Have you ever have a feeling that your body has become resistant to levothyroxine, or that you get worse over time? If yes, it’s best you do not rush to conclusions as the reason behind this change may not be the prescribed dose itself but improper levothyroxine storage conditions, which could influence the tablet’s therapeutic effect.
Even though many of us have a “medicine cabinet” in the bathroom, it does not mean that it is a good idea to store your medications there. Two main reasons why the bathroom is not safe for your tablets are:
- It is humid.
- It is hot.
In 2017, a group of researchers in Italy conducted an experiment to observe patients with hypothyroidism whose TSH levels stayed outside the normal range despite taking levothyroxine regularly. These patients stored their tablets in the wrong places — next to heaters, near the shower in the bathroom, or by the window. When they changed the medication storage conditions and moved it away from heat, light, and humidity, their symptoms were reduced.
Even though this research had very few observed patients and requires further follow-ups, it totally makes sense as it is rare that a bathroom fits the storage conditions necessary for any medication. Recent guidelines recommend levothyroxine storage per product at 20–25°C (68–77°F) and protected from light and moisture. You may experiment and measure these parameters in your bathroom after taking a morning shower or evening bath.
Thus, it is a good idea to move all tablets out of the bathroom. It may be convenient to have separate storage in the kitchen or other room, which should be far from the reach of children and pets.
