Levothyroxine: what to eat for breakfast?

UTKD

I was diagnosed with having hypothyroidism, and my MFM prescribed Levothyroxine.  The instructions say to take it before breakfast, but to not consume calcium or iron 4 hours after taking it.  So, I guess my usual Kashi cereal with milk is a no-no.  If you're taking the same medication, what do you eat for breakfast?  Also, did you have any side effects?  TIA! 

tvg1977

I take that too, but my understanding is that you should avoid vitamins/supplements with those ingredients because of the higher concentration.  I didn't think foods mattered.  I typically wait an hour before eating after I take the med.

RavenWolf

I've been on it for 13 years and the only restriction I follow is to take it on an empty stomach and not eat for an hour after taking it. Also, take any prenatal vitamins at night and you should be fine!

jksweets

RavenWolf:

I've been on it for 13 years and the only restriction I follow is to take it on an empty stomach and not eat for an hour after taking it. Also, take any prenatal vitamins at night and you should be fine!

I'm on synthroid (brand name) and this is the same thing I follow.  No food restrictions, I just don't take any vitamins at the same time.

W&J'sMommy

I take it before I go to bed. I've found it works best for me that way. I take prenatal vitamin in the morning.

mrs.pooks

i have hypothyrodism as well and have been on that medication for nearly a year. my only restriction is that i need to wait an hour after taking it before i eat. then, i just take my PNV at night. i have had no side effects. good luck!

KellyE99

Yes, it is true that you are not supposed to have milk based ingredients after taking it.  You could have them at lunch and dinner though if you had taken it before breakfast.  The hypothyroid drugs like levothroxine and synthroid interact with the milk based products (I think it is the calcium in it but can't remember unless I looked back at my notes from my doctor).  The absorption of the mediction is restricted so less of it is absorbed.  My doctor recommends not even putting milk in the coffee in the morning.  This also means you should not take your vitamin at the same time because it also will interact with the thyroid drugs.  The other option like others said is switch when you take it and do it at night and do a vitamin in the morning.  Then you can have whatever you want for breakfast.

Things I have tried for breakfast are oatmeal, eggs and toast, pancakes, fruit, bagels, etc.  I also do things that you wouldn't think of for breakfast because I've never been big on breakfast foods, so I have pasta, leftovers from the night before, soup, etc.  On occasion I will do cereal with milk or have coffee with milk but I try to avoid it so that my meds work more effectively.  Good luck.