Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) that is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine tablets come in a variety of strengths, including 100 mcg. The color of the pill can help identify the dosage strength.
Common Levothyroxine 100 mcg Pill Colors
Here are some of the most common pill colors for 100 mcg levothyroxine tablets from major manufacturers:
| Manufacturer | Pill Color |
|---|---|
| Mylan | Yellow |
| Sandoz | White |
| Lannett | Pink |
| West-Ward | Blue |
As you can see, levothyroxine 100 mcg tablets come in various colors like yellow, white, pink, and blue. The specific color depends on the manufacturer or brand of the medication.
Why Levothyroxine Comes in Different Colors
There are a few reasons why levothyroxine pills come in different colors:
- To help distinguish between dosages – Different colored pills help patients identify the dosage strength more easily.
- Brand recognition – Color is part of a brand’s image and helps consumers identify and recognize a particular manufacturer.
- Aesthetics – Some patients prefer certain colored pills over others, so manufacturers offer choices.
- Regulation – In some countries, regulations require certain colors for certain dosages to avoid medication errors.
The dye used to color the pills does not affect the effectiveness of the medication. The active ingredient levothyroxine is the same, only the inactive ingredients like color additives differ between brands.
Levothyroxine Dosage by Pill Color
In general, the color of levothyroxine tablets corresponds with the dosage strength as follows:
- 25 mcg – white, pink, orange, yellow
- 50 mcg – white, purple
- 75 mcg – purple, blue
- 88 mcg – olive green, teal
- 100 mcg – yellow, pink, blue
- 112 mcg – light yellow, green
- 125 mcg – light blue, light purple
- 137 mcg – brown, dark purple
- 150 mcg – dark blue
- 175 mcg – turquoise
- 200 mcg – pink, peach
- 300 mcg – green
However, pill color alone should not be used to identify dosage. It’s best to also check the dosage printed directly on the pill to confirm the strength.
Why Pill Color Matters
Paying attention to levothyroxine pill color is important for a few key reasons:
- Avoid medication errors – Taking the wrong dosage by mistake can cause serious health issues. Double checking the color helps ensure you take the correct strength.
- Consistency – Being consistent with the pill color and brand minimizes the risk of variations in effectiveness or side effects.
- Detect abnormalities – If the pill color looks abnormal, it could be a sign of contamination, damage, expired medication, or a dispensing error.
In most cases, the pill color will match what you are accustomed to with your normal prescription. But occasionally a pharmacy may fill the prescription with a different manufacturer that uses another colored pill. So it’s always wise to take a look and verify the strength.
Tips for Levothyroxine Users
Here are some tips for those taking levothyroxine tablets:
- Look at the pill color and then check the imprinted dosage number to confirm the strength.
- Be consistent and try to always use the same brand and color pill for your prescribed dosage.
- Notify your pharmacist if the pill appears abnormal or the color is different than what you normally take.
- Consider setting a daily reminder to take your levothyroxine at the same time each day, such as first thing in the morning.
- Do not take levothyroxine tablets with coffee, calcium supplements, antacids, or iron supplements as they can impair absorption.
Taking note of the pill color is one way to be an informed patient and get the most benefit from your levothyroxine treatment. Always be sure to consult your doctor with any concerns or changes with your medication.
Why the Color of Your Thyroid Medication Matters
For patients taking thyroid hormone replacements like levothyroxine, the color of the pill is more important than you may think. Here are 3 key reasons why:
- Avoid mix-ups – Different colors help distinguish between varying strengths of levothyroxine. This prevents potential mix-ups that could lead to taking the wrong dose.
- Monitor changes – If your medication starts coming in a new color, it likely means you received a different brand or manufacturer. The change needs to be monitored in case you respond differently.
- Adherence cues – The color can serve as a useful visual reminder and cue to take your daily thyroid medication as prescribed.
While the active ingredient is the same between brands, inactive ingredients like dyes can vary and affect individual responses. That’s why it’s recommended to stick to the same color pill for consistency.
Conclusion
In summary, levothyroxine 100 mcg tablets commonly come in colors like yellow, white, pink and blue depending on the manufacturer. The different colors are used to differentiate dosages, for brand recognition, aesthetics, and regulatory purposes. Being consistent with the pill color and routinely checking the imprinted strength can help minimize errors and optimize treatment. While the dye does not change the effectiveness of levothyroxine, the color can serve as an important visual reminder and cue to take your daily dose. So be sure to take note of the color and consult your pharmacist or doctor if you have any concerns about changes in your thyroid medication.