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

  What are Synthroid side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Synthroid may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Synthroid as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Synthroid

  The side effects of Synthroid may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Synthroid. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Synthroid may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Synthroid, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Synthroid.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Synthroid, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Synthroid and the side effects associated with Synthroid are described in the following:

  Common Synthroid Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • female infertility

  Less Frequent Synthroid Side Effects

  Severe

  • osteopenia

  Less Severe

  • hypertension
  • weight loss

  Rare or Very Rare Synthroid Side Effects

  Severe

  • mood changes
  • idiopathic intracranial hypertension
  • acute myocardial infarction
  • angina
  • cardiac arrest
  • cardiac arrhythmia
  • heart failure
  • allergic dermatitis
  • urticaria
  • seizure disorder
  • skin rash
  • dyspnea
  • angioedema
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • tachycardia

  Less Severe

  • symptoms of anxiety
  • irregular menstrual periods
  • alopecia
  • muscle weakness
  • fever
  • fatigue
  • hyperhidrosis
  • tremor
  • flushing
  • increased appetite
  • insomnia
  • heat intolerance
  • palpitations
  • pulse changes
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • abdominal pain with cramps
  • nervousness
  • irritability
  • headache disorder
  • muscle spasm
  • menstrual disorder

• 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.