Can you take Synthroid with Linzess? (3+ tips)

By Ask Your Pharm
Page last updated: 29/01/2024 | Next review date: 29/01/2026
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In this article, we will answer the question, “Can you take Synthroid with Linzess?”. We will discuss what research has to say in this regard and what tips should be followed when taking Synthroid and Linzess concurrently.

Can you take Synthroid with Linzess?

Yes, you can take Synthroid with Linzess. This combination has proven to be relatively safe, however, some individuals may see a decrease in the effectiveness of Synthroid, due to a side effect of Linzess.

Linzess has the potential to cause diarrhoea in individuals taking the medication. This can reduce the absorption of medicines like Syhtnroid, causing a moderate reduction in the effects produced by Synthroid.

Synthroid (also known as Levothyroxine) is the synthetic version of the body’s natural thyroid hormone, thyroxine. Synthroid has been approved by the FDA for the management and treatment of primary, secondary and tertiary hypothyroidism (1,2).

Linzess (also known as Linaclotide) is a guanylate cyclase-C agonist, recommended by the FDA for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). Linaclotide has been used ‘off-label’ to manage chronic and unmanageable lower gastrointestinal indications in individuals with systemic sclerosis (3,4).

When Synthroid and Linzess are used together, you should monitor yourself for any unusual symptoms and consult your healthcare provider if you experience anything out of the ordinary.

What does research suggest?

Not many studies have been published reporting the concurrent use of Levothyroxine and Linaclotide. However, the few cases that have been reported, deem the combination of both medications as safe and effective.

A few cases have been reported by a study assessing the use of Linaclotide for the long-term management of constipation. This study reported that using linaclotide to relieve CIC in individuals who were also taking Levothyroxine, proved to be a safe and effective option (5).

Another study assessing the efficacy of Linaclotide for the treatment of constipation along with IBS in women also reported that any individual taking thyroid replacement therapy was instructed to keep taking their medications. No significant interaction was reported between Linaclotide and  Levothyroxine (6).

What tips should be followed while taking Synthroid and Linzess together?

The following tips and strategies should be followed while taking Synthroid with Linzess:

Strategies Details
Take on prescription A valid prescription from a healthcare provider is needed to obtain Synthroid and Linzess.
Consult your doctor Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before using both medications together. Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid interactions.
Monitor for side effects You should always keep an eye on any side effects that may occur while you are taking Linzess and Synthroid.
Dosage instructions Always take both medications in the prescribed doses. Do not try to change the doses of either Synthroid or Linzess on your own.
Timing Take both medications at the prescribed time. Both medications are recommended to be taken on an empty stomach or half to one hour before meals.

Synthroid and Linzess should be taken at approximately the same time each day.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine When taking Synthroid and Linzess together you should avoid alcohol consumption and caffeine intake as they can interact with these medications.

What are the side effects of taking Synthroid and Linzess together?

Synthroid and Linzess may cause an array of side effects when taken together. Some common side effects of Synthroid and Linzess are as follows:

  • Tachycardia
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Headache

Keep in mind that along with these common side effects, both medications can cause some side effects on their own. Some side effects solely caused by any single medication are described below.

Side effects of Synthroid

Side effects associated with Synthroid use are as follows:

  • Arrhythmias
  • Palpitations
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Dyspnea
  • Nervousness
  • Muscle spasm
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Tremors
  • Increased appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Muscle weakness
  • Heat intolerance
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Skin rash
  • Alopecia
  • Sweating

Side effects of Linzess

Some side effects experienced by individuals while on Linzess are:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Abdominal distension
  • Weight gain
  • Flatulence
  • Fecal incontinence
  • Viral gastroenteritis
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Hypotension
  • Dizziness
  • Syncope
  • Electrolyte abnormalities

If you experience any unusual symptoms or adverse reactions while taking Synthroid and Linzess together, you should contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

Taking Synthroid and Linzess safely

In my experience and according to research studies, Synthroid and Linzess are safe and effective if prescribed together. However, you may need to keep an eye on the occurrence of common side effects and monitor symptoms to prevent worsening of any side effects.

It is not advised to combine Synthroid and Linzess without the recommendation of a healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor before starting or stopping any medication.

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References

1.-

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. SYNTHROID® (levothyroxine sodium) tablets, for oral use. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/021402s024s028lbl.pdf 

2.-

Eghtedari B, Correa R. Levothyroxine. [Updated 2023 Aug 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539808/

3.-

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. LINZESS® (linaclotide) capsules, for oral use. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/202811s013lbl.pdf 

4.-

Kalola UK, Chowdhury YS. Linaclotide. [Updated 2023 Apr 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK578208/

5.-

Fraser M, Stefanacci R, Jacqueline Vance RN, IP-BC AS, CDP L. Management of constipation in Long-Term Care: Updates on regulations and treatment using Linaclotide. Annals of Long-Term Care. 2019 Jul 3;27(8). https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/altc/articles/management-constipation-long-term-care-updates-regulations-and-treatment-using-linaclotide

6.-

Andresen V, Camilleri M, Busciglio IA, Grudell A, Burton D, McKinzie S, Foxx–Orenstein A, Kurtz CB, Sharma V, Johnston JM, Currie MG. Effect of 5 days linaclotide on transit and bowel function in females with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology. 2007 Sep 1;133(3):761-8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0016508507012991