Managing Your Thyroid Medication Schedule

General Guidelines

Timing of Medication

• Take thyroid medication first thing in the morning
• Wait 30-60 minutes before eating or drinking anything except water
• Take on an empty stomach for best absorption

Important Interactions to Avoid

Food and Beverages (Wait 4 hours)

• Coffee and tea
• Calcium-rich foods
• Soy products
• High-fiber foods

Medications (Space 4 hours apart)

• Iron supplements
• Calcium supplements
• Antacids
• Proton pump inhibitors
• Cholesterol-lowering medications

Special Instructions

Daily Routine

1. Take medication at the same time each day
2. Keep medication beside your bed with water
3. Set a daily alarm as a reminder
4. Track your doses using a medication diary

Missing Doses

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember
• If it's almost time for next dose, skip the missed dose
• Never take a double dose

Monitoring

Regular Testing

• Follow your doctor's schedule for blood tests
• Usually every 6-8 weeks until stable
• Then every 6-12 months

Storage Guidelines

• Store at room temperature
• Keep away from heat and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Check expiration dates

Contact Your Doctor If

• You experience new symptoms
• You start or stop other medications
• You become pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• You have difficulty maintaining your schedule