The benefits of following a gluten-free diet with Hashimoto’s have been well described.
Many people have taken the plunge of going gluten free and are carefully checking labels to ensure that their foods do not contain any gluten ingredients, but gluten can also be found in medications and can sabotage your healing.
There are no current laws that require medication manufacturers to specify if their products contain gluten. Many progressive manufacturers have started labeling their products, but not all. This is why we need to do our research.
Some labels may list ingredients like wheat, gluten, barley, etc. on the actual label which are obvious, but others may not list any of the above and may have “hidden” sources of gluten.
Medication and Supplement Ingredients That Could Contain Gluten
- Starch, or Pregelatinized starch, or sodium starch glycolate – Can be derived from potato, corn, tapioca or wheat
- Dextrate – Can be derived from potato, corn, tapioca or wheat
- Dextrin – Can be derived from potato, corn, tapioca or wheat
- Dextr-Maltose – A sugar that may be obtained from barley malt
- Maltodextrin – A starch that can be derived from potato, corn, tapioca or wheat
- Sodium Starch Glycolate – A starch that is usually derived from potato, but may come from any starch source
- Caramel Coloring – Barley malt may be used in its production
Check Your Medicine Cabinet
Although I avoid Advil due to its propensity to contribute to intestinal damage, I used it this past winter when I came down with the flu, and none of my other remedies worked.
The last time I needed to use Advil was before I went gluten free, so I was surprised to have discovered that there are multiple formulations of Advil with gluten in them! Specifically, Advil Liqui-Gels, Advil Menstrual, Advil Migraine, and any Advil product with a film coating contains gluten.
Additionally, I’ve also cut soy out of my diet and was surprised to find Advil along with many ibuprofen and acetaminophen products contain soy in the form of vegetable fat, stearic acid, and magnesium stearate. Highly refined soybean oil is used.
Beware, as many labels do not specify whether a product is gluten/soy/dairy free. Many times the information is not included in the ingredients section. Usually, there is a 1-800 number on the bottle. Give them a ring! Better safe than sorry…
Prescription Medications
Many prescription medications can also contain gluten. As most prescription medications are dispensed in pharmacy bottles, most of us do not get to scan the ingredient list.
Work with your pharmacist. He/She can provide you with the package insert that contains the list of ingredients, the manufacturer’s phone number, and if you are extra nice, the pharmacist may even call the manufacturer for you.
Luckily, most thyroid medications are gluten free, but we need to be careful with the various generic brands of levothyroxine (only 1 is gluten-free), as well as liothyronine.
Gluten-Free Thyroid Medications
- Levothyroxine (Mylan brand only)
- Nature-Throid
- Tirosint
- WP Thyroid (formerly Westhroid Pure)
The following medications do not have any gluten-containing ingredients, however, they are not tested for gluten content and cannot be certified as gluten-free:
- Levothyroxine (Lannett brand)
- Armour Thyroid*
- Levoxyl
- Synthroid
- Cytomel
*Note: Armour does contain sodium starch glycolate, which can be derived from wheat or corn.
Some commonly used medications that contain gluten include the following:
- Ambien CR (sleep aid)
- Amitiza (constipation)
- Trivora-28 (birth control)
- Maxalt MLT (migraines medication)
- Fosamax D (osteoporosis)
I also recommend the following website as a resource; it is managed by a clinical pharmacist and full of gluten-free medication resources:
http://www.glutenfreedrugs.com
However, as the pharmacist in charge of that website has thousands of drugs to track through calling the pharmaceutical companies, this source may not be updated as quickly.
Lifestyle interventions may be helpful for reducing or eliminating the need for some of these medications, but you should never stop medications with checking with your doctor first. Work with your pharmacist to find alternative medications.
To learn more about optimizing your thyroid medication, download my free eBook below!
Other Contaminants
Many people with Hashimoto’s are sensitive to multiple ingredients like dairy, soy, corn, eggs. Tirosint and Nature-Throid have the fewest additives as far as thyroid medications go. You can also work with a compounding pharmacist to have a special thyroid medication made for you without any ingredients that are going to sabotage your health.
Supplements
In addition to medications, supplements can also contain fillers that may be detrimental
I have a few supplements companies that I like to use…
Pure Encapsulations is a pharmaceutical grade brand that has extremely tight quality control and manufacturing guidelines. Each product undergoes rigorous testing by a third-party laboratory to verify label claims, potency, and purity. All the products sold by Pure Encapsulations are free of gluten, dairy, soy, additives that may impair absorption.
I wish you all the best in your healing journey!
PS. You can also download a free Thyroid Diet Guide, 10 Thyroid friendly recipes, and the Nutrient Depletions and Digestion chapter for free by going to www.thyroidpharmacist.com/gift. You will also receive occasional updates about new research, resources, giveaways and helpful information.
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I’ve only been on Synthroid. As a pharmacist, do you recommend changing brands or sticking with the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” concept? I’m a little apprehensive about changing anything. I don’t have celiac but I am sensitive to gluten and avoid it in my diet (I get respiratory symptoms and fatigue). Thanks! =)
My understanding is that gluten sensitivity is a spectrum and those with Celiac disease are the most sensitive. Cross contamination can be an issue for those with Celiac disease. Those with gluten intolerance have varying amounts of sensitivity and may not react to the small amounts that people with Celiac do.
Synthroid does not have any gluten containing ingredients, rather the manufacturer may make other gluten containing products that may contaminate the Synthroid, therefore they can not guarantee that Synthoid is gluten free.
In most cases, and especially for someone who is doing well on a medication, I would not switch because of gluten sensitivity and cross-contamination potential.
If you had Celiac disease and were not getting better, that would be another story!
Of course these are my general opinions from a pharmacology perspective, and should not substitute medical advice…
Izabella Wentz’s book, Root cause has many ideas of things to try. Suzy Cohenn’s book Thyroid Healthy, has many natural supplements that can be helpful. Having come through an incredible health journey myself, I would just encourage you to keep looking into this. Health (I found) is very complicated; one never knows when a profound breakthrough is right around the corner!
your medication may have gluten in its formula
I have a question on the Advil, etc. For someone steering clear of so many medications due to autoimmune disease as well as food sensitivities, in the event of the flu or injury that might need some help to get through, what can we turn to that would be safe enough for our autoimmune condition as well as the common food sensitivities like soy, corn and other fillers that can cause problems? I would like to know that I have something hanging around that might be safe to use. Thank you and again for the wonderful job on this article and your blog! You are helping soooo many sufferers, I don’t think you have any idea! Thank you, Thank you! Maureen
Even though this is an old post, I learned something very new today. Synthroid=Gluten. Man, more challenges and incentive to get off of it.
You also mention that the “Country Life” brand is ” gluten-, diary-, soy-, corn-, yeast-, and sugar-free”. Please take a closer look. Some of their formulations appear to be Gluten free, some do contain Soy. On their website under “Commitments” you can read for yourself that they are working towards a goal but haven’t reached it yet:
We at Country Life are committed to providing products that are non-GMO (not genetically modified). Within each category, we already have several non-GMO options. These products are marked NO GMOs” on the side of our labels. For the rest of our line, we are currently undergoing the process of reviewing every product we offer. Due to the fact we offer you over 600 products, with each containing as many as 30 ingredients to check, this intensive and comprehensive review is a very large undertaking. We are looking to complete our review within the next several years. Additionally, Country Life is working with the Non-GMO Project to define the industry standards for Non-GMO Products.
Again, thanks for all you do and the inspiration you provide:
Sincerely,
Bob Pereira
If you are on Synthroid, beware of cross contamination.
Thanks in advance.
Perhaps modify your above list of gluten-free thyroid meds? According to the website you suggested (glutenfreedrugs.com), Unithroid (Synthetic T4, Jerome Stevens Pharm, distributed by Lannett), is also gluten free. As for generics, I would suspect (but could not guarantee) that Lannett’s generic levothyroxine is also GF, as it is also made by JSP.
Sincerely,
Neil
Perhaps modify your above list of gluten-free thyroid meds? According to the website you suggested (glutenfreedrugs.com), Unithroid (Synthetic T4, Jerome Stevens Pharm, distributed by Lannett), is also gluten free. As for generics, I would suspect (but could not guarantee) that Lannett’s generic levothyroxine is also GF, as it is also made by JSP.
Sincerely,
Neil
I’m so happy I found this site! I have Celiac disease and am extremely sensitive to the slightest bit of gluten. I need to be taking 112 mcg of synthroid or another T4 medication, but can’t seem to find one that will ensure non-gluten ingredients. I’ve long suspected that my synthroid (sometimes I get generic) contains gluten, but can’t seem to find anyone to help me with this. I also take 5 mcg of cytomel. Does cytomel contain gluten? Please help me identify which T4 thyroid meds to take that are 100%, absolutely gluten free and how I can get them. It will change my life! Thank you!!! 🙂
Best,
Anette
I am having the same problem as you. I also have celiac and a total thyroidectomy in October 2013. Right now I a m on levothyroxine 100 (mylan) and I feel sick all the time. I just started to add the liothyronine 5 mg (mylan as well). I just read an article stating that Levoxyl is back on the market. I also heard it is better absorbed, therefore better for celiacs. I am awaiting a call from the pharmacist with more info on
it…..hopefully it is gluten free!
Best of luck and God bless you…..
Jodi from NE Ohio
Thank you
My Dr. also said Mylan is GF for what it’s worth. I am not Celiac but don’t feel well if I have gluten. So far, so good. 3 years.
Karen – thank you so much for sharing. 💕
Jessica
You mention it is listed as being gluten free but i’m not sure how long ago with was written as i know Cytomel got bought out. So my biggest concern is if they are just going to list starch and not stand behind what type of starch does that mean they can change the filler out as they want?
I also take NP Thyroid and cannot find any information about it online. Is it gluten free?
Sue – thank you so much for following this page.
There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
HOW THE DOSE OF YOUR THYROID MEDICATION CAN UNCOVER YOUR ROOT CAUSE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/the-dose-of-your-thyroid-medication-can-uncover-your-root-cause/
HOW TO GET ACCURATE LAB TESTING WHEN TAKING MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-get-accurate-lab-tests-when-taking-thyroid-medications/
Could you tell me if NP thyroid is gluten, dairy, and soy free? Thank you!
Heather – thank you for reaching out. Thankfully, most thyroid medications are gluten free, but we need to be careful with the various generic brands. Here is a link to an article I hope you find helpful. https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-your-medication-gluten-free/
Dr. Izabella—thanks for all the great research and information on your website, I find it very helpful! By the way, did you know Lannett recently sold to Amneal pharmaceuticals? I also discovered Lannett/Amneal levothyroxine contains lactose. Isn’t lactose just as bad as gluten? I know you mentioned Lannett is gluten-free, but I’m worried about the lactose, as I know that could be just as bad for us Hashimoto’s patients. Would be awesome if you can update this page! I just discovered Mylan levothyroxine…while not guaranteed gluten-free, the tablet itself doesn’t contain gluten, or has soy, corn or lactose. I may consider giving this brand a try.
Ruby – thank you for following my research. <3 There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication which you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
Hi Dr. Izabella,
I’m wondering if the list medications containing gluten is updated? Specifically, Nature Throid and most recently NP Throid. What would you attribute many people with returning hypo symptoms with both medications? I was very successfully treated on Nature Throid for years. Then, due to returning hypo symptoms last year, switched to NP (also unsuccessfully tried Armour). Now with the new fillers in NP (company not admitting to the new fillers at this time) many people, including myself feel out of options. (NP looks, smells and tastes vastly different.) Is there anything you can suggest for us?
Thank you
Jessica – thank you for reaching out. I am sorry you are struggling with this. I have had others report that the new formulation does not work for them, unfortunately, we do not have more information than what is available to the public. I recommend that you discuss this with your practitioner. Here is a link you may find interesting as well: https://getrealthyroid.com/product-availability.html
My dr. Changed my Synthroid from 50 mcg to 75mcg. I also take 15 mcg of liothorine T3. I was doing great until my Synthroid was raided to 75. Don’t understand. I’m tired costupated and not feeling well again. Not sure what to do. Any ideas?
Lynn – thank you for sharing your journey. <3 I understand how frustrating this can be. There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication which you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
HOW THE DOSE OF YOUR THYROID MEDICATION CAN UNCOVER YOUR ROOT CAUSE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/the-dose-of-your-thyroid-medication-can-uncover-your-root-cause
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
You may also find this ebook helpful as well.
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/checkout/?product_id=4702
Your article says Lannet brand of Levothyroxine is gluten free.
And the Mylan brand is not.
But when you go to gluten free medications link on your website it’s the opposite.
Mary – thank you so very much for sharing this with me! I have asked my team to look into this further! ❤️
I have Celiac Disease and Graves Disease as well as many other autoimmune diseases (polymiositis, scleroderma, raynauds, etc). I am taking methimazole. I cant find anything that says this is gluten free and not on any gluten free lists. This could be why i have diahrea daily even after being gluten free for years! Is there another hyperthyroid med i can take instead of methimazole?
Darcy – thank you for reaching out. ❤️ If you have concerns you could call the manufacturer or talk to your pharmacist. I recommend discussing possible medication changes with you practitioner.