Hundreds of thousands of people in the UK may be unnecessarily taking drugs

Hundreds of thousands of people in the UK may be unnecessarily taking drugs for an under-active thyroid, study warns Studies show that patients given the daily drug levothyroxine get no benefit The experts behind the BMJ review examined data from 21 studies Common symptoms of an under-active thyroid include fatigue and weight gain 

By Eleanor Hayward For The Daily Mail

Published: 23:30 BST, 14 May 2019 | Updated: 23:30 BST, 14 May 2019

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Hundreds of thousands of patients with underactive thyroids are being prescribed a drug that offers no benefit, research suggests.

The drug levothyroxine is offered to people with thyroid problems to treat symptoms such as depression, feeling cold, tired and having muscle aches.

More than 32 million prescriptions for the hormone replacement drug were issued by NHS England last year, but experts have now said it is unnecessary and does not help relieve symptoms.

A study in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) concluded that 'almost all adults' with an underactive thyroid 'would not benefit from treatment with thyroid hormones'.

Figures from NHS Digital show that more than 32 million prescriptions were issued in England in 2018 for levothyroxine. This is up from 20,426,378 in 2008

Figures from NHS Digital show that more than 32 million prescriptions were issued in England in 2018 for levothyroxine. This is up from 20,426,378 in 2008

The thyroid gland makes a hormone which helps control energy levels and growth. Common symptoms of an underactive thyroid are fatigue, feeling cold, weight gain and depression.

Current guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) says the condition should be treated by taking levothyroxine, a daily hormone replacement tablet.

Figures from NHS Digital show that more than 32 million prescriptions were issued for the drug in England in 2018, up from 20,426,378 in 2008.

Once people are on the drugs, they usually have a blood test once a year to monitor their hormone levels.

Experts behind the new BMJ review, including from hospitals and universities in Norway, Switzerland,

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