{"id":7758,"date":"2020-01-09T09:00:57","date_gmt":"2020-01-09T14:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=7758"},"modified":"2024-12-04T16:18:25","modified_gmt":"2024-12-04T21:18:25","slug":"thyroid-medication-interactions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/thyroid-medication-interactions\/","title":{"rendered":"5 things that can mess with your thyroid medication"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you been feeling tired and achy, or gaining weight and you just can\u2019t figure out why? It could be an underactive thyroid. Your thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, controls the growth and metabolism of virtually every part of your body. When it\u2019s out of balance, even simple, everyday routines may seem like a monumental task.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re newly diagnosed with underactive, or hypothyroid, you may have to take medicine for the rest of your life. That means an adjustment to your daily routine and your lifestyle. Thanks to thyroid medication interactions, your treatment plan can interfere with your daily coffee, a cheese plate after work, or vitamins and supplements you take. Your specific needs will be something you\u2019ll want to discuss with your doctor to help you to start feeling better and getting on with life.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: See our best drug prices<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What medications treat hypothyroidism?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Levothyroxine<\/span><\/a> is the most common prescription used to treat <\/span>hypothyroidism<\/span><\/a>. This medication is also known by several brand names, including:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Brand name<\/b><\/td>\nCoupons<\/b><\/td>\nLearn more<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Levoxyl<\/span><\/td>\nCoupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nLearn more<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Synthroid<\/span><\/td>\nCoupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nLearn more<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tirosint<\/span><\/td>\nCoupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nLearn more<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Euthyrox<\/span><\/td>\nCoupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nLearn more<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Unithroid<\/span><\/td>\nCoupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nLearn more<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Whether your healthcare provider prescribes the generic or brand name, these medications help to replace the thyroid hormone your body isn\u2019t naturally producing in your blood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It may take some time to find the right medication, or dosage that works for you\u2014and once you\u2019ve figured out your treatment plan, certain things can mess with how the prescription works for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

5 things you should avoid when taking<\/span>\u00a0thyroid medication<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re new to taking daily prescription medication, you may be surprised that certain thyroid medications interact with common drugs, supplements, and even foods. Here, primary care providers weigh in on the thyroid medication interactions you should know about.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Changing brand names<\/span><\/h3>\n

Since most of the medications for hypothyroidism contain the same active ingredient (levothyroxine), it might seem harmless to switch between brand names. But, there\u2019s reason to believe that switching between brands or generics could impact how your body reacts to or absorbs the synthetic hormone. The <\/span>American Thyroid Association<\/span><\/a> recommends consistency in treatment. In other words, continue taking the same generic (i.e., from the same pharmacy) or the same brand name, unless you check with your doctor first.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Certain foods<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cLevothyroxine is ideally taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before meals,\u201d according to Rajnish Jaiswal, MD, associate chief of emergency medicine at Metropolitan Hospital Center in New York City. \u201cTaking it with meals has shown to decrease its absorption from the gut.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eating certain foods too close to your daily dosage can interfere with how the medication works, including:<\/span><\/p>\n