Table of Contents
Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism, and can also interact with other medications. It is important to know the potential side effects of any medication you are taking. In this article, we will discuss levothyroxine interactions and how Filipinos can avoid them.
7 Tips to Avoid Levothyroxine Interactions and Keep Filipino’s Thyroid Functioning Properly
Here are seven useful tips to help avoid levothyroxine interactions and keep your thyroid functioning properly:
1. Inform your doctor about all of your medications
It is always important to inform your Filipino doctor about all of the medications that you are taking, as many can have interactions. Levothyroxine is no exception, and it is important to be sure that your doctor in the Philippines is aware of all of the other medications that you are taking so that any potential interactions can be properly managed. Examples of medications with known interactions with levothyroxine include:
Examples of medications with known interactions with levothyroxine include:
- Antacids
- Warfarin
- Carbamazepine
- Corticosteroids
- Phenytoin
- Rifampicin
- Iron and calcium supplements
You can buy Levothyroxine at Watson’s official website.
If you are required to take any of these medications to treat other diseases or conditions along with hypotension, your doctor or pharmacist in the Philippines will instruct you on how to properly time your medication doses. In certain cases, you may be asked to stop taking some medications or switch to another medication that has less interactions with levothyroxine. Do not stop taking your prescription medications unless you are advised to do so by your Filipino doctor.
2. Tell your Filipino doctor about any other medical conditions you have
Some medical conditions can interact with levothyroxine, which can affect how well the medication works. Levothyroxine can cause increased heart rate, sweating, and rapid breathing in some Filipinos with certain medical conditions, such as asthma or heart failure. If you have any of these conditions, your doctor in the Philippines may need to adjust your dosage of levothyroxine or monitor you closely while you are taking it.
Special precautions should be taken for patients taking levothyroxine with conditions like:
- Heart or cardiovascular problems such as a history of heart attack, stroke, arrhythmias, or hypotension. Some Filipinos who take levothyroxine may also need to take other medications to protect their hearts.
- Mental health disorders or psychiatric problems. There is evidence that suggests that mental health disorders or psychiatric problems can be made worse by levothyroxine. This is due to the fact that levothyroxine can interfere with the body’s ability to produce serotonin and other neurotransmitters, which are important signaling molecules in the brain. In addition, it can also increase levels of cortisol, an adrenal hormone that can affect mood and energy levels. Taken together, these findings suggest that individuals with mental health disorders or psychiatric problems may be at increased risk for adverse effects from levothyroxine therapy.
- Seizure disorders like epilepsy. Levothyroxine may cause seizures in Filipinos with epilepsy if it’s taken in high doses or if it’s taken along with other drugs that can cause seizures. If you have epilepsy and are taking levothyroxine, your Filipino doctor may prescribe a lower dose or a different medication to avoid any interactions.
- Hepatic or liver disease. If you experience any signs or symptoms of liver toxicity, such as fever, jaundice, or nausea, stop taking levothyroxine and contact your Filipino doctor immediately.
- Diabetes mellitus. Levothyroxine can have an effect on blood sugar levels in Filipinos with diabetes, so it is important to discuss any potential interactions with your doctor in the Philippines before starting treatment.
3. Know how to take levothyroxine properly
Levothyroxine is usually taken by mouth but it can also be given through injection. Levothyroxine should not be taken with other medications that contain levothyroxine. Levothyroxine can be taken with or without food. Generally, it is best to avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine, alcohol, and fatty foods two hours before or after taking levothyroxine because they can interfere with its effectiveness. Never share your medications with other Filipinos, even if they have the same diagnosis as you. Remember: your prescription is custom-made for your body and condition.
4. Take levothyroxine at the same time every day
Levothyroxine should be taken at the same time every day to ensure that it maintains adequate levels in your body. If you forget to take your medication on time, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time to take the next dose, do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. If you are having difficulty remembering to take levothyroxine each day, consider using a pill reminder system or phone app.
5. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking levothyroxine
There are potential interactions between levothyroxine and alcohol that should be considered when taking either medication. Levothyroxine can increase the effects of alcohol, including impaired judgement, increased heart rate, and decreased motor skills. It is important to be aware of these potential interactions and avoid drinking alcohol while taking levothyroxine. If you do plan to drink an alcoholic beverage, it is best to consume it several hours before or several hours after your scheduled levothyroxine dose.
6. Stay away from certain food and drinks
There are a few food items that can interact with levothyroxine, and these interactions can have a variety of effects. Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat thyroid problems, so it can interact with other medications and supplements that are taken to treat those same conditions. Some of the most common food items that can interact with levothyroxine include soy products, caffeine, dairy products, chocolate, and wheat or gluten. It is important to be aware of the various food items that can interact with levothyroxine and to avoid consuming them while taking the medication.
7. Monitor your thyroid function regularly while taking levothyroxine
When taking levothyroxine, it is important to monitor thyroid function to ensure that the medication is providing the desired level of thyroid hormone. The most common way to monitor thyroid function is by measuring the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. Ways to measure hypothyroidism include a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test and free T4 levels. Follow-up tests should be done every few weeks to months to see if the medication is working and if the dosage of levothyroxine needs to be adjusted.
Other ways to monitor thyroid function include checking for changes in weight, body temperature, and heart rate. You should speak with a Filipino doctor about how your thyroid function is affecting your overall health and consider any other medications you are taking that could affect thyroid hormone levels.
Tips About Your Thyroid
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower front of the neck. The thyroid’s job is to make thyroid hormone, which is secreted into the blood and then carried to every tissue in the body. The thyroid hormone helps the body use energy, stay warm, and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working as they should.
How To Take Care Of Your Thyroid?
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits low in your neck. Though small, this gland has a big impact on your health — producing hormones that affect everything from metabolism and fertility to growth.
Here are three things you can do to keep your thyroid healthy:
- Get regular checkups. Your doctor in the Philippines will likely check for signs of an enlarged thyroid (goiter) as well as test hormone levels. These tests are important because they can catch problems early.
-
Avoid excess iodine. Iodine is necessary for thyroid hormone production, but too much iodine can be harmful. Be careful with supplements and stay away from foods (such as seaweed) that are high in iodine unless you have been told by your Filipino doctor that you need them.
-
Eat a healthy diet. Avoiding too much salt and sugar while eating plenty of fresh fruits (including citrus), vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can keep your thyroid working well.
Thyroid problems are usually caused by either an overactive or underactive thyroid gland. An overactive thyroid produces too much hormone, while an underactive thyroid doesn’t make enough. Both conditions can be treated with medication.
The Surprising Way Your Thyroid Affects Your Overall Health
Did you know that your thyroid plays a role in other aspects of your health? Here’s a look at some surprising ways your thyroid affects your overall health.
Your thyroid affects your heart health. An overactive thyroid can cause an irregular heartbeat, and an underactive thyroid can lead to high cholesterol levels and an increased risk for heart disease.
Your thyroid affects your cognitive function. Thyroid problems have been linked to memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and even dementia.
Your thyroid affects your fertility. Both an overactive and underactive thyroid can interfere with fertility. If you’re trying to conceive, be sure to get your thyroid checked out by a Filipino doctor.
Doctors For Thyroid Treatment
There are many doctors who specialize in the treatment of thyroid conditions. These Filipino doctors have special training in endocrinology, which is the study of hormone-producing glands.
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland that is located in the front of the neck. The thyroid produces two main hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones regulate the body’s metabolism.
There are many different types of thyroid conditions, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, and Hashimoto’s disease. Treatment for thyroid conditions can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition.
If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, it is important to find a doctor in the Philippines who specializes in treating this condition.
The Worst Foods to Eat if You Want to Avoid a Thyroid Problem
If you want to avoid a thyroid problem, there are certain foods you should stay away from. These include soy-based products, gluten, cruciferous vegetables, and processed foods.
Soy-based products can interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement medication. Gluten can cause inflammation in the gut, which can lead to Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts contain goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function. Processed foods are often high in sugar and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
By avoiding these foods, you’ll be doing your thyroid a favor. If you already have a thyroid problem, talk to your Filipino doctor about which foods you should avoid.
Conclusion: Tips to Avoid Levothyroxine Interactions
Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat Filipinos with thyroid problems. It can interact with other medications, so it is important to be aware of potential interactions and to monitor your thyroid function regularly while taking levothyroxine. By following these tips, you can avoid some common levothyroxine interactions and keep your thyroid functioning properly. Be sure to talk to your doctor in the Philippines about any medications you are taking before doing anything that could affect your health or endocrine system.
Sources
- Levothyroxine Interactions with Food and Dietary – NCBI
- Levothyroxine: a medicine for an underactive thyroid – NHS
- Levothyroxine (Oral Route) Precautions – Mayo Clinic
- LEVOXYL®Drug Interactions (levothyroxine sodium) – Pfizer
- Levothyroxine: MedlinePlus Drug Information – American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
- Levothyroxine | Interactions | BNF – NICE
- Drugs that interact with levothyroxine: an observational study from the Thyroid Epidemiology, Audit and Research Study (TEARS) – Wiley Online Library
- Drug-drug interaction: Levothyroxine and ciprofloxacin – Medsafe, New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority
- THYROID HORMONE THERAPY: Taking levothyroxine with breakfast may be fine for many patients – AMERICAN THYROID ASSOCIATION®
- I take levothyroxine (Synthroid), a thyroid hormone to treat hypothyroidism. Are there supplements or foods I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug? – ConsumerLab.com
- Foods, drugs and supplements that can cause problems for the thyroid and for people taking thyroid hormone replacements – Thyroid UK
- Levothyroxine 100mcg tablets – ADVANZ Pharma
- Levothyroxine Brand name: Eltroxin – NHS
Disclaimer
This website is intended to educate both members of the general public and those working in the medical field on the prevalence, causes, and methods for preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases that affect people throughout their lives. This website’s content is provided solely for informational reasons and is not meant to serve as a substitute for the advice of a qualified medical practitioner.