Shortness of breath on Eltroxin?

[jennerfennerbenner]

Has anyone suffered from shortness of breath on Eltroxin?  Back pain?

[gimel]

I really cannot understand a clinic giving you Eltroxin as a "precaution".   Precaution against what?  If you look up Eltroxin you will find this.  "This medication should not be used to treat infertility unless it is caused by low thyroid hormone levels."  TSH is a pituitary hormone, not a thyroid hormone. TSH is affected by so many things that at best it is only an indicator to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms and also levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T4 and Free T3.  If the TSH was at the low end of range due to having Free T4 and Free T3 in the high end of the range, then taking the Eltroxin was the wrong thing to do.  If TSH was at the low end of the range due to a hypothalamus/pituitary problem, then your Free T4 and Free T3 would be low in the range and perhaps thyroid medication might be required to bring you to a euthyroid state and enhance the possibility of becoming pregnant.  

From your reaction to the med, it sounds like you became hyperthyroid from the med.  You must make sure they always test for Free T4 and Free T3 each time and make treatment decisions based on any symptoms you have, along with levels of Free T4 and Free T3, not TSH. After such an experience I would be leery about that clinic.  If you are going to the clinic due to difficulty getting pregnant, then at least they should test for Free T4, Free T3, cortisol, Vitamin D, and ferritin.  If you get these tested you will have a much better idea whether thyroid is affecting your ability to conceive.  If you get those tests done and then post results and reference ranges shown on the lab report we will be happy to help interpret and advise further.  

I would also be leery of the doctor that told you "this was a known side effect and if it hadn't abated within 2/3 months, maybe come off the medication."  Really????  

[WokeOtter232]

I was prescribed Eltroxin as a precaution by a fertility clinic. My TSH levels are within normal levels but at the low end, which apparently can cause miscarriage in early pregnancy. Within 5 days, I was experiencing severe shortness of breath and chest pains. I figured it was the beginning of a chest infection but after a week of of shallow breath, wheezing and laboured breathing but no progression into phlegmy cough etc, I went to the doctor. He told me this was a known side effect and if it hadn't abated within 2/3 months, maybe come off the medication. I know loads of people on Eltroxin and as they all rave about the high energy and weight loss, I wasn't really expecting any negative side effects. Once I thought about it, I realised that Eltroxin could also be the reason behind my hot flashes, fuzzy head, exhaustion, increasing anxiety and raw tasting mouth and tongue. I took another pill the following morning and still felt lousy. The next morning I woke with an intense headache and decided enough was enough. I haven't taken a tablet in two days now and I still feel miserable. I'm hoping the symptoms will ease given a little time.

[Rose1980ie]

I haven't taken my medication(Eltroxin) for 3 days. My back pain and shortness of breath are gone. I made an appointment to see my gp today to see what can be done, change medication or something.

[Neeson]

Did your shortness of breath resolve?

[Rose1980ie]

I am on Eltroxin for about 6 months now. I am also having back pain and difficulty breathing, is the only medication I am on so I thought it could be related .

[stella5349]

I lost 18 pounds so far - but had gained 40 in the realm of things. It's more than just thyroid levels - other hormones are beat down when hypothyroid is present. Cortisol with adrenals are effected. Sugar insulin issues and others play a major role in keeping weight on a person when they are hypothyroid.

[dawnangela]

You can loose weight i presume once your levels are good..I hear its just a bit harder to loose if your Hypo, but many do get there eventually..

[jennerfennerbenner]

I'm almost at my wits end with this tiny gland called the thyroid!!!!  
Does anyone lose weight when they are hypo?

[stella5349]

ERFA is the pharma distributing "Thyroid"

[jennerfennerbenner]

What's EFRA?

[dawnangela]

I am on Eutroxzig, like deb said its the same, but no i only had the shortness of breath and backache before i started treatment, Shortness of breath is a side effect tho, i would check with your doctor..

[Smilerdeb]

I am on Eutroxzig which is the same as Eltroxin.
The only time I have experienced back ache and shortness of breath with it ...is when I am hypo.
Maybe you need labs done again to either increase/decrease.

[stella5349]

wow - most people that are on natural thyroid are getting their meds right now from canada out of EFRA.

I am suprised you are not on that. I heard alot of Canadian's are put on that over synthetics

[jennerfennerbenner]

Not Uk--Canada.
Have stopped it for 2 days now so will see what happens.  

[stella5349]

I read this alot on Eltroxin.. UK right?

I don't know what's the deal with this symptom on this. Some say it's very inconsistant with dosaging as a script - some say it's the fillers used.

Yes - I have read many have that issue with breathing with it.

Not sure on the back pain though - if it's muscle related than it could be too.