levothyroxine side effects

[Klaus68]

Hi, just been diagnosed with hypothyroidism this week which was a surprise, and started on 25mg Levothyroxine. From day 1 have had diarrhoea- have read this can be a side effect but does this usually settle down?

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Welcome to the forum Klaus68

We are a helpful and supportive group, so do keep posting and asking questions.

So we can offer better advice, can you tell us more about your thyroid condition, eg any ongoing symptoms, current brand of Levothyroxine prescribed, plus blood test results (with ranges in brackets) for:

TSH

FT3

FT4

Plus any antibody and key vitamin tests (ferritin, folate, vitamins D and B12)

In the first instance, do ask your GP for the above tests. We don’t recommend supplementing key vitamins without testing first (and sharing results with us).

If your GP is unable to complete all the above (eg if TSH is within range, some surgeries may not be able to access FT4 and FT3 tests), you could look to do this privately, as many forum members do, for a better picture of your thyroid health:

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

25mcg is a very low dose of Levo- the usual starter dose is 50mcg. Can I ask approx what age you are/ if you have other underlying health issues (that may explain why a very low dose was prescribed)? It is useful if you can put information in your profile page.

Some members do report adverse reactions to some brands of Levo, so it may be worth asking for a different brand if symptoms persist.

[Klaus68 in reply to Buddy195]

Hi, thanks for that. As I am fairly new to all this I haven’t got all of the test results so will need to get these from GP. Thyroid levels checked while testing cholesterol which is high.

TSH 9.2

Cholesterol 6.5

I am 59, relatively active and healthy although now I’ve read through symptoms of hypothyroidism realise I do struggle with fatigue, memory and a bit of brain fog. Also some joint stiffness. No significant weight gain or other symptoms.

The levothyroxine brand is Wockhardt Uk ltd.

Thanks for any advice

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Klaus68]

As TSH should always be under 2, with most members here reporting they feel best when it drops closer to/under 1, it’s likely that you will need several small increases of thyroid medication to reach this.

I would certainly speak to your pharmacist/ GP about the diarrhoea, as you may need to swap Levothyroxine brands if this does not settle.

[fanover in reply to Klaus68]

That’s interesting. I’ve not had Wockhardt for my Levothyroxine but had that brand when I was on a different medication and it caused several side effects including abdominal pain. It sounds as if it might be worth switching brands.

[Klaus68 in reply to fanover]

Thanks, I’ll have a chat with the pharmacist and see what they suggest

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Klaus68]

Are you lactose intolerant

Wockhardt contains lactose

Vencamil brand of levothyroxine is lactose free and mannitol free

[Klaus68 in reply to SlowDragon]

Not lactose or anything else intolerant as far as I am aware, but worth investigating. Thanks

[Pinkisbest1 in reply to Klaus68]

Hi Klaus68,

I was told by my endocrinologist yesterday that underactive thyroid sufferers are often gluten intolerant. It might help to try cutting back on that to help. My aunty has managed to get rid of digestive issues by having a gluten free diet. Have you been tested? It's probably better to get tested before cutting out key food groups but worth asking.

[Janine159 in reply to Klaus68]

Hi I have 100 mcg of accord and wockhardt was given as the 25 mcg I was having chronic wind pains and frequent rushed to loos . I was then given Mercury pharma and felt worse .so got the reception at Dr's to give me a new prescription for the wockhardt as all I could have . It might well be that . I did ask the gp to give me 50 of accord so I could split them but he saud not a good idea and anyway all brands are the same I think it's a pity they aren't taking them really . As they aren't as many have found . Try change if it carries on . So limiting when they don't do sane brand in all doses . They say try get the same on the NHS website but easier said than done . X