Investigating Levothyroxine Use and Its Association with Thyroid Health in Patients with Hypothyroidism: A Community Pharmacy Study
Authors' conclusion
We found that many participants with hypothyroidism did not use their LT4 as effectively as possible, particularly with respect to timing of administration. However, the participants' HR-QoL seemed largely satisfactory, and there was no significant correlation between correctly using LT4 and thyroid health.
Study context
- Population
- Belgian community sample of adults using levothyroxine (LT4) for hypothyroidism since ≥2 years; mean age 61.4 ± 14.3 years, 86% females
- Participants
- 856 participants
- Outcome
- LT4 use and thyroid health
Methodological detailsobservational, community pharmacy sample, self-administered questionnaire, pharmacy dispensing data
- Observational
- Community pharmacy sample
- Self-administered questionnaire
- Pharmacy dispensing data
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Out-of-range TSH levels
- 138/563
- Non-adherent (medication possession ratio (MPR) <80%)
- 28% (178/632)
- Self-reported non-adherence
- 25% (212/854)
- Unintentional non-adherence (forgetfulness)
- 21.9%, 187/854
- Complied with ingesting LT4 ≥30 minutes before eating
- 39% (329/836)
- Concurrent use of LT4-binding molecules without recommended dosing interval
- 7% (58/856)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Investigating Levothyroxine Use and Its Association with Thyroid Health in Patients with Hypothyroidism: A Community Pharmacy Study. Thyroid. Published 15 May 2023. doi:10.
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