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Synthroid
Levothyroxine (lee voe thye rox' een)
Brand Name: Synthroid
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500 x .1 mg $73.00
200 x .1 mg $36.00
100 x .1 mg $20.00
500 x .05 mg $72.00
200 x .05 mg $35.00
100 x .05 mg $19.00
IMPORTANT WARNING: Thyroid hormone should not be used to treat obesity in patients with normal thyroid function. Levothyroxine is ineffective for weight loss in normal thyroid patients and may cause life-threatening or serious toxicity, especially when taken with amphetamines. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks associated with this medication.
Synthroid for Thyroid Symptoms Prescription Drug Information
Levothyroxine (Synthroid), a thyroid hormone, is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Without this hormone, the body cannot function properly, resulting in poor growth, slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry thick skin, and increased sensitivity to cold. When taken correctly, Synthroid reverses these symptoms. Synthroid also is used to treat congenital hypothyroidism (cretinism) and goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).
Synthroid is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should Synthroid be used to treat symptoms of overactive or underactive thyroid?
Synthroid comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken as a single dose before breakfast every day. To control the symptoms of hypothyroidism, you probably will need to take this medicine for the rest of your life. It may take about 2 weeks before you notice any change in your symptoms. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Synthroid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take Synthroid even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Synthroid without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I followwhen using synthetic thyroid medications?
Before taking Synthroid,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Synthroid, thyroid hormone, any other drugs, povidone iodine, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or foods such as lactose or corn starch. Levothroid and Eltroxin contain lactose, while Synthroid contains tartrazine and povidone. Eltroxin contains corn starch.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amphetamines; antacids; anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants or anti-anxiety agents; arthritis medicine; aspirin; beta-blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal) or timolol (Blocadren, Timoptic); cancer chemotherapy agents; cholesterol-lowering resins such as cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid); diabetes medications (insulin and tablets); digoxin (Lanoxin); estrogens; iron; methadone; oral contraceptives; phenytoin (Dilantin); sodium polystrene sulfonate (Kayexalate); sucralfate (Carafate); steroids; theophylline (TheoDur); and vitamins.
- if you take cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), take it at least 4 hours before or 1 hour after taking Synthroid.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes; hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis); kidney disease; hepatitis; cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), arrhythmias, or heart attack; or an underactive adrenal or pituitary gland.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Synthroid, call your doctor.
- if you have surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Synthroid.
What special dietary instructions should I follow when taking Synthroid?
Synthroid may cause an upset stomach. Take Synthroid with food or milk.
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.
What should I do if I forget a dose of Synthroid?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can Synthroid cause?
Although side effects from Synthroid are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- weight loss
- tremor
- headache
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stomach cramps
- nervousness
- irritability
- insomnia
- excessive sweating
- increased appetite
- fever
- changes in menstrual cycle
- sensitivity to heat
- temporary hair loss, particularly in children during the first month of therapy
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- chest pain (angina)
- rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse
What storage conditions are needed for Synthroid?
Keep Synthroid in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
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