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Levothyroxine administration — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyEndocrine TherapeuticsLevothyroxine administrationGPhC CRA

A patient prescribed levothyroxine 50 micrograms daily says she takes it with breakfast and her calcium tablets because it is easier to remember. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Take levothyroxine on an empty stomach and separate it from calcium supplements

Levothyroxine absorption can be reduced by calcium salts and by food. It is usually taken on an empty stomach at a consistent time, with separation from interacting supplements. Stopping calcium may not be necessary if timing can be adjusted. Weekly unsupervised dosing is not appropriate for routine administration.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS