Nonna asked
I take synthroid every am first thing on an empty stomach. However i have been prescribed Atelvia once a week. The instructions say take immediately after breakfast before any other medication. I am an insulin dependent diabetic so i must take my insulin before i eat. How do i take my synthroid and the atelvia on that one day ?
Answer
The specific dosage instructions for Synthroid (levothyroxine) and Atelvia (risedronate) can make it difficult to plan appropriate administration times for each. As everyone's situation is always a little bit different, it is important to speak with your doctor if you have been instructed to take two medications at times that conflict with one another.
In your specific situation, it is important to know that your insulin will not interact with Altevia or Synthroid as insulin is injected subcutaneously. The food and medication interactions with Altevia and Synthroid have to do with bioavailability (i.e. absorption) concerns. When those medications are given with other medications or food at the wrong time, absorption of each can be significantly decreased, possibly leading to a less effective dose. Injected insulin does not go through the stomach and GI tract and therefore does not interact with Altevia or Synthroid.
As mentioned above, it is important to speak with your doctor or your pharmacy that fills your prescriptions for the best approach to dose your medications in your specific situation. However, below is one possible way you could take your medications safely and avoid interactions.
- Take Synthroid (levothyroxine) first thing in the morning with a full glass of water. Do not eat or drink anything (besides water) for 30 minutes.
- Inject your insulin prior to your first meal.
- Take Altevia (risedronate) immediately following breakfast with at least 4 ounces of water. Avoid lying down for at 30 minutes after taking the medication.
