A 79-year-old woman has a background of type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and chronic pain. She takes Levothyroxine 75 mcg, Metformin 500 mg BD, Gabape...

Question

A 79-year-old woman has a background of type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and chronic pain. She takes Levothyroxine 75 mcg, Metformin 500 mg BD, Gabapentin 300 mg TDS, and Calcium carbonate 1.25 g BD. She reports that her thyroid levels have been difficult to control despite good adherence. What is the MOST likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

Calcium carbonate reduces the absorption of Levothyroxine when taken concurrently

Answer

Gabapentin interferes with thyroid function tests

Answer

Metformin suppresses TSH

Answer

Her hypothyroidism is autoimmune and naturally fluctuates

Answer

Levothyroxine is ineffective in older people

uk-dgm MCQ (SBA): Calcium-Levothyroxine Absorption Interaction