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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Levothyroxine Cause Diarrhea And Bowel Incontinence?

My 90 year old mom has been taking levothyroxine for many years. She just recently read the insert from the pharmacy and she feels like a lot of the side affects listed are things that she is experiencing. Especially unable to control loose stools. Is this a main spider affect from this med.? And if so what can she switch to.
Wed, 17 May 2017
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
Hello,Thanks for the query.
If you look at the drug information insert of any medicine, there will be a big list of side effects. It is mandatory to mention all the possible side effects of the said compound according to FDA rules. But most of the drugs which are approved for treatment or usage, tend to have very few often seen problems. In case of levothyroxine the acceptance is excellent. Plus you are saying she is on it for a number of years. In such a situation there can be hardly any sudden change. Frequent loose stools can be due to her age itself.
As regards the change of medication, there is absolutely no possibility as for hypothyroidism levothyroxine is the only drug. Plus it has to be taken for lifetime.Some change in diet may be considered or occasionally sue of loperamide may be looked at. Thanks.
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Does Levothyroxine Cause Diarrhea And Bowel Incontinence?

Hello,Thanks for the query. If you look at the drug information insert of any medicine, there will be a big list of side effects. It is mandatory to mention all the possible side effects of the said compound according to FDA rules. But most of the drugs which are approved for treatment or usage, tend to have very few often seen problems. In case of levothyroxine the acceptance is excellent. Plus you are saying she is on it for a number of years. In such a situation there can be hardly any sudden change. Frequent loose stools can be due to her age itself. As regards the change of medication, there is absolutely no possibility as for hypothyroidism levothyroxine is the only drug. Plus it has to be taken for lifetime.Some change in diet may be considered or occasionally sue of loperamide may be looked at. Thanks.