Synthroid ® (levothyroxine) -  Pharmacy Information and Drug Facts

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Synthroid is a synthetic hormone used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough of its own thyroid hormone. Without this hormone, a patient may experience poor growth, slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, and sensitivity to cold.

Synthroid may be prescribed for patients with an enlarged thyroid (goiter), certain cancers of the thyroid, or if thyroid production is low due to surgery, radiation, certain drugs, or disease of the pituitary gland.

Synthroid (Levothyroxine) may sometimes be prescribed for other conditions. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Generic name - Levothyroxine (lee-voe-thye-ROX-een) - Brand names include: Eltroxin, Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid.

Always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist the proper usage or application of your particular prescription of Synthroid. Read the labels on your prescription and take only as directed. If there is anything you don't understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain further. Review any patient literature from the manufacturer, if provided, and never change or modify your dosage unless directed by your physician.

If you should forget to take a dose of Synthroid, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosage schedule. Do not double up on your dosage to make up for a missed one.

If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects, contact your doctor and notify him/her of your concerns.

Keep all medications out of reach of children and never allow anyone to take medication prescribed for you. Unused or outdated prescriptions of Synthroid should be destroyed and disposed of.

You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience, or suspect an allergic reaction to any kind of prescription drug. This may be indicated by rash; itching; swelling of the lips, eyelids, throat, tongue or extremities; severe dizziness or trouble breathing.

What does my doctor need to know?

You should always make sure your doctor and pharmacist are aware of known allergies you may have to any medication or specific type of drug.

Always inform your doctor of all other prescription or non-prescription drugs you are currently taking. This includes all alternative medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Some medications or supplements may be affected by the use of Synthroid, or conversely, the benefits of Synthroid may be affected by the use of some supplements. Your doctor or health care provider may need to adjust dosages, monitor your body's reaction closely, or have you discontinue a specific medication altogether.

Make sure your doctor is aware of any past medical ailments, or conditions you may currently have, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease; high blood pressure; asthma; stomach ailments such as ulcers; or any gastrointestinal disease.

Of course, if you are breast feeding, pregnant, or plan on becoming pregnant your doctor needs to take this into consideration when prescribing medication for you. Also, let him know if you have any surgery scheduled, including dental surgery.

Always make sure your doctor is aware of your complete past (and current) medical history. Its important, and necessary to be able to provide you with safe, beneficial and effective prescription medication.