Is It Safe To Take Metformin And Thyroxine At The Same Time?

Posted on Fri, 6 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 6 Mar 2015 Answered on

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Is it safe to take metformin and thyroxine at the same time
?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Reduces the effectiveness of thyroxine

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Thyroxine is known to reduce the effectiveness of sugar control of Metformin, however we prescribe metformin and thyroxine together day in an day out. Make sure you check blood sugar regularly and HbA1C once in 3 months.

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (10 minutes later)

So summarising does that mean both reduce the effectiveness of each other. Also another question. What are the side effects of taking metformin?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Drug interaction

Detailed Answer:
Hello

It does not reduce the effectiveness of each other, it only reduces the effectiveness of metformin.

Metformin is a well tolerated drug. We use it as the first line of management especially in a newly diagnosed diabetic. I have seen mild adverse effect like nausea and vomiting. 1 or 2 patients had loose stools but overall it is has proven to be a wonderful drug with not much side effects

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (22 minutes later)

Thank you for your prompt response. Another 2 questions. Are there other ways other options to going on this drug?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I am not sure I understand what you are asking me, can you please phrase is some other way? Are you asking me for an alternative medication ?

regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (15 minutes later)

Yes alternative supplements and diet. I am gluten free. Would you suggest reduced fat foods or full fat.Can you suggest a diet I could go on to drop 10ks?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Life style modification

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back.

I am glad you asked me this question. I will jot down a few salient points about diabetes which will help you

1. Make sure your food is low is carbohydrate and sugar. The best way to do that is reducing the glycemic index of the food. For example: If you are tempted to eat a pasta, add a lot of vegetables, this will reduce the glycemic index and also make you eat less carbs. Avoid sweets and desserts
2. The first few years of diabetes is most important. Studies have shown that people with good sugar control during the first 2-3 years of diabetes have had lesser complications of diabetes like neuropathy, retinopathy, etc
3. Make sure you walk atleast for 30 min a day. Swimming and cycling are other alternatives
4. Smaller meals 4-5 times a day is better than 3 large meals
5. Use artificial sweetners instead of sugar when tempted to add sugar.

I hope I was of help if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar