Side effects from Levothyroxine?

[FebMama]

Hi all

Just wondering if anybody has any advice or experience.

Currently 11 weeks pregnant and have just today been placed on 50mg of Levothyroxine due to some concerns about subclinical hypothyroidism.

Anybody know of any side effects from this medication particularly during pregnancy?

Thanks in advance

Read the information leaflet in the packet?

I had 2 kids whilst taking 225ug levothyroxine. They turned out relatively normal

I'm sure they wouldn't have put you on it if it wasn't safe!

A quick Google gives lots of info on the NHS site!

www.nhs.uk/medicines/levothyroxine/

It's a lot safer than not taking it. Hypothyroidism in pregnancy is linked to poor brain development, miscarriage and premature birth.

@Butterfly44 I did that of course, it doesn't say much about side effects specifically in pregnancy. Hence why I'm here on the pregnancy forum for advice or info from those who may be or have been in a similar situation...

Just in response to the other replies, I am very sure it's safe in pregnancy ☺️. It was more around any side effects from the medication that are likely to occur given that I am pregnant more than anything.

Hi OP, I’m six months pregnant and take it, no side effects for me at all.

@DangerouslyBored thank you! ☺️

I’ve been on 50mg of Levothyroxine for years and they actually increased my dose to 75mg during pregnancy (very common). It’s hard to tell what’s a side effect of medication vs pregnancy! But Levothyroxine’s job is to keep you as level and ‘normal’ as possible tbh so I wouldn’t worry :-)

Levothyroxine is not medication, it's a replacement hormone, so it doesn't have potential side effects in the way a drug would.

This. The side effects of not taking it are more concerning and you're body will be going through so many pregnancy related changes you'll find it hard to distinguish them from side effects anyway.

I'm on Levo (way past pregnancy age!) and the only peoblem I've ever had was changing brands.

This is because different brands have different 'excipients' (added ingredients) e.g. lactose, acacia. In may case, I feel awful on the Teva brand, but fine on the Accord brand. I use an independent pharmcy and they are very helpful in getting hold of the best one.

Best wishes

Thank you all for your advice and reassurance 😊