Latest news with #levothyroxine
BBC News
11-08-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Devon patients want thyroid drug made available to all
Some patients in Devon have said they are spending hundreds of pounds a year on thyroid drugs which are not routinely prescribed on the Liothyronine (T3) can be prescribed by NHS specialists, the standard treatment from other NHS doctors in Devon is levothyroxine - known as British Thyroid Foundation said despite efforts to work with NHS England to clarify guidance, patients in some parts of the country struggled to get a T3 Devon said its advice for prescribing T3 was out for "specialist review". The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said there was "currently not enough evidence T3 was safer or more effective long-term than T4". The thyroid is a gland in the neck which makes hormones to help control energy levels and growth. An underactive thyroid can make people feel tired, experience weight gain, low mood and low libido. Vivienne Wells, 68 of Exeter, was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid 18 years ago. She said the hormone replacement T4 worked for 10 years but she then felt like she had "fallen off a cliff". "My dose was constantly raised and raised but I felt consistently worse," she said."I couldn't work. My brain wouldn't work. I couldn't think."She was referred to an endocrinologist - a hormone specialist - who prescribed a low dose of T3. Currently only endocrinologists can prescribe the hormone long-term. Going private Ms Wells said within two days of taking T3 her brain function had improved. She said she wanted a larger dose prescribed long-term, but it was not available on the NHS. She said she now spent hundreds a year buying T3 and another drug, naturally desiccated thyroid (DCT), from a private UK pharmacist."Without these drugs, I wouldn't function," she said. "I wouldn't be able to get up in the morning and decide what I want to do and achieve it."Ms Wells added: "You get more successful treatment in some areas of the country but a lot of people have to pay privately and a great number of people who need to be treated privately, can't afford it." Jane Chapple, 70, from Exeter, was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid in sources T3 from overseas and in 2020 set up a Devon and south west thyroid support group which has more than 500 members. "I think everybody who needs that drug should have access to it. It shouldn't be a postcode lottery," she said. "It would save the NHS a lot of money if people were treated properly with the drug that suits them best." Simon Waters, 56 of Woodbury Salterton, was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid in 1991 and had the last remaining part of his thyroid removed in was prescribed T4 but suffered chronic diarrhoea and tiredness. He said he was given T3 by a friend and within hours, his symptoms had now buys T3 from an online pharmacy overseas."The big symptom which cleared up almost immediately was diarrhoea. It cleared up within hours of taking the drug." NHS Devon said current advice was T3 should only be given by an NHS consultant endocrinologist when being prescribed for British Thyroid Foundation said this reflected a regional variance in prescribing said NHS guidance was unclear and left scope for local prescribing bodies to "de-prescribe, limit prescriptions or not initiate new patients on this treatment".The charity said scientific evidence to support the benefits of T3 was unclear so not all endocrinologists were willing to prescribe it. But the charity supported calls for more Priestley, from the charity, said: "We think patients who have been shown to have a clinical need for T3 should be able to access it on the NHS, wherever they live. "We work with other UK charities to help patients who may benefit from T3 to obtain it fairly, consistently and based on clinical need. "We also support research to answer unsolved questions about T3's effectiveness and long-term safety."The charity warned that self-sourcing the drug without appropriate medical supervision could be dangerous. A spokesperson for NHS Devon said it currently had local guidance on the prescribing of liothyronine. "Updated guidance, which adopts the advice published by NHS England is currently out for specialist review, with a view to be published in the autumn," it added.A spokesman said the price of T3 was "significantly higher" than T4. "Since 2017, the price of T3 has fallen but it is still significantly higher than the price of levothyroxine tablets." NHS Devon added some exceptions had been made for a cohort of patients who were found to require T3 following a clinical working group.
Health Line
21-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What Vitamins, Foods, and Drinks Should You Avoid with Hypothyroidism?
Certain supplements, foods, and beverages may affect thyroid function or interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication. Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormone, affects an estimated 11.7% of people in the United States. It's treated by using a medication called levothyroxine to replace the missing thyroid hormone. If you've been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your doctor may also recommend certain dietary adjustments. These can include reducing your consumption (or the timing of your consumption) of certain vitamins, supplements, and foods. This article reviews the foods, vitamins, and supplements to be mindful of with hypothyroidism, and how to reduce your risk of potential interactions when taking your thyroid medication. Vitamins and supplements that may affect thyroid function or interfere with medication absorption If you're being treated for hypothyroidism, use caution when it comes to the following supplements, as they can interfere with the absorption of your thyroid medication: calcium iron iodine Calcium and iron supplements Proper absorption of your thyroid medication (levothyroxine) is needed in order for it to work effectively. When it isn't absorbed well, it is less effective at restoring your thyroid hormone levels. If you need to take iron or calcium supplements, talk with your doctor about the best time to do so. It's generally recommended to take iron supplements at least 4 hours before or after taking levothyroxine. Alternatively, you can ask your doctor about switching to liquid levothyroxine. It's primarily absorbed in the small intestine, and this may help decrease the risk of absorption problems caused by these interactions. Iodine supplements While iodine is important for making thyroid hormones, most people in the United States already get enough through iodized salt and common foods. Taking too much iodine, especially without a proven deficiency, can make thyroid problems worse, especially in people with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis. For example, research shows that too much iodine is toxic to thyroid cells. In people who are more prone to thyroid disease, this may trigger or worsen inflammation that may lead to Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a type of hypothyroidism caused by an autoimmune reaction. Due to this, talk with a healthcare professional before taking iodine supplements if you've been diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Foods and beverages that may affect thyroid function or interfere with medication absorption Similar to iron and calcium supplements, some evidence suggests that certain foods and beverages may interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine. These include: high-fiber foods soy products milk coffee certain fruit juices, such as grapefruit juice and orange juice papaya It's important to point out that the evidence for some of these is rather limited or conflicting. For example, some studies have found that soy has little clinical impact on levothyroxine absorption, and avoiding it has few proven benefits. Nevertheless, if you'd like to prevent interactions with these foods, you can do so by putting enough space between when you take your levothyroxine and when you eat. Doctors typically recommend taking your medication on an empty stomach with water, 30 to 60 minutes before eating, or at bedtime, at least two hours after the last meal. This gives your medication ample opportunity to absorb properly. Is it ok to drink alcohol with hypothyroidism? While moderate alcohol use may be OK, it's important to be mindful of the potential effects of alcohol on thyroid function. Alcohol can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients, such as iodine, which is needed for thyroid function. Alcohol can also damage the liver, which plays a role in hormone regulation. Goitrogens A goitrogen is a substance found in certain foods, such as cruciferous vegetables like kale, broccoli, and cabbage. When eaten in moderate amounts, these vegetables are nutritious additions to your diet, especially if cooked. However, if consumed in excess, goitrogens can interfere with thyroid function by: Blocking iodine: Goitrogens may prevent iodine from entering the thyroid gland, which is needed to produce thyroid hormones. Interfering with TPO: The thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme attaches iodine to the amino acid tyrosine, which together form the basis of thyroid hormones. Reducing TSH: Goitrogens may interfere with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which helps the thyroid gland produce hormones. Getting enough iodine and selenium in your diet can also help limit the effects of goitrogens on your thyroid function. In addition, some research has cast doubt on the idea that goitrogen-containing vegetables have a negative effect on the thyroid gland. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your diet and how it may affect your thyroid function. Foods high in iodine Similar to the iodine supplements, it's a good rule of thumb to be mindful when consuming foods that are high in iodine, as too much iodine can make thyroid problems worse, especially if you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. However, it's worth noting that these foods should not be avoided unless a doctor gives specific instructions. They are part of a healthy diet and are not harmful for most people with hypothyroidism. Examples of foods that are naturally rich in iodine include: seaweed seafood like cod, oysters, and shrimp dairy products like milk and yogurt eggs It's also important to point out that some foods, such as breads and pastas, are iodine-enriched. Many table salts are also iodized. As such, be sure to check food labels while shopping. How to reduce interactions with your thyroid medication A 2015 survey of 925 people taking levothyroxine found that high percentages of respondents reported consuming medications, supplements, or foods that could interfere with levothyroxine. Just over 13% of respondents to the survey also reported difficulty managing their hypothyroidism. This underlines the importance of taking steps to reduce interactions with your thyroid medication. When to take your thyroid medication Your doctor will typically suggest taking levothyroxine in the morning before breakfast To maximize absorption and prevent interactions, it's recommended to take levothyroxine: on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before eating breakfast four hours before or after taking medications or supplements that can affect absorption Other medications that can affect levothyroxine absorption Some examples of medications and supplements that can affect levothyroxine absorption include: antacids proton pump inhibitors bile acid sequestrants, a type of cholesterol-lowering medication sodium polystyrene sulfonate, a potassium-binding medication sevelamer, a phosphate-lowering medication orlistat, a weight loss drug iron and calcium supplements If you ever have any questions or concerns about how to take levothyroxine, it's always a good rule of thumb to ask your doctor for advice. Takeaway If you're being treated for hypothyroidism, there are certain supplements, foods, and beverages that you may want to limit or avoid. Some may interfere with your thyroid medication, while others may affect your thyroid function. For example, iron and calcium supplements, high fiber foods, and soy products may interfere with your body's absorption of levothyroxine. Meanwhile, consuming excess iodine or foods containing goitrogens could affect your thyroid function.
