Taking your thyroid medications is very important to your health. Your symptoms will not subside if you skip doses regularly and/or you decide to stop taking your medication altogether. In 2001, when I had a lapse in medical insurance (during a cross-country move and a job change), I did this and suffered some disastrous side effects including a goiter and a 50-lb. weight gain.
I don't want to scare you, however. An occasional missed dose is not the end of the world. If that happens, experts recommend that you take your next dose at the proper time. Doubling up on doses is not advised as it could cause other problems. (Note: Those vary according to the meds you take. If you have questions, I'd strongly encourage you to check with your doctor.)
The first think you should do is to check the packaging and labels before leaving the pharmacy. Sometimes, pharmacies will switch out a brand name drug with a generic one. If your doctor writes no substitutions on the prescription slip, then this shouldn't be an issue, but being cautious can make a difference.
What's the big deal?
Generics may not have the same quality and consistency as the brand names do. They aren't subject to the same rules and regulations. The best way to be assured of this is to stick with brands and, when you find a brand that works for you, to stay with it, at least until your symptoms or situation changes.
Remember: Thyroid hormones are only effective if you remember to take them.
When your hypothyroidism symptoms are flaring up, you may feel confused or struggle with brain fog. You may also have a co-morbid condition like I do such as Fibromyalgia, which further impacts memory.
Here are some ways to help you remember to take your thyroid (and any) medication:
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