What is Synthroid used for?
LEVOTHYROXINE is a thyroid hormone. It is capable of improving symptoms of thyroid deficiency such as slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and feeling cold. It also helps in goiter treatment (the issue is characterized by an enlarged thyroid gland).
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Synthroid?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- angina
- diabetes
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- low levels of pituitary hormone
- dieting or on a weight loss program
- previous heart attack
- an unusual or allergic reaction to levothyroxine, other thyroid hormones, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
How is Synthroid should be taken?
Take this medicine orally accompanied with a plenty of water. It works best when taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes prior to or 2 hours after a meal. It is advisory to take this medicine at the same time each day. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed.
Inquire with your pediatrician regarding the possible use of this medicine by children. While it may be prescribed for children and even infants as young as a few days of age for selected conditions, special precautions should be applied. When treating infants, it is possible to crush the tablet and dilute it in a small amount of water (5-10 ml or 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls), breast milk, or non-soy based infant formula. This medicine should never be mixed with any soy-based infant formulas. It should be taken by infants according to the prescription.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Synthroid?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.
What are the possible interactions of Synthroid with the other medicine/food/etc?
- amiodarone
- antacids
- anti-thyroid medicines
- calcium supplements
- carbamazepine
- cholestyramine
- colestipol
- digoxin
- female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
- iron supplements
- ketamine
- liquid nutrition products like Ensure
- medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
- medicines for diabetes
- medicines for mental depression
- medicines or herbals used to decrease weight or appetite
- phenobarbital or other barbiturate medications
- phenytoin
- prednisone or other corticosteroids
- rifabutin
- rifampin
- soy isoflavones
- sucralfate
- theophylline
- warfarin
This list is not all-inclusive. Provide your health care provider with a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while taking Synthroid?
Always ensure that you are taking this medicine with plenty of liquid. The tablets may cause choking, gagging, or difficulty swallowing if a tablet get stuck in your throat. Most of such problems can be prevented if this medicine is taken with a sufficient amount of water or other suitable liquid.
It will be necessary for you to undergo regular medical checks and occasional blood tests in order to evaluate your body’s response to the treatment course. If you are taking this medicine for an underactive thyroid, it may well take several weeks until you notice some improvement. Consult with your physician if you see no change in your symptoms.
In certain situations, it might be necessary for a patient to go on taking this medicine for the rest of their life. You shouldn’t stop using this medicine unless your physician specifically advises you to do so.
This drug can have an effect on blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, you should be checking your blood sugar as directed by your health care professional.
It is possible that you lose some hair during the first treatment course. This problem would normally disappear with time.
If you are planning to have a surgery, inform your doctor that you are taking this drug.
Does Synthroid have any possible side effects?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noted:
- difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- chest pain
- excessive sweating or intolerance to heat
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- nervousness
- skin rash or hives
- swelling of ankles, feet, or legs
- tremors
The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- changes in appetite
- changes in menstrual periods
- diarrhea
- hair loss
- headache
- trouble sleeping
- weight loss
Other side effects are also possible, for the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I store Synthroid?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). You should do your best to protect it from the light and moisture. The container should be kept tightly closed. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.