Synthroid

Drug General Information

This medicine is a thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism (insufficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland). It may also be used to treat other conditions as prescribed by your physician.

Medicine taking

This medicine is to be used either alone or in combination with diet pills to treat obesity or for weight loss because serious, even life-threatening, effects might occur.

In case you are currently any of the following: warfarin, digoxin, estrogen (estrogen-containing pills), diabetes medicines (insulin, rosiglitazone), iodide, lithium, anti-thyroid agents (methimazole, propylthiouracil), anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids (dexamethasone, prednisone), high dose salicylates (aspirin), beta-blockers (propranolol), antidepressants, growth hormones, ketamine, theophylline – consult your doctor before taking this medicine as in this case additional monitoring of your condition might be required.

Make sure you inform your doctor of any particular medical conditions (hypertension, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease; diabetes; infertility problems; osteoporosis, hormone disorders; blood clotting disorders; allergies; pregnancy, breast-feeding.

Medicine taking

The drug is to be taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2-3 hours after eating). It is recommended to take this medicine on the same time every day in order to create the optimal concentration in blood and provide for its maximum effectiveness. If the tablet is to be taken by a child it is recommended to crush it and mix in 1-2 teaspoons of water. The mixture is to be administered immediately and not to be stored for later use.

Several medicines might slow down the process of absorption of this medicine into your bloodstream. These include calcium supplements, iron, antacids (containing aluminium, calcium, magnesium), sodium polystyrene sulfonate and are to be taken 4 hours apart from Synthroid.

The missed dose is to be taken immediately as soon as you remember, the remaining doses are to be taken at regular intervals. However, if according to the schedule the next dose is to be taken within a short period of time, it’s recommended to skip the missed dose ant take the rest of the days’ doses as specified.

Precautions

It might be necessary to take this medicine for at least a week for the symptoms to be relieved. As you begin taking Synthroid you might experience the symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels which are: fatigue, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, sensitivity to cold. The listed symptoms are likely to disappear as your body adjusts to the new drug. However if you experience these symptoms for longer than a week consult your doctor for advice.

If you are to have an emergency treatment or surgery make sure you inform the doctor about the fact of treatment with Synthroid. As you continue taking it keep all the appointments and tests so that your condition could be easily monitored. Consult your doctor before you start taking any other medication (calcium or aluminium-containing antacids, iron preparations, cough-and-cold products, diet aids)

For women: if you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor in order to learn about using this medicine and any risks involved. Synthroid passes into mother’s milk, so if you are breast-feeding make sure you consult your doctor

This medicine should be used with caution by children as there is a risk of final adult height decrease.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include headache, nervousness, trembling, sweating, increased appetite, diarrhea, weight loss or insomnia. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor as your dose may need to be adjusted. In rare instances, some hair loss may occur during the first few months of starting this medicine. This effect is usually temporary as your body adjusts to this medicine. If this effect persists or worsens, notify your doctor as soon as possible.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or seizures. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but if you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately.

Storage

The drug is to be stored away from direct light or open fire in a hermetic container. Follow the instructions on the label; do not store or use medicine past its expiry date or when the medicine is no longer needed. Keep out of the reach of children, especially medicine that has been discarded.

Overdose

The main symptoms of Synthroid overdose are the following: excessive sweating, extreme nervousness, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, seizures. In case of the drug overdose immediately contact the doctor.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include.

Additional Information

Do not share this drug with those to whom it was not prescribed. Use this drug only to treat specific medical conditions as prescribed by your doctor. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

If you are currently taking other drugs and are not sure about their interaction with Synthroid consult your doctor to learn more about it as certain drugs might cause unwanted side effects or make this medicine inefficient.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for your personal use only and might not embrace all uses, instructions, precautions and adverse drug interaction. This information is general and not intended to be completely relied upon. We disclaim any responsibility for the credibility and dependability of the information provided and any effects caused by its use, including those related to any harm to a person or property, in case such effects take place. This information does not provide the reader with any kind of warranty.