Written question asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 January 2018, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 February 2018. It was answered by Lord O'Shaughnessy (Conservative) on Thursday, 8 February 2018 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Levothyroxine

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what proportion of patients treated with levothyroxine continue to suffer with symptoms despite adequate biochemical correction.

Answer: We understand that whilst it is recognised that some patients on levothyroxine remain symptomatic despite treatment leading to thyroid stimulating hormone levels in the therapeutic range, it is not possible to predict the number as the reasons for this are not fully understood; such patients should be under the care of an endocrinologist. Where clinical commissioning groups decide to implement recommendations in NHS England’s guidance, they are responsible for deciding whether further action is required, such as commissioning research, to monitor uptake and outcomes.

Secondary information