Patients are urged to closely follow their physician’s recommendations for taking thyroid medications and to adjust their daily routine accordingly. For example, thyroid hormone is usually best taken on an empty stomach so that food does not affect absorption of the hormone. It also should be taken once daily, preferably at the same time every day.

Some other thyroid medications are taken several times daily and in many cases should be taken with food. Patients are urged to discuss with a physician the proper way to take their thyroid medication.

Patients taking beta blockers may be instructed to periodically measure their heart rate for a full minute and, if it is 50 beats per minute or lower, to contact their physician. Beta blockers affect circulation, and some people may become more sensitive to cold, requiring additional precautions when engaging in outdoor winter activities. Patients who are allergic to foods, medicines or insect stings should be aware that beta blockers may worsen their reactions to these allergies.