How to Store and Handle Levothyroxine Properly

The stability and efficacy of pharmaceutical products are dependent not only on their chemical composition but also on how they are stored and handled after they are dispensed. For a medication as precisely dosed as levothyroxine, proper storage is a critical component of effective therapy. Inappropriate storage conditions can lead to the physical degradation of the tablet, potentially altering its potency and leading to inconsistent dosing. The following guidelines outline the key principles for storing and handling levothyroxine to ensure it remains safe and effective throughout its shelf life.

1. Control the Temperature: Store at Room Temperature. The manufacturer’s prescribing information for levothyroxine consistently specifies storage at controlled room temperature, typically defined as 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). It is crucial to protect the medication from extremes of heat and cold. Do not store levothyroxine in a bathroom medicine cabinet, as the humidity and temperature fluctuations from showers and baths can create a damaging environment. Similarly, avoid storing it in a car glove compartment, on a windowsill, or near a kitchen stove, where temperatures can easily exceed the recommended range. Excessive heat can accelerate the chemical breakdown of the active ingredient, while freezing temperatures may alter the tablet’s physical structure.
2. Manage Humidity: Keep the Container Tightly Closed in a Dry Place. Moisture is a primary enemy of many solid dosage forms like tablets. Levothyroxine tablets are hygroscopic, meaning they can absorb moisture from the air. This absorption can potentially lead to physical changes in the tablet and, over time, chemical degradation. To prevent this, always keep the medication in its original prescription bottle with the cap securely tightened. The container is designed to offer a degree of protection from environmental humidity. Storing the bottle in a cool, dry place, such as a bedroom drawer or a hallway closet, is preferable to a humid kitchen or bathroom.
3. Protect from Light: Store in an Opaque Container. Like many organic compounds, levothyroxine can be susceptible to degradation when exposed to light, particularly direct sunlight. The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight can break chemical bonds and reduce the medication’s potency. This is why levothyroxine is almost always dispensed in an opaque, light-resistant plastic bottle. It is imperative to keep the medication in this original container. Transferring pills to a daily pill organizer that is left out on a countertop for extended periods is not recommended, as it exposes them to light and air. If a pill organizer is necessary for adherence, it should be one that is opaque and stored in a drawer, and only filled for a week at a time.
4. Ensure Safe Handling: Use Dry Hands and a Clean Environment. When removing a tablet from the bottle, it is good practice to have dry hands. Handling the tablet with wet fingers can transfer moisture to the pill, which could then be absorbed, potentially compromising its integrity. Pour the tablet directly into the cap of the bottle or into a clean, dry hand without touching the other pills in the container. This helps to keep the remaining medication clean and dry. Avoid storing the medication near sinks or other sources of water.
5. Practice Safe Disposal: Do Not Flush or Throw in Trash. It is important to have a plan for disposing of unused or expired levothyroxine. The recommended method is not to flush it down the toilet or pour it down a drain, as this can introduce pharmaceuticals into the water supply. The preferred method is to utilize a drug take-back program. Many communities have periodic collection events, or some pharmacies offer take-back services. If no take-back program is available, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends mixing the tablets with an unappealing substance like used coffee grounds or cat litter, placing the mixture in a sealed container, and then disposing of it in the household trash. Always remove or obscure any personal information on the prescription label before throwing the bottle away.
6. Monitor for Changes: Do Not Use if Physically Compromised. Visually inspect your levothyroxine tablets periodically. They should appear consistent in color, size, and shape. If you notice any discoloration, unusual odor, cracking, or powdering of the tablets, it may indicate that the product has degraded. In such cases, the medication should not be used. It should be safely disposed of, and a new prescription should be filled. This is another reason why keeping the medication in its original container is important, as it allows you to verify the drug name, strength, and expiration date.
7. Respect the Expiration Date: Discard Outdated Medication. All pharmaceuticals have an expiration date printed on the packaging, which indicates the period during which the product is expected to remain stable and at full potency when stored under recommended conditions. Using levothyroxine past its expiration date is not advised. The chemical stability cannot be guaranteed beyond this point, and the potency may have decreased, which could lead to under-treatment of your hypothyroidism. When you get a refill, it is a good habit to check the expiration date to ensure you have adequate time to use the medication.

Adherence to these storage and handling guidelines is a simple yet vital aspect of managing hypothyroidism with levothyroxine. By treating the medication with the same care that went into its manufacture, you can be confident that each dose you take delivers the full, intended amount of hormone, contributing to stable thyroid levels and consistent symptom control.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided is based on current medical knowledge and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication.

Data Source:

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines