Thyroid meds with milk?

Question

I have been on thyroid meds for over 30 years and for the first time the pharmacist told me not to take it with milk or drink milk within 2 hours as it affects the absorption of the pill. I welcome any input/thoughts on this. Thanks.

Very interesting responses. Thanks for the info. For so long I felt I was the only one with this problem, especially as a child. Info on internet is more educational that all the doctors I've seen. Why doesn't the medical profession not tell you much about this disorder? Even my mother had no idea...she thought I was taking this med because I was short for my age. Recently got my meds increased after 22 years on same level, just starting to notice weight loss. Also being treated for Metabollic Syndrome, diabetes/ high blood pressure, heart history strong in family.

Answer 1

I'd been told nothing any of you were told. However, here''s what you AREN'T thinking about ...

Thyroid meds levels are checked by your doctor on a routine basis. No matter how you take it, the meds should be taken the same way all the time. When the levels are checked, and you become stable, that means the amount you were taking, in whatever manner you were taking it, is now sufficient.

If you change how you take the meds (without food, without milk, on an empty stomach or the opposite) you may well have a change in the blood levels, which means a change in prescription.

Be careful how you think. Yes, the pharmacy techs and folks who read the literature are right. However, you are not harming your body to do as you have been doing, since your body is getting enough for your doctor to allow you to stay at your level.

Thanks -- just aiming for logical thought out there!

Answer 2

Humans are the only animal that drinks milk past infancy, and then it's not even from the correct species! Too many people are still trying to defend milk's supposed health benefits. Unfortunately, they are either using old information or information obtained from research funded by the dairy association. How many people would enjoy a glass of dog's milk or rat's milk? What makes cows special?

There are only two reasons which I've found to support humans drinking cow's milk. We have grown up hearing that it's good for us and we've grown accustomed to the taste and texture. There is absolutely no nutrition that can not be obtained elsewhere, minus the negatives. Calcium seems to be the major claim for milk. It can be found elsewhere in green vegetables, almonds, and many other sources. Where do you think the cows obtain the calcium to put into the milk? Where do other larger animals (elephants, horses, deer, whales, etc) get calcium? Why we continue to drink cow's milk laced with growth hormones, antibiotics, and who knows what else is beyond me.

Since I've given up drinking milk about 5 years ago my health has greatly improved. I suffer fewer allergy problems, asthma and breathing problems are greatly reduced, I'm sleeping better, and I have more energy.

In the '50s smoking was considered harmless but now we realize its dangers. One person at a time and eventually the truth will become widely known that cow's milk is only for baby cows. Milk is indeed the perfect food, but only for infants of the proper species.

Do some research online and decide for yourself.
http://www.strongbones.org/
http://www.notmilk.com/
http://www.nomilk.com/

Answer 3

I went on sinthroid last year. The prescription bottle says to take it on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating. That means you should take it with water, not with milk. I have also been told specifically to wait 1 hour before drinking milk. I'm surprised that this is the first time in 30 years someone has told you that!

Answer 4

I have been on thyroid meds for 25 yrs and I have never been told not to take it with milk. I was instructed to take it 1 hr in the morning before I eat. Best results of med if taken this way. But if I miss the dose take it 2 hrs after I eat. My mom & grandma have taken the same meds for yrs also and have never been told this. For more info I always refer to WebMD.com to find out info on different things. Hope this helps!!

Answer 5

A few websites say to not take calcium with the thyroid meds because it blocks the absorption. My endocrinologist disagreed and so have many other drs. Don't know what to believe so I just take my meds with water an hr before eating. I do believe you're absolutely not supposed to have soy milk with the meds. I think that's been proven.

Answer 6

I wish more doctors would give their patients
more information when they put them on life
long drugs. Thyroid medications should always
be taken on an empty stomach. One hour before
a meal or 2 hours after a meal. The pharmacy should
be putting stickers on your bottle also that say take on
empty stomach. That is so you will get the full dose of
the medication. Talk to your doctor next time and see if
they know this, they should.

Answer 7

I have been on meds for 18 years. I have almost always taken it with milk. I have never been told anything about absorbtion except that its best on an empty stomach. I had only been told that recently.

Answer 8

the thyroid medicine would bypass into the breast milk. that's probable why you're disqualified. i might verify including your wellness practitioner and make effective breast feeding is okay while on thyroid medicine.

Answer 9

i take them too and i heard the same thing. Milk makes them less effective

Answer 10

Milk really has no nutritional value, and is bad for most humans whether they have symptoms or not. I'm sure if you drink soy milk with it, it would be fine. Cow's milk is and has always only been meant for baby cows.