Should I take my Levo at night when having blood tests the next day?

[VanessaB]

I take my meds at night I have previously taken my tablets before my blood test in the morning is that right? Or do I miss that days?

So much to take into consideration

Thank you x

[Jackie]

Hi Personally I find I need to take my thyroid treatment up to 12 hours before a test,but never less. Can you take yours slightly earlier? I would not like to miss a dose, although, when in ITU and other similar times, I have had to as in a coma and it has not effected my thyroid noticeably at all.

Jackie

[shaws Administrator]

I would miss the night's dose as the tablet you take tonight has a half life of 8 days.

[VanessaB in reply to shaws]

Thank you for the reply Shaws but I'm not sure by what you mean when you say tonight's dose has a half life of 8 days.

And thank you for all your replies your knowledge and help over the months has been a god send.

Best wishes Vanessa x

[shaws Administrator in reply to VanessaB]

It means if I take 100mcg levo today and take no more thereafter for the next six/seven days it will still be producing 50mcg daily. If I am wrong someone will correct me.

[Glynisrose]

NEVER take your meds before a test, blood tests only measure whats in the blood and if you have taken meds up to 12 hours before then thats what will show up!! Take your meds directly AFTER bloods have been drawn so that you don't miss a dose.

[marram]

I have never missed a dose of Levo for a blood test, not sure if it would make a difference to the test because Levo has a far longer half-life that T3. If I miss a dose or take it very late I am usually very sluggish and tired a couple of days later, and I hate that.

I am fairly sure that you would have to drop your dose several days before if you are on Levo for it to have any effect on the blood test, but I'm no expert by any means.

On T3 I know many have advised to delay a dose until after the test.

[galathea in reply to marram]

Well if I were you, I would try it and you might find that the doctor puts you back on the dose of levo which made you feel well! Fingers crossed!

G x

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

I defer my usual bed-time dose until after the test - then take it straight after. And take today's dose as usual at night.

This is one of the reasons I always try to get the blood drawn as early as possible. I can catch up my levothyroxine! Also, TSH is higher very early in the day.

Others might find doing this does not work for them.