Synthroid is prescribed when the thyroid cannot produce enough of this hormone on its own. Synthroid replaces hormone, normally produced by your thyroid gland for regulation body's energy and metabolism.
Use Synthroid as prescribed by your doctor.
- The medicine should be taken on an empty stomach in 30 minutes before eating, with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
- It is preferable to take Levothyroxine in the morning.
In case of missed dose, take Synthroid as soon as possible. If you discover that you forgot your dose and it is time for next one, skip it and get back to regular schedule. Don’t take 2 doses at a time.
Store Synthroid in dark, well-closed container, at temperature between 68-77ºF (20-25ºC). Keep away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not store Levothyroxine in the bathroom. Medicine must not be used after the expiration date mentioned on the label. Keep away from reach of children and/or pets.
Synthroid Safety information
Do not use Synthroid in case of:
- allergy to any of Synthroid ingredient;
- having heart attack, chest pain (angina), adrenal gland problems, or untreated elevated thyroid hormone levels.
If any of the above applies to you, immediately contact to your doctor or health care provider.
You should know this:
- While taking Synthroid it may rapidly swell and disintegrate causing choking, gagging, the tablet getting stuck in your throat, or difficulty swallowing. Do not forget to take the tablet with full glass of water; it eliminates most of mentioned problems.
- Make sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you take Synthroid before receiving any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Lab tests to adjust the blood thinners are necessary if you take Synthroid the same time with blood thinners.
- Synthroid may affect blood sugar of diabetes patients. Attentively check blood sugar level. Before changing dosage of diabetes medicines contact to your doctor.
- Lab tests monitoring therapy will be required while taking Synthroid. Do not miss any appointments.
- Children should be carefully treated with Synthroid; child’s final adult height can be damaged if overdosed.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: No harm to the fetus registered while using Synthroid. In case you become pregnant contact your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of using Synthroid during pregnancy. Synthroid is found in breast milk. Discuss with your doctor if you should breast-feed while taking medicine and what risks to your baby it may cause.
- Synthroid should be used only if prescribed. Never share this medicine with other people. Contact with your doctor if symptoms are not improving or becoming worse.
Synthroid Side Effects
Common side effects of Levothyroxine are:
- anxiety; diarrhea; flushing; mood swings; muscle weakness; partial, temporary hair loss; sleeplessness; stomach cramps; tiredness; vomiting.
Immediate medical attention is a must if any of these severe side effects occur:
- severe allergic reactions;
- chest pain or pounding; hives or skin rash;
- difficulty breathing; excessive sweating;
- fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; headache;
- hyperactivity; inability to handle warm or hot room/weather conditions;
- Irritability and nervousness;
- Seizures or tremors;
- shortness of breath.
