooner like 4 weeks until you reach enough for your body weight. Ultimately the Levo you take will suppress your thyroid's output of hormone so you need to be on enough for your body weight. I currently take 112 mcg of Levo and 10 mcg of liothyronine. Not everyone will need liothyronine but if you increase your Levo to an amount that is correct for your body weight and still have hypo symptoms then you can explore using liothyronine. Make sure that you eat enough calories/carbs and don't fast daily with your meals so that you can maximize T4/T3 conversion. Also, make sure all of your iron levels are optimal. Take care

Joant24 profile image
Joant24 in reply tojrbarnes

thank you that makes lots of sense. Only on week two so early days. 🤞 it all works out.

Joant24 profile image
Joant24

thank you I am taking iron supplements and have resorted to chicken liver pate to raise ferritin levels even though I’m pescatarian. I figure my health is more important. I’m only just over a week into medication so taking it slowly. I don’t see the Dr for 7 more weeks so am plodding on. Fingers crossed I get over the aches.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAmbassador in reply toJoant24

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

Book early morning, ideally just before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Have you had thyroid antibodies, folate, B12 and vitamin D levels tested as well as ferritin

How low was ferritin

Joant24 profile image
Joant24 in reply toSlowDragon

Ferritin 42.8 (13-150) so quite low but taking iron and eating chicken livers, desperate times! I’m hanging on in there with the Teva just in case it’s me getting used to thyroxine but will change if it continues or at next prescription.

Regenallotment profile image
RegenallotmentAmbassador

I get this too, I do a 2 hour intermediate Iyenga yoga session on a Monday and can still be aching Fri/Sat. I’m on 75mcg Teva. Vits are improving and joint/muscle aches are slowly going with improved levels and diet changes. Doing gentle restorative home practice every day seems to help. Years ago pre medication I used to do CrossFit at a boxing gym and I had the same thing so I think it’s me. Having said that I’m tempted to look at alternatives to Teva, I think I’m going to do the rounds of local pharmacies and get their advice. I think I need lactose free, but not sure so maybe I should do intolerance testing first. I feel so well on the exclusion diet and split dose Levo. I’ll be interested to hear what you find out 🦋💚🦋

Joant24 profile image
Joant24 in reply toRegenallotment

I’ll let you know x

Batty1 profile image
Batty1

its probably delayed muscle soreness from restarting Yoga.

Joant24 profile image
Joant24

I’ve never had such painful aching muscles as I have this week and the week before when I wasn’t on thyroxine was fine which makes me think it’s either the tablets or my cells starting to regenerate after being comatose for so long! If it’s the latter Dr Who has my sympathy! 😂

Regenallotment profile image
RegenallotmentAmbassador in reply toJoant24

just a thought, I’ve found a foam roller to be really helpful for ironing out tight muscles, lots of YouTube videos on how to use one. I favour a firm plain one daughter has a softer but undulating one for after hockey. TK Maxx for under £10. 🦋💚🦋

Joant24 profile image
Joant24 in reply toRegenallotment

That sounds an excellent idea. I’ll have a look for one. Feeling much better since yesterday only two more days til next yoga class, better get shopping 😂. Thanks for help. Xx

Regenallotment profile image
RegenallotmentAmbassador in reply toJoant24

i just wish I could afford a weekly sports massage, I’m sure I’d recover quicker🤣 🦋💚🦋

Joant24 profile image
Joant24 in reply toRegenallotment

Me too, that would be the dream! 😂

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