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can thyroid medicine cause a rash?
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.

can thyroid medicine cause a rash?

by js24, Sep 05, 2005 12:00AM
I was wondering if anyone can help. I have been on 50mg of thyroxine for about a year now to address slight hypothyroidism. However, recently I have been feeling very unwell with very large swollen glands in neck (and one in the armpit) - extremely tired all the time, etc. Had my blood tests done and all came back fine except needed to increase my thyroid dosage to 75mg which I have done in the past two weeks.

My doctor tested for mono and other things but I don't appear to have them  - she thinks I might have a virus which doesn't seem to help much!! as this has now been going on for about two months.

My question is: could the slight increase in thyroxine cause a rash? My arms and legs have been very itchy with areas of rash on them. Generally, I am not a very allergic person to I don't think this would have anything to do with the dosage increase, but could it? Or is it probably due to something else (i.e. swollen glands and feeling unwell).

Many thanks
Member Comments (3)

by Jimlow, Sep 05, 2005 12:00AM
Js24, Hi,
Rarely, people are allergic to certain types of thyroid medications and rash is a common allergy symptom. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis causes rash in some people because of the immune system response. Also, sometimes starting thyroid med, calls for increased dosages almost right away because the thyroid gland will atrophy (cut back it's own production). It will do this at different rates with different people but can actually cause increased hypo symptoms until dosage it adjusted to best level.
Best Wishes.

by sannuska, Sep 06, 2005 12:00AM
Hi, I don't know if this is related...Infact I didn't think of the connection before I saw your message. I have had a little rash on my arm since my hyperthyroid symptoms started. I used to be allergic as a child, but haven't had rash for more than 15 years. I did wonder whether it is because I get so hot and sweaty all the time now as a side effect. Hope you find an answer!

by plv, Sep 22, 2005 12:00AM
To: js24
lymph nodes  are swollen...indicates your body is fighting some kind  of infection.......................i would not be afraid of cutting down medication for a month....everyone is different ....

by bonesck, Aug 15, 2009 11:05PM
A related discussion, Rashes after stopping thyroid medication was started.
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