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Should I stop my regular meds if I want to try a new thyroid one?

A fellow caregiver asked...

I am on thyroid meds as well as Paxil and Vytorin. I have never been heavy before, but I am now. I started doing some research, and found out about Iodine Plus. I am going to try it and see if it works, but should I stop my other meds or continue with them? I am so excited because I knew I was off and I am glad for your help.

Expert Answer

Pharmacist William Simonson, also known as "Dr. Si", is a board-certified geriatric pharmacist who is dedicated to improving medication use by seniors. He is a pharmacy educator and is active in publishing and presenting to health professional and consumer audiences and has been active in the area of geriatrics and long-term care pharmacy practice for more than 35 years.

I don't' know the details of your health conditions but it sounds like you are receiving thyroid supplementation for an underactive thyroid gland. If this is the case it is important that your response to the thyroid medicine be routinely monitored through simple blood tests that enable your doctor to adjust your thyroid dose accordingly.

Iodine plays an important role in thyroid function and Iodine Plus might be of some benefit but it is not the only answer and it will not replace the thyroid medication that you are taking. I strongly recommend that you do not stop taking your other medications. It makes sense to work with your doctor, let him or her know what other medications you are taking, including non-prescription products such as Iodine Plus so you doctor will be able to make important thyroid dosage adjustments if necessary.

This is a good example of how consumers and health professionals can collaborate to achieve the optimal results of therapy.