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Advice for patients with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The following advice should be given to the patients who are diagnosed recently with hypothyroidism:

  • inform that it will take at least a week after initiating therapy for the patient to start feeling better
  • there will be no noticeable effect if one dose is missed
  • take a double dose on the day after a missed tablet (except in active ischaemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation)
  • in patients who present with muscle weakness, stiffness, or cognitive defects that it may take up to six months to fully resolve the symptoms
  • Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach to maximise absorption
  • treatment is life long and a yearly measurement of TSH level is necessary and the dose may be adjusted accordingly
  • in the UK, patients with hypothyroidism are eligible for a medical exemption certificate for prescription charges (1)

Reference:

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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