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Medication Side Effects

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Thyroid Disorders
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Tudpock18
Forum Moderator
Joined : Sep 2008
Posts : 5373
Posted 10/17/2013 3:29 AM (GMT -8)
Hi folks. By way of introduction, I'm a prostate cancer survivor and mod on the prostate cancer forum. I have a question concerning some issues my wife is having.

Earlier this year she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which tends to run in her family. She was termed "borderline" and was put on synthroid (actually Levothyroxine) 25 MCG once a day. After a second blood test a couple of months ago her dosage was upped to 50 MCG once a day.

Over the past month she has experienced her hair falling out and some fairly severe leg pains/cramps which she understands to be a potential SE of the medication. Naturally, she has gone back to our doctor and he ordered another blood test and we should see those results today.

Anyway, any thoughts or suggestions on this situation?

Thanks,

Jim
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hypoHashi
Veteran Member
Joined : Jul 2012
Posts : 800
Posted 10/17/2013 4:35 AM (GMT -8)
Hi,
When you have the actual tests results, please post them here with reference ranges.

Levo, in general, has no side effects, the side effects are either of the fillers or from the fact that you take less or more than you need, that is because Levo is identical to what your gland produces.

For how long has she been on 50 mcg/day?
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jujub
Elite Member
Joined : Mar 2003
Posts : 10424
Posted 10/17/2013 6:25 AM (GMT -8)
Welcome to the Thyroid forum, Jim. I'm sorry your wife is having problems; adjusting levothyroxine dosages can be a tricky process sometimes.

Hypo is absolutely right that side effects of levo can almost always be attributed to an over or underdosage of medication. In your wife's case, her complaints are most like those of hypothyroidism. Here is a listing from the Mayo Clinic of hypo symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Increased sensitivity to cold
  • Constipation
  • Dry skin
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Puffy face
  • Hoarseness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Elevated blood cholesterol level
  • Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
  • Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
  • Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
  • Thinning hair
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Depression
  • Impaired memory

    Her doctor is absolutely following the appropriate protocol in starting her at a low dose and increasing gradually. I'm assuming she has a recall appointment in about a month now? When stabilizing levo dosage, she should be evaluated clinically and with a thyroid panel every two to three months. It normally takes about four to six weeks for medication changes to become effective; that is the reason for this timing.

    Ideally she should have had TSH, free T4 and T3 on her initial labs. On her return all of these should be repeated. I'd recommend she also request her doctor order thyroid antibody tests if these are not part of the doc's usual thyroid panel. Please do let us know what these levels are after her visit, as we will be able to help more then.
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    Tudpock18
    Forum Moderator
    Joined : Sep 2008
    Posts : 5373
    Posted 10/17/2013 8:54 AM (GMT -8)
    Thanks for the responses. Either she or I will respond with the test results when we get them. She has been on 50 mcg for about 6 weeks. She had no problems for the several months she was on 25 mcg.

    Jim
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    Tudpock18
    Forum Moderator
    Joined : Sep 2008
    Posts : 5373
    Posted 10/18/2013 12:15 PM (GMT -8)
    Today the doc told her to go back to the 25 msc dosage. Her levels were as follows: T-4 = 1.24, TSH = 2.37. Comments please...

    Thanks,

    Jim
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    hypoHashi
    Veteran Member
    Joined : Jul 2012
    Posts : 800
    Posted 10/19/2013 12:28 AM (GMT -8)
    Hi,
    Her numbers while on 50 mcg/day look perfect, but I would suggest to follow what the doctor said.

    Six weeks might be not enough time, it can take up to three months to see the true results.

    Post Edited (hypoHashimoto) : 10/19/2013 3:44:00 AM (GMT-6)

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