Dihydrocodeine safe with Levothyroxine? - Thyroid UK

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Dihydrocodeine safe with Levothyroxine?

11 Replies

Just been given Dihydrocodeine for a torn ligament in my bum cheek. Naproxen and Paracetamol didn't ease the pain. The info in the packet says not to use if hypothyroid, but when I check Levothyroxine with Dihydrocodeine, every site says it's safe. Does anyone on here know? I daren't take it tonight until I check with the chemist tomorrow.

First question on here, sorry if it's not in the correct place 😴

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11 Replies
Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator

I'm assuming you have been prescribed it by your GP or A&E department and they know your medical history in which case you should be alright.

The NHS website does say you 'may not' be able to take it with hypothyroidism but I wouldn't know why that might be. nhs.uk/medicines/dihydrocod...

To be on the safe side then do check with your chemist.

tattybogle profile image
tattybogle in reply toJaydee1507

almost certainly the warning re. hypothyroidism is in case patient is still 'actually' hypo . ie recently diagnosed / seriously undertreated / not taking Levo properly

ie. if patient already 'half comatose' due to hypo , then it increase risks :

from link in reply below.

"For all opioids

Adrenocortical insufficiency (reduced dose is recommended); asthma (avoid during an acute attack); central sleep apnoea; convulsive disorders; current or history of mental health disorder; current or history of substance use disorder; debilitated patients (reduced dose is recommended) (in adults); diseases of the biliary tract; elderly (reduced dose is recommended) (in adults); hypotension; hypothyroidism (reduced dose is recommended); impaired respiratory function (avoid in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease); inflammatory bowel disorders; myasthenia gravis; obstructive bowel disorders; prostatic hypertrophy (in adults); shock; urethral stenosis"

But i don't know this for sure ... just a guess.

in reply toJaydee1507

Thank you for your reply. I was given it by the gp, and I did ask if the dihydrocodeine would be ok with my usual meds. He said yes, it was just the info said different. Should have just listened to the gp - I don't usually worry, just don't take meds unless necessary.

tattybogle profile image
tattybogle

i have used it before while on levo with no problem, but only occasionally and for short periods.

be careful, it's very addictive (literally .. it's an opioid)

Read this very carefully :

bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/dihyd... DF118 / dihydrocodiene

i'd suggest you only take half the dose tonight until you have double checked with GP/ chemist.

in reply totattybogle

Thanks for your reply. I only intend to take it if needed, and have only been given 14 days - to ring surgery if needed, but as pain dies down, the Naproxen should do its job. I am always wary of meds and only use if necessary, Thanks again.

rosco1 profile image
rosco1

Hi me1961, I take them both and im fine, never had any side effects. I have been taking it for quite a while now and take 30mg per day plus I don't find it addictive.

in reply torosco1

Hi, I've been given 30mg and only for 2 weeks. Hoping there won't be any side effects. Thanks for your reply.

rosco1 profile image
rosco1 in reply to

Hi again, sorry I made a mistake. I take 30mg 3 times a day and have felt fine. I was told by my doctor to take it all the time, it doesn't work when you just take now and then. Hope you get on, ok.

BreatheHelen profile image
BreatheHelen

HiI used dihydrocodeine for migraine for some years with no side effects or addiction problems.

I now take co codamol (30/500mg) once, sometimes twice, a week. I switched with GP support as dihydrocodeine stopped working so well for me.

I've never felt the need to take either med more than I need and it's never affected my thyroid meds either.

Wishing you a swift recovery!

in reply toBreatheHelen

Hi, Hoping the dihydrocodeine works for me and I will only take if definitely needed. Been referred elsewhere for my tendon problem - thanks for your wishes 😁

BreatheHelen profile image
BreatheHelen in reply to

I would also highly recommend Weleda arnica massage balm, not the oil but the balm as it's stronger. I find it really helps ease muscular pain as well as ibuprofen type gels from the GP.

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