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Levothyroxine

(36 Posts)
Dontcallmelove Tue 10-Feb-26 14:48:46

I’ve been taking a low dose of Levothyroxine for an underactive thyroid for less than a week now and I have noticed that I have an awful taste in my mouth. My husband tells me that my breath isn’t the sweetest! Has anyone else experienced this?

grannydarkhair Tue 10-Feb-26 15:01:45

I’ve been on various dosages of Levothyroxine over the years and never experienced this. It’s certainly not a known common side effect. I would speak to a Pharmacist or your GP if this persists.

Fartooold Tue 10-Feb-26 15:06:55

Both my daughters take Levothyroxine one takes 50mgm the other one 125mgm and their breath does not smell. Hope you can sort it out soon.

Tuliptree Tue 10-Feb-26 15:26:15

As above posters said . Could you describe the taste more?

Bellanonna Tue 10-Feb-26 15:43:26

On it for 30 years. No problem.

Dontcallmelove Tue 10-Feb-26 15:48:39

Thank you for replies so far. It’s not a known side effect, but some people have reported having a dry mouth, mine isn’t. The best description is metallic like, but not like blood metallic if that makes sense? I don’t have a sense of taste so it’s difficult to be more descriptive. Unfortunately I can’t get to a pharmacist and we only have a dispensary at our surgery with the dispensers knowing very little about individual medication.

pably15 Tue 10-Feb-26 15:50:25

I've been on it ...75 mcg for over 40 years and have never noficed this

TerriBull Tue 10-Feb-26 15:56:42

I've been on it getting on for nearly 30 years 150mcg. I can't say I've ever noticed that either.

theworriedwell Tue 10-Feb-26 16:05:17

I've been on it for over 20 years, 100mcg. Never experienced any problems.

SueDonim Tue 10-Feb-26 16:25:34

I’ve been on it for more than 40 years, doses between 125mcg and 75mcg. I’ve never noticed the side effect you mention.

REKA Tue 10-Feb-26 16:36:27

I've been on it for 10 years and not experienced this.

Pittcity Tue 10-Feb-26 17:40:20

I don't think it's the levothyroxine causing the bad breath, it's probably the hypothyroidism.
It's a autoimmune disease and makes me more prone to dry mouth, sore throats and coughs.
The tablets should improve the situation but you need to speak to your GP if it doesn't.

dogsmother Tue 10-Feb-26 18:10:03

I’ve been taking it for 40 years at varying levels, you have to have regular checks to ensure the levels are doing the best for you. It has ( possibly not exclusively) caused me to have osteoporosis but still I must take it. I’ve never had bad breath because of it.
Another important consideration is to take it on an empty stomach if you can for best effect.

Jacksgrandma123 Wed 11-Feb-26 13:48:03

I have taken it for two years and not noticed this. But, I did have a metallic taste when pregnant and am wondering if it is your hypothyroidism as it causes issues with your hormones . Your bloods should be taken again for TSH , T3 and T4 in six to eight weeks and if still an issue then it would be worth mentioning maybe

Grantanow Wed 11-Feb-26 14:13:44

Not an issue here.

AuntieE Wed 11-Feb-26 14:17:17

Perhaps you should make an appointment with a dentist and with a G.P.

As those who use this drug do not think a changed taste in your mouth and a touch of bad breath is a usual side effect, it is surely worth trying to find out if there is a minor health issue causing it.

lizzypopbottle Wed 11-Feb-26 14:21:49

Dontcallmelove Bad breath is often associated with dental problems. Have you seen a dentist or dental hygienist lately?

Juicylucy Wed 11-Feb-26 14:51:33

No issue here and I’ve been on them 30 years.

kjmpde Wed 11-Feb-26 14:58:50

The recommendation is that you take the drug at least 30 minutes before having caffeine , preferably in the morning. I personally prefer to take mine of an evening - ensuring that it is well over an hour after a meal and caffeine.

QuadraGrannyIsland Wed 11-Feb-26 15:57:05

I have been taking Levothyroxine for thirty years and never experience any side effects. I hope you are able to resolve the issue

Esmay Wed 11-Feb-26 15:57:59

I've taken thyroxine for over 30 years without having a metallic taste .
I know from a relative that it can be caused by blood from your gums .
Try Corsodyl mouthwash and change your toothbrush.if your gums bleed - that's your answer -brush harder and they will improve after a couple of days .
Use floss too .

Some meds do cause a metallic taste -including metformin ,antibiotics and anti - cancer drugs .

Food allergies particularly shellfish can cause it.

Chewing a clove ,a cardamon or mint /parsley leaves will naturally deodorise your breath .

Barbadosbelle Wed 11-Feb-26 17:45:10

.

I have been taking this medication for over 30 years with no side effects.
Until recently 150mcg and now 125mg.

Googling the possible side-effects your experiencee isn't included.

Maybe a dental checkup? It's probably just a co-incidence.
.

Mirren Wed 11-Feb-26 19:12:28

I take 200 micrograms of Thyroxine... The highest dose most people have come across.
I'm told I am possibly not absorbing it well ... Who knows? I do know I have no problems with my mouth at all and never have since starting it decades ago

Dizzyribs Wed 11-Feb-26 19:17:05

Like most responses I’ve been on it for many years with non of the effects you describe. I do take it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. It has to be a minimum 3 hours after your last meal or drink (other than plain water) and a minimum of 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything except plain water (as directed by the pharmacist and my GP. I tried taking it before bed but couldn’t always wait three hours after a drink as I do like a hot chocolate nightcap occasionally.

TerriBull Wed 11-Feb-26 19:21:11

I take quite a high dose of 150 mcg Regarding absorption it's quite important, as pointed out up thread, to take Thyroxine on not only an empty stomach, and to leave at least an hour after coffee, not sure about tea. Lately I've been taking mine when I take that first trip to the bathroom, probably about 3 am. My last meal would usually be around 7 pm. Last coffee not later than mid afternoon. First coffee 7am I didn't always pay heed to this when I first started taking them.