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Thyroid disease
It’s simple and convenient to pick up thyroid meds from NX Pharmacies
Renew your prescription for thyroid medications such as levothyroxine, propylthiouracil and methimazole.
It is so easy and convenient to manage the prescription drugs you use to treat thyroid disease with NX Pharmacies.
What is thyroid disease ?
The thyroid gland is found at the base of the neck in front of the windpipe. It secretes hormones used for growth and metabolism. Hormones are chemicals secreted by the body that stimulate cells and tissues.
When the thyroid goes wrong, it can have far-reaching consequences, both physically and emotionally. The main types of thyroid disease are:
- thyroid over-activity (hyperthyroidism)
- thyroid under-activity (hypothyroidism)
Sometimes nodules appear on the thyroid gland. These thyroid nodules often don’t need to be treated but as they are occasionally cancerous, your doctor will want to investigate them. Thyroid cancer is rare, and very curable.
NX Pharmacies can fill your prescription for thyroid disease meds and send your tablets straight to your home.
What causes thyroid disease ?
One common cause of thyroid disorders is autoimmune thyroid disease. This where the body’s own immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Some examples of autoimmune thyroid disease include:
- Graves’ hyperthyroidism
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (causing hypothyroidism)
People who are born without a thyroid gland or with a thyroid gland that does not function have congenital hypothyroidism. And people who have their thyroid gland removed to treat hyperthyroidism or cancer will experience hypothyroidism.
Although rare in Canada, iodine deficiency can cause thyroid disease.
Another rare cause of thyroid disease is disorders of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. These two glands control the thyroid gland.
People who have just given birth sometimes experience postpartum thyroiditis, which is swelling of the thyroid gland.
Thyroid cancer and head and neck X-rays
Between the 1920s and mid-1950s many children were treated for inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids, acne and ringworm and other conditions with X-rays to the head and neck. This is now understood to increase the risk of thyroid cancer, which is rare and highly curable. If you know you had your head and neck X-rayed as a child, ask your doctor to check your thyroid regularly.
What are the symptoms of thyroid disease ?
Thyroid hormones affect every part of the body, so the symptoms of thyroid disease are wide-ranging.
Hyperthyroidism
These are the symptoms of an over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism):
- weight loss
- increased appetite
- tremors or shaking
- increased heartbeat (tachycardia)
- restlessness
- anxiety
- sleep problems
- diarrhea
- sweating more than usual
- inability to cope with heat
- loss of muscles and weakness
- bulging eyes
- double vision
- enlarged thyroid (goitre)
Hypothyroidism
These are the symptoms of an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism):
- bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- constipation
- depression
- dry skin
- enlarged thyroid (goitre)
- poor memory
- sensitivity to cold
- slow thinking
- unusual fatigue
- weak muscles
You are more likely to experience hypothyroidism if you are a woman, and it is more common in older people. Some types of hypothyroidism run in families, so if you have a relation with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and you have experienced some of these symptoms, see your family doctor.
Thyroid nodules
Your doctor may find thyroid nodules or lumps when they examine your thyroid gland, or you may notice them yourself.
What to do if you think you have thyroid disease
Consult your doctor if you have a range of thyroid symptoms, particularly if you have family members with thyroid conditions or have had hyperthyroidism in the past, or if you are worried about your health generally.
If you find a lump on your thyroid gland at the base of your neck, see a doctor promptly. Most thyroid nodules are not harmful, but very occasionally it can be a sign of cancer, so it’s worth getting it checked out for your peace of mind.
How does a doctor diagnose thyroid disease ?
Your doctor will diagnose thyroid disease (whether hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) by examining your neck and asking about your symptoms.
Your doctor will take a blood sample to check the quantities of the hormones your thyroid is secreting. They will test for TSH levels and free t4 levels.
If you have a thyroid nodule, investigations that your doctor might refer you for include:
- ultrasound scan
- fine needle aspiration cytology
- CT scan
- nuclear medicine scan
How will a doctor treat my thyroid disease ?
Your doctor will determine the cause of your thyroid disease and then put together an appropriate treatment plan.
It can take a while for thyroid symptoms to disappear once treatment has started. If you’re worried that the medication for your thyroid disease is not working, talk to your doctor. You may have to have regular tests to check that you are moving toward your target levels of thyroid hormones, and these check-ups are a good time to raise any queries with your doctor.
In most cases your family doctor will manage your thyroid disease. But they might refer you to a specialist endocrinologist if you have additional complications.
How is Graves’ hyperthyroidism treated?
Doctors treat Graves’ hyperthyroidism by reducing the production of thyroid hormones. This can be achieved by:
- anti-thyroid drugs
- using radioactive iodine to destroy thyroid cells
- thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid gland)
Anti-thyroid drugs used to treat Graves’ disease
The drugs used to treat Graves’ hyperthyroidism include propylthiouracil and methimazole. These drugs control levels of thyroid hormones in the body.
Beta-blockers such as propranolol may also be used to treat Graves’ disease. These damp down the effects of thyroid hormones on the nervous system, heart and blood vessels.
Treatment with anti-thyroid drugs may relieve hyperthyroidism for a time, but it may flare up again at a later date.
Using radioactive iodine for Graves’ disease
Radioactive iodine treatment is usually effective against Grave’s disease after one treatment, or sometimes two. It will often result in hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid), which can be treated with thyroid hormones.
Radioactive iodine treatment may worsen Graves’ eye disease, particularly in patients who smoke.
Thyroidectomy
Surgical removal of the thyroid may be recommended if:
- the thyroid gland is so enlarged that it blocks the windpipe or food pipe
- thyroid cancer is suspected
- hyperthyroidism is causing a dangerous heart problem
Once the thyroid has been removed, you will need to take thyroxine for the rest of your life to replace the hormones produced by the thyroid. See the next section for more information about how an under-active thyroid is treated.
What treatments are there for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) is treated with tablets of thyroid hormones, to be taken once a day. These tablets replace the hormones that the thyroid should be producing. They do not treat the underlying cause of hypothyroidism.
Your doctor will want to check the levels of the TSH and T4 hormones in your blood from time to time to ensure your thyroid tablets are working properly.
It can take a while for hypothyroid treatments to work, and many people, including those who have had their thyroid removed, need to take thyroid pills for the rest of their lives. However, thyroid disease does sometimes get better on its own if the thyroid is still present.
Hypothyroidism and levothyroxine
Levothyroxine is a manufactured version of the T4 hormones that the thyroid would normally produce. It is taken as a tablet in the morning on an empty stomach.
There are a lot of medications for other conditions that may interact with levothyroxine by increasing or decreasing absorption. If you are taking levothyroxine and you wish to take an over-the-counter remedy or food supplement, ask your pharmacist if it’s safe to do so.
Desiccated thyroid
Desiccated thyroid comes from the thyroid glands of pigs or cattle. It contains both T4 and T3 hormones. Some people find desiccated thyroid works better on their hypothyroidism than synthetic T4 hormones.
Treating thyroid nodules
Thyroid nodules and lumps are usually harmless and can often be left untreated if they are causing no problems.
Your doctor will want to investigate a thyroid lump to rule out cancer. Thyroid cancer is not common, and most cases can be cured if treated.
You might need surgery if the thyroid nodule is making it hard for you to swallow or if it’s squashing blood vessels or your windpipe.
How do I get medications for thyroid disease ?
You cannot buy medication for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism over the counter in pharmacies. To get proper treatment for thyroid disease, see a doctor. They will give you a diagnosis, and, if needed, prescribe drugs and hormones that will relieve the symptoms of your thyroid disease to improve your quality of life. Bring the prescription to a pharmacy (like NX Pharmacies) and you can pick up your thyroid meds.
In Canada you can depend on NX Pharmacies for your thyroid meds. We serve all areas of Canada and can fill your prescription of thyroid hormones or anti-thyroid meds. We can help with renewals and refills. Our discretion is assured, and you can depend on us for authentic Health Canada-approved medications.
If something changes with your thyroid disease , talk to your GP. And if you have questions about your medication, or you think they have stopped working, or you start to get uncomfortable side-effects, ask for a medicines review. Your pharmacist may also be able to advise on managing side-effects of your thyroid disease meds.
What happens if I forget to take my thyroid medication?
The symptoms of thyroid disease include memory lapses and a lack of alertness, particularly in thyroid under-activity. Also, it takes a while for thyroid meds to take effect, and they may only have subtle effects, so some patients lose motivation over the course of their thyroid treatment. These factors, combined with other emotional problems associated with thyroid disease, can make it difficult to manage a regime of daily pills.
But not taking your pills can make your thyroid disease and its psychological symptoms worse. So, if you find it hard to manage your thyroid medication, talk with your healthcare team. Your doctor and your pharmacist can help with advice, equipment, devices and apps that will make it easier for you to manage your thyroid pills.
Are my thyroid meds vegan?
If you have hypothyroidism, you may be prescribed a thyroid hormone. There is a synthetic version called levothyroxine; or it is available as a desiccated natural form which is obtained from pig or cattle thyroids. So the desiccated thyroid is of animal origin.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns about whether your meds are ethically appropriate and suitable for a vegan or vegetarian diet.
- Where can I learn more about living with thyroid disease?
- Where can I get help with managing the psychological symptoms of thyroid disease?
- Where can I buy authentic Canadian thyroid disease medications?
- What is the best price online for thyroid disease medications?
- Will I get the same levothyroxine pills every time?
- Can I get automatic refills of my thyroid medication?
- Do I need a valid prescription to order levothyroxine?
- What happens when my doctor changes my prescription for thyroid hormones and medicine?
- How do I set up a new prescription with NX Pharmacies for my thyroid medication?
- How can I refill my prescription for thyroid drugs with NX Pharmacies?
- How will you ship my thyroid meds?
Where can I learn more about living with thyroid disease?
To learn more about thyroid disease, visit the Thyroid Foundation of Canada.
They have fact sheets and information that will help you understand what thyroid disease is, and how it is treated. They can also help you manage the emotional side of thyroid conditions.
Where can I get help with managing the psychological symptoms of thyroid disease?
Thyroid conditions can cause anxiety, depression, mood swings, insomnia, concentration lapses, short-term memory problems and reduced alertness.
Not only that, but some of the medications used in treating thyroid conditions can make you feel tired, or make depression worse.
The changes in appearance associated with thyroid disease affect well-being, too.
Treatment of thyroid conditions aims to stabilize hormone levels at normal levels, which will help with mood and psychological symptoms. Many people recover well and lead normal lives if their thyroid condition is treated, but it can take time to see an effect.
Talk with your doctor if you are having trouble with low mood, or if the psychological symptoms do not settle. A healthcare professional can help by adjusting your treatment or by providing reassurance. Ask for support from those around you. Your symptoms are likely affecting your family and friends, and if they understand what is happening, they can help you.
You may find online support groups for thyroid patients make you feel less alone – ask your doctor to recommend a patient support group for thyroid conditions. The Thyroid Foundation of Canada has a helpline which can point you toward services and support.
Where can I buy authentic Canadian thyroid disease medications?
To be sure you are treating your thyroid disease with genuine, non-counterfeit medications, get a prescription for thyroid disease meds from your GP and then fill it at a licensed pharmacy, such as NX Pharmacies. For more advice on avoiding counterfeit drugs, see The Government of Canada’s information about counterfeit prescription drugs.
Will I get the same levothyroxine pills every time?
Different pharmaceutical companies sell levothyroxine in different formats – for example, a different type of packaging, or a different colour of tablet. But the generic name of the drug will always appear somewhere on the packaging, even if the brand-name is different, and this should match the generic name on your prescription.
The different versions of the same drug are stringently tested to ensure they are bioequivalent, so you should be getting the same dose each time even if your pills or their packaging looks different. We know that some people do better with a particular manufacturer’s version of levothyroxine, and we will do our best to get you your preferred brand every time.
If you have any questions about your thyroid meds, please get in touch with us and we will do our best to help.
Do I need a valid prescription to order levothyroxine?
Levothyroxine is a prescription-only medicine. This means that you can only obtain it from a pharmacy with a valid doctor’s prescription. Obtaining your thyroid meds from a pharmacy is the best way to ensure you have genuine products that will treat your condition effectively.
What happens when my doctor changes my prescription for thyroid hormones and medicine?
It is quite common for your thyroid medication prescription to change as you and your doctor work out the correct treatment regime. When your doctor makes a change to your thyroid meds, ask them to fax us your new prescription. We will then mail you your new meds.