Thyroid hormone replacement
Replaces the hormone the thyroid is not making enough of.
Why it gets prescribed
Used when the thyroid is underactive, usually as long-term treatment.
What to watch for
Thyroid blood tests on a schedule, with time needed after each change before reassessing — do not expect a difference within days.
Stopping — read this before you stop anything
Do not stop because you feel well. Feeling well is usually the result of taking it consistently.
Tell the prescriber and the pharmacist
Calcium, iron and some stomach medicines reduce absorption if taken close together — ask your pharmacist about spacing.
Worth asking
- What time of day should I take it
- Do my other medicines need spacing from it
- How often is it rechecked