Thyroxine takers/experts - I have a question

[MyLlamasGoneBananas]

I recently had my thyroid removed (9 weeks ago) so very new to being on Thyroxine.

I'm off to Greece on holiday soon. Just me and my 2 youngest DC.

It's just occurred to me that I don't know what the advice is if you have an upset stomach. I'm usually OK when abroad but am aware I could be struck down with diarrhoea and or vomiting.

I'm guessing vomiting say once or twice in 24 hours even straight after 1 dose probably won't have a big effect but I'm more concerned as what happens if you have a prolonged period of upset tummy over several days. Anyone have any advice?

This has literally only just occurred to me and I only saw my GP last week for a review etc and didn't ask. Getting even a telephone appointment is a challenge hence why I'm asking on here.

I'm only away for a week and currently on 150mcg a day.

[MyLlamasGoneBananas]

Just bumping

[Pleasemrstweedie]

Thyroxine has a long half life, so if you miss a few doses, or take it and it goes straight through, you will be fine.

Have a good holiday.

[4yoniD]

Carry on regardless, I find it quite forgiving if I miss the odd dose.

Has anyone mentioned when to take / what with? I can't take it at the same time as the pill, also milk and toothpaste reduce its affect (but this won't matter if you always take it with them, as you'll end up on a higher dose). There is a school of thought that you should take it in the evening, but after a few weeks of that I lose the ability to fall asleep. Sorry if that's tmi, like all things if you have any problems change something rather than putting up with it

[ErrolTheDragon]

I started on thyroxine a few months ago, the doc said to take it first thing in the morning about half an hour before eating/ drinking except water. So on an empty stomach is ok. ( I usually have it with my first cup of tea of the day now which also seems ok).

Have a great holiday OP!

[Tangofandango]

You shouldn't drink coffee an hour before or after taking thyroxine.

[Bloopbleep]

I've not been told any of these things about what to take it with. I know not to take calcium and iron and other supplements at the same time of day as it can lessen the efficacy but other than that I've been told anything is fair game.

An endo once told me that some people choose to take their entire week's dose on one day due to the long half life but I find if I accidentally take too much (different strengths look very similar in a dispenser) I get palpitations right away - so I'm not sure how true that is.

I've been a week without levoT with no consequences.

[MyLlamasGoneBananas]

Thank you for all your replies

I'm a bit nervous going abroad on my own with the kids as I'm only 9/10 weeks post op and done days I feel out of it still.

I was so worried if I had a weeks worth of tummy upset I might drop dead or something but I'm very reassured to see I should be OK before perhaps becoming more zombiefied.

I also have to take Omeprazole. At the moment I take my Thyroxine the minute I wake then 2 hours later the Omeprazole (was advised to wait 2 hours). Of course I'm not supposed to eat for 40 minutes after I've taken the Omeprazole. It's nothing more than a nuisance at the moment as I'm at home full time. However, God knows how I'm going to work this come September when I need to leave the house at 8am every day. I'm guessing no breakfast.

[Libra]

Hi OP. Have just read your last post. I take both thyroxine and omeprazole. I have to admit that I take them both at the same time, and as I am sitting at dinner. I have never had any advice about when to take them, or not taking them together. They seem to work fine for me as I take them, so I wouldn't stress too much about your timings, and I certainly wouldn't miss breakfast!
Although I am sure that now there will be lots of posts telling me I am doing it wrong...

[Pleasemrstweedie]

Omeprazole is contra-indicated with thyroxine.

The symptoms which led to it being prescribed mY we'll have been caused by LOW stomach acid, which is a symptom of hypothyroidism.

The ThyroidUK forum on www.healthunlocked.com will have more info on this.

[BatSegundo]

You could always take it at night. I take mine just before bed. Some research suggests it may be better and having done both, it definitely suits me and solves medication conflicts. Although it doesn't solve the toothpaste issue!

[MyLlamasGoneBananas]

What's the toothpaste issue?

[Failingfasttonight]

I swallow mine with coffee every morning, while eating my cereal with milk and just after brushing my teeth with toothpaste. Oops.

[Thingvellir]

I've always been told (by two different endos, an obgyn who specialised in thyroid pregnancies and 3 gps) that it must be taken on an empty stomach so at least 30 mins, preferably 1 hour, before breakfast. I'm surprised op that you weren't given any guidance on this...

Given it takes a while to take effect, a few weeks or so, I imagine you can miss a few days without too much effect. I've often gone for 2-3 week periods without taking at all and only experienced symptoms after about 10 days. I'm sure you will be fine if you have a couple of days of D&V.

[funnyperson]

What about drinks such as 'red bull' and thyroxine?