Being A Patient
If your doctor or specialist has just told you that you have an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and that you need treatment for it, you might like to start here.
Aged Over 50?
An underactive thyroid can
be effectively treated by taking a
medicine called Eltroxin®
to replace the thyroxine your thyroid gland isn’t producing enough of.
YOUR DOCTOR MAY GIVE YOU A LOWER DOSE
If you’re over 50 your doctor may give you a lower dose of Eltroxin® than a younger person might take, especially if you have diabetes or have heart problems.
They may also ask you take a different dose on alternative days.
It is very important not to forget to take your Eltroxin®. If you need help remembering which pill to take and when, a pill-minder or Medico Pak from your local pharmacist may help.
Keep an eye on your TSH!
It might seem like you are feeling more tired or have mood changes just because you are getting older. However it could be that your Eltroxin® dosage needs adjustment. It is recommended that you get your TSH levels checked annually. If you are concerned at all, ask your doctor for a blood test to check your TSH.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medicines
Some medications can change the effect of thyroid hormones therefore it is important your doctor knows all the medicines you are taking.
They may adjust your dose of Eltroxin® or request extra blood tests.
Find out more about blood tests and treatment with a tablet called Eltroxin®.
Pregnant/Planning To Become Pregnant?
IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR ARE PLANNING TO BECOME PREGNANT, THERE ARE SOME SPECIAL THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
An underactive thyroid can be effectively treated by taking a medicine called Eltroxin® to replace the thyroxine your thyroid gland isn’t producing enough of.
If you are prescribed Eltroxin® by your doctor, it is important you take it for your health and your baby’s brain development.
If your doctor thinks you have an underactive thyroid
If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, a test for an underactive thyroid is not normally or automatically requested. If you have concerns about possible thyroid issues, discuss them with your doctor.
However, if your doctor thinks there might be an issue, they will arrange for a blood test. If the blood test shows you do have an underactive thyroid, your doctor may request more blood tests at different stages throughout your pregnancy.
MANY WOMEN RETURN TO NORMAL THYROID LEVELS AFTER DELIVERY.
During your pregnancy, your doctor will monitor you closely and may need to adjust your dose throughout your pregnancy.
In some situations, your doctor might also want you to see a specialist.
Eltroxin® is not thought to be harmful to an unborn baby when taken by a pregnant woman. However, thyroxine levels need to be watched carefully during pregnancy because too much or too little thyroxine in the mother’s bloodstream could affect the well-being of an unborn baby.
If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, thyroxine does pass into breast milk, although it is unlikely to have a harmful effect on a baby. However, it might interfere with the results of tests to detect congenital hypothyroidism in your baby, so you should not breastfeed until your doctor says it is okay to do so.
If you have any concerns or you are experiencing side effects, talk to your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medicines
Some medications can change the effect of thyroid hormones therefore it is important your doctor knows all the medicines you are taking.
They may adjust your dose of Eltroxin® or request extra blood tests.