Synthroid

Synthroid Drug Information

• Synthroid Overview

  Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery. Having enough thyroid hormone is important for maintaining normal mental and physical activity. In children, having enough thyroid hormone is important for normal mental and physical development. Synthroid is also used to treat other types of thyroid disorders (such as certain types of goiters, thyroid cancer). Synthroid should not be used to treat infertility unless it is caused by low thyroid hormone levels.

• Synthroid Warnings

  Synthroid should not be used for weight loss. Normal doses of Synthroid will not work for weight loss, and large doses of Synthroid may cause serious, possibly fatal side effects, especially when taken with diet pills.

• How to Use Synthroid

  Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking levothyroxine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Synthroid by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast. Take Synthroid with a full glass of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. If you are taking the capsule form of Synthroid, swallow it whole. Do not split, crush, or chew. People who cannot swallow the capsule whole (such as infants or small children) should use the tablet form of the medication. For infants or children who cannot swallow whole tablets, crush the tablet and mix in 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 milliliters) of water, and give using a spoon or dropper right away. Do not prepare a supply in advance or mix the tablet in soy infant formula. Consult your pharmacist for more information. Dosage of Synthroid is based on your age, weight, medical condition, laboratory test results, and response to treatment. Use Synthroid regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking Synthroid without first consulting with your doctor. Thyroid replacement treatment is usually taken for life. There are different brands of levothyroxine available. Do not change brands without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Certain medications (such as cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam, antacids, sucralfate, simethicone, iron, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, calcium supplements, orlistat, sevelamer, among others) can decrease the amount of thyroid hormone that is absorbed by your body. If you are taking any of these drugs, separate them from Synthroid by at least 4 hours. Symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels include tiredness, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heartbeat, or sensitivity to cold. Tell your doctor if your condition worsens or persists after several weeks of taking Synthroid.

• Synthroid Precautions

  Before taking levothyroxine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Synthroid may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Synthroid, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,increased thyroid hormones (thyrotoxicosis), decreased adrenal gland function, heart disease (such as coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, diabetes. If you have diabetes, Synthroid may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as increased thirst/urination, shakiness, unusual sweating, dizziness, or hunger. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Children may be more sensitive to certain side effects of Synthroid, especially headache, vision changes, and hip/leg pain. High thyroid hormone levels may lead to decreased bone development/growth and reduced full adult height. Keep all lab/medical appointments so the doctor can monitor treatment. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Synthroid, especially fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat. Current information shows that Synthroid may be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant because your dose may need to be adjusted. Levothyroxine passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Synthroid Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Synthroid, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up unless your doctor tells you to do so. Call your doctor if you miss 2 or more doses in a row. Ask your doctor ahead of time what to do about a missed dose and follow your doctor's specific directions.

• Synthroid Interactions

  See also How to Use Section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval."blood thinners" (such as warfarin), digoxin, sucroferric oxyhydroxide.

• Synthroid Side Effects

  See also Precautions section. Hair loss may occur during the first few months of treatment. This effect is usually temporary as your body adjusts to Synthroid. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed Synthroid because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Synthroid do not have serious side effects.increased sweating, sensitivity to heat, mental/mood changes (such as nervousness, mood swings), tiredness, diarrhea, shaking (tremor), headache, shortness of breath, bone pain, easily broken bones.chest pain, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, swelling hands/ankles/feet, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to Synthroid is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

  List of Synthroid side effects

• Synthroid Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Synthroid when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.