Small mistakes in medication can have big consequences
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Lucknow: Are you experiencing persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, hair loss, anxiety, constipation, irregular heartbeat, or mood swings despite taking thyroid medication regularly? If so, your medication routine might be worth re-evaluating.
Ensure you're taking your thyroid medicine correctly to optimise its effectiveness and alleviate these symptoms.
Experts warn that many thyroid patients unintentionally make simple yet critical errors when taking their medication, which can compromise its effectiveness. Ahead of World Thyroid Day on May 25, specialists emphasized that improper intake habits can hinder the absorption of thyroid medicines, impacting treatment outcomes for both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Endocrinologists, pharmacologists, and physicians stress the importance of correct medication practices to ensure optimal treatment results.
Prof Virendra Atam, head of the medicine department and endocrine expert at KGMU, said thyroid disorders are common. Research shows that hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) affects 11% to 17% of the population, while hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is seen in about 1.3% to 1.6%.
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"Many hypothyroid patients continue to report symptoms despite daily use of medication. Often, the issue is not the medicine itself but how it's taken," he explained. The drug used for hypothyroidism is highly sensitive to food and supplements. If not taken correctly, the body may absorb less of the medicine.
Prof Rakesh Dixit from the pharmacology department, KGMU, said, "The drug should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning.
It's best to take it as early as possible, often when people wake up to urinate. It should be taken alone, and nothing else should be consumed for at least one and a half hours afterwards. Taking it with tea, coffee, milk, or iron/calcium supplements reduces its absorption and effectiveness.
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For hyperthyroidism medicines like methimazole or PTU, the empty stomach rule is not strict. "However, consistency in timing and avoiding interactions with food or supplements still matters," he said.
Prof KK Sawlani, general physician at KGMU, said, "Incorrect intake often leads to recurring symptoms like fatigue, mood swings or weight changes. This makes it harder to manage dosage. Long-term uncontrolled thyroid levels can increase the risk of heart disease and bone problems. During pregnancy, the dose may need to be increased, so consultation with a doctor is a must. For those who cannot take hypothyroidism medicine in the morning, it can be taken at night, at least two hours after dinner.
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He advices strict timing for hypothyroid medicines and regular dosing for hyperthyroid drugs. Once treatment begins, the first test should be conducted one month after starting the medication. Thereafter, if hormone levels are balanced, regular thyroid tests are essential — every 6–8 weeks after a dose change and every 6–12 months once stable.
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