Synthroid

Sandi thanks for all the information in the Curiouser and Curiouser post about TSH levels. I had my appointment with my primary care doctor who it turns out was very knowledgable about the newer TSH levels. He started me on 50mcg dose of synthroid. I've only been taking it for three days(one of which I messed up). When I say messed up I took my first pill then ate a bowel of cereal an hour later. Big no no... I found out I needed to take it on an empty stomach then wait four hours before consuming anything else especially with calcium or iron in it. no milk, cheese or multivitamins in the morning. Synthroid is real time consumer, luckily I'm an early riser (4am). I can take it then, eat breakfast after 8. Thanks for the help and information.


Rodger

The rule of thumb my endocronologist gave me is 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after because having food in the stomach reduces the absorption. Give yourself at least a 4 hour window between the synthroid and taking calcium supplements or vitamins.

I take levothyroxin - I think same thing different brand - and my dr. told me a half hour before eating. I take the pill in the morning before I feed the dogs, then by the time they are fed and out and I make some coffee, I have my coffee. I don't eat until a little while later anyway. I keep the pills next to the dog food so I remember.
Erica

I try to take mine at least a half hour before eating. Anything longer than that is a bonus. And I never think to wait four hours before taking my calcium +D. I have forgotten to take it before breakfast, so I took it 2 hours later. You don't need to wait 4 hours before eating. I'm on 112mcg every day. In fact, I'm off to the pharmacy to get my refill for the am. I'm on Synthroid Levothyroxin sodium tab.

Rodger - I'm so glad you are being treated! I hope it helps. You made my day.

People keep talking about all of these drugs around here: rituxan, prednisone, synthroid, etc. What is it that they do? I know they initially make platelet count higher, but how do they do that?
I've also heard they have unpleasant side effects. what are they? I haven't experienced them firsthand, so I don't really know.
I'd just like to know a little more about the drugs.

Synthroid is a drug for hypothyroid, not ITP.

Prednisone is a steroid that works for some and not others. It technically can raise counts by hindering production of anti-platelet antibodies which destroy platelets. Yes, it can have nasty side effects at high doses. Weight gain, moon face, mood swings, depression, water retention, blurred vision, joint pain, insomnia, acne, trouble concentrating, glaucoma, bone loss, cataracts, etc.

Rituxan is monoclonal antibody that targets B cells and T cells which produce anti-platelet antibodies. The side effects can be less than Prednisone in the long run, but it is a more potent, toxic drug and is only given by infusions that take between 4 and 6 hours. Most of the side effects from Rituxan occur during the infusion which can include a rise or drop in blood pressure or an allergic reaction. Those are usually dealt with quickly and resolve. Most people do well with little or no side effects.

Ok, thanks for clearing that up!

Roger where did you find out you had to wait 4 hours after taking it before eating?

The sticker on my bottle of Synthroid says 1 hour. I keep it and a little bottle of water on my night stand and take it right when I get up.

There is another sticker on the bottle, will check it out later.


www.synthroid.com/
Under How to use
Take SYNTHROID as a single dose, preferably on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast. SYNTHROID absorption is increased on an empty stomach.

Melinda my doctor gave me that rule, especially when I take my multivitamins or calcium supplements. My bottle says says 1 to 2 hours before eating or 2 to 3 hours after eating. My second label says do not drink milk or eat dairy products while taking this medication. Which is what I did the first day by eating a bowl of cereal with milk. I called the doctor for clarification he said drinking milk and taking mulivitamins are ok after 4 hours, the absorbtion of the synthroid should be complete.

This is straight is copied straight from the Synthroid.com website you pointed to earlier.


Some medications or supplements can make SYNTHROID less effective if taken at the same time, so it's best to take SYNTHROID 4 hours before or after you take these things. Some examples are iron products, calcium supplements, or antacids.

Take SYNTHROID as a single dose, preferably on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast. SYNTHROID absorption is increased on an empty stomach. Some foods may cause your body to absorb less SYNTHROID. You should avoid infant soy formula, cotton seed meal, walnuts, and high-fiber foods while taking SYNTHROID.

It makes me laugh, I was told to drink my milk, take my vitamins, eat more fiber, etc etc. Now they want me to stop. lol

That's my problem - I take so many pills throughout the day that I can't fit in my Calcium and Antacid. What the heck do you do?