Thyroid Cancer Support Group

Thyroid cancer is cancer of the thyroid gland. There are four forms: papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic. If you or anyone you know and love is affected by thyroid cancer, join this community to lean on the support and experiences of others.

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Thyroid Medications

teuresti
teuresti
I've been doing some research on thyroid medications and am finding some serious discrepancies in the manufature. Binders are different from manufacturer to manufacturer, some percentage levels of actual thyroid meds is different, some to the point that we could possibly take a lower dose if all the chemicals were the same and still maintain the right THS level suppression. WHat is the difference between the Synthroid Brand Name and the generic levothyroxine?
Some drs recommend the meds be kept in the fridge to prevent heat degredation during the summer months, some drs don't care or don't know, but most agree not to take these meds with hot coffee. Does any one know why? Does anyones' pharmasist recommend the fridge or just a cool dark place, not in the kitchen window? Has anyone had an increase in meds this summer to maintain a low suppression? When would be the "right" time to have that morning cup of coffee after the medication? Any suggestions?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have heard that some do better on the brand name over the generic and that it depends on the individual. I do keep mine in a cool dark place and I take it 2 hours before anything with a big glass of water. I take it, go back to sleep for a while then wake up ready for breakfast. I tried taking it at night but I get antsy and can't sleep even more than usual.
Friends of mine take it with coffee and wait an hour until they eat. Waiting 2 hours for me seems to help me feel more alert.
Good luck to you... it is frustrating for such a little pill. :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
I just had a lengthy discussion about my Synthroid with my Endo this last week (yes, he has me on the name brand) and he informed me the "rule" of taking Synthroid is that is to be taken with a glass of water only. Wait a minimum of one hour then take other meds, eat etc. He said it was the only way to ensure proper absorbtion.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Calcium inhibits absorption, so I try to make sure that I stay away dairy products for 4 hours (before or after taking my levothyroxine). I have never taken it at night, but I thought I would try it to see if that would work so I could eat breakfast. I hope I can sleep with it... I have been having a really hard time getting regulated since my scan... I just feel really dragged down, especially now when I need to be on my toes for school.

I was told that synthroid has both T3 and T4 whereas levothyroxine has only T4. Apparently, the body can make T3 from T4??? Otherwise, I don't know. I just take it and pray I stay at the right TSH level.

Let us know what you learn!!
Rosetaz
Rosetaz
I was told to take my levothyroxin early in the morning with a glass of water and wait an hour to eat or drink anything else. That's what I've done for the last 3 years.

This summer I did have to up my level from .112 to .125. I think that I'm on a fairly low dose.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Synthroid is only T4 - you can only get T3 from Cytomel (synthetic) or Natural Thyroid hormones eg: Armour Thyroid, Naturethroid, etc. which contain all thyroid hormones in one pill.