Synthroid Patient Tips

How it works

Synthroid is a brand (trade) name for levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is a man-made form of thyroxine (also called T4), a naturally occurring hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Synthroid replaces missing thyroxine in people whose bodies do not produce enough thyroxine naturally.

Upsides

• Used for the treatment of hypothyroidism (low thyroxine levels in the body). Replaces or supplements low or missing thyroxine.
• Levothyroxine is recommended by American guidelines as the preferred treatment for hypothyroidism. May also be used in the management of goiter and some thyroid cancers.

Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

• Heart palpitations, headache, hair loss, flushing, diarrhea, and menstrual irregularities in women. Contact your doctor if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, leg cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, fever, or skin rash.
• A decrease in bone mineral density when used long-term, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Not to be used for the treatment of obesity or weight loss.
• Too high a dosage may cause toxicity; take exactly as directed by your doctor.
• May not be suitable for some people including those with cardiovascular disease, clotting disorders, diabetes, adrenal or pituitary gland problems.
• May interact with several drugs including anticoagulants, antidepressants, amiodarone, lithium and some contrast agents.

Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all side effects, click here.

Bottom Line

Synthroid replaces missing thyroxine and is used to treat hypothyroidism. Dosage varies from person to person.

Tips

• Take on an empty stomach, at least 30 to 60 minutes before food.
• Avoid administration of Synthroid within 4 hours of taking iron or calcium supplements or antacids. Foods such as soy, coffee, walnuts, those containing fiber or grapefruit juice can interfere with absorption.
• Allow 6-8 weeks for dose to stabilize before titrating dosages if necessary, under a doctors advice.
• Take tablets with a full glass of water.
• Tell your doctor if you experience any symptoms of angina (chest pain) of shortness of breath while taking Synthroid.
• Regular blood tests are usually needed.
• Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Synthroid before any procedure or dental work.
• Children may need intensive monitoring to prevent over or under dosage as both can have detrimental effects on development.

Response and Effectiveness

• May take up to 4 to 6 weeks for peak blood levels to be reached.