Synthroid Levothyroxine Sodium: Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions, Warnings

Because thyroid function can fluctuate during pregnancy, a doctor might need to adjust the dosage of levothyroxine taken during pregnancy. Thyroid hormone increases the metabolic rate of cells of all tissues in the body. In the fetus and newborn, thyroid hormone is important for the growth and development of all tissues including bones and the brain. In adults, thyroid hormone helps to maintain brain function, utilization of food, and body temperature, among other effects. Thyroid hormones, including levothyroxine, should not be used either alone or with other therapeutic agents for the treatment of obesity or weight loss. Rapid restoration of normal serum T4 concentrations is essential for preventing the adverse effects of congenital hypothyroidism on cognitive development as well as on overall physical growth and maturation.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Biochemical assessment incorporated measurement of serum TSH, T3, and T4. TSH lower limit of quantification was 0.2 mIU/L and upper limit of normal was 5.6 mIU/L, as indicated by the shaded area. Taking Synthroid at the same time as calcium carbonate, ferrous sulfate, cholestyramine, or colestipol may decrease the effect of Synthroid and lead to hypothyroidism. Although there are about 1 percent of patients that won’t respond to Synthroid at all and will need other treatment, the vast majority of people on it feel remarkably better within six weeks of starting it, she adds. A portion of the conjugated hormone reaches the colon unchanged and is eliminated in the feces. Levothroid is used for hashimoto’s disease, hypothyroidism, after thyroid removal, myxedema coma …

Some ladies are just sweatier than others, but if you suddenly see a change in your dampness levels, or have developed night sweats, it might be due to the Synthroid. It’s nothing to freak out about, but do bring it up with your doctor at your next appointment, Goldfarb says. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Administer SYNTHROID as a single daily dose, on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast.

• That said, many women find their chronic headaches improve once the Synthroid kicks in.
• Having low thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby.
• Concurrent use of tyrosine-kinase inhibitors such as imatinib may cause hypothyroidism.
• If so, advise them to stop biotin supplementation at least 2 days before assessing TSH and/or T4 levels see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and DRUG INTERACTIONS.
• SYNTHROID is indicated in adult and pediatric patients, including neonates, as a replacement therapy in primary (thyroidal), secondary (pituitary), and tertiary (hypothalamic) congenital or acquired hypothyroidism.

What Happens If Hypothyroidism Is Left Untreated?

• Pseudotumor cerebri and slipped capital femoral epiphysis have been reported in pediatric patients receiving levothyroxine therapy.
• Do not store the crushed tablet/water mixture and do not administer it mixed with foods that decrease absorption of levothyroxine, such as soybean-based infant formula.
• The thyroid has a big effect on your weight and appetite, making you gain or lose weight rapidly.
• These dietary supplements can contain varying amounts of thyroid hormones, which can be dangerous and cause adverse effects.
• Synthroid is also used in patients who need surgery and radioiodine therapy to manage a type of thyroid cancer called well-differentiated thyroid cancer.
• For secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism, serum TSH is not a reliable measure of SYNTHROID dosage adequacy and should not be used to monitor therapy.

Initiation or discontinuation of therapy with Synthroid in diabetic patients may create a need for an increase or decrease in the required dose of insulin and/or antidiabetic drug. Clumps of hair falling out, thin eyebrows, and problems with body hair are all signs of low thyroid function. They can also be a side effect of Synthroid, particularly if your dose is too low. Many women find these symptoms resolve as the medicine kicks in, but if your hair continues to fall out, let your doctor know you need a med check, she says.

Cardiac Adverse Reactions In The Elderly And In Patients With Underlying Cardiovascular Disease

If you’re having any heart issues at all, it’s important to call your doctor right away. They may or may not be related to your medications but you should get it checked out either way, she says. Synthroid is the brand name for levothyroxine sodium, a synthetic thyroid hormone pill. „Taking Synthroid replaces the hormones that your thyroid should be making but, for whatever reason, isn’t.“ The signs and symptoms of overdosage are those of hyperthyroidism see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Adverse Reactions.

Therefore, initiate SYNTHROID therapy immediately upon diagnosis. Levothyroxine is generally continued for life in these patients see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS. Addition of levothyroxine therapy in patients synthroid sizes with diabetes mellitus may worsen glycemic control and result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Carefully monitor glycemic control after starting, changing, or discontinuing SYNTHROID see DRUG INTERACTIONS.

Adverse Reactions In Pediatric Patients

Synthroid is a prescription medicine used to treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Levothyroxine is given when your thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own. TSH should be monitored and SYNTHROID dosage adjusted during pregnancy. Following a 25-mcg dose change of levothyroxine, most patients had changes in TSH levels.

Titrate the dose of SYNTHROID carefully and monitor response to titration to avoid these effects see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. Consider the potential for food or drug interactions and adjust the administration or dosage of SYNTHROID as needed see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, DRUG INTERACTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. Addition of SYNTHROID therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus may worsen glycemic control and result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Carefully monitor glycemic control, especially when thyroid therapy is started, changed, or discontinued see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS. Many other medicines can be affected by your thyroid hormone levels. Certain other medicines may also increase or decrease the effects of Synthroid.

Be sure to let your doctor know if there are any changes to your diet or to the medications you take. You can see a list of the foods and medications that can affect the way Synthroid works here. Your child’s dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight. You may not be able to take Synthroid if you have certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor if you have an untreated or uncontrolled adrenal gland disorder, a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or if you have any recent or current symptoms of a heart attack. Synthroid is also used in patients who need surgery and radioiodine therapy to manage a type of thyroid cancer called well-differentiated thyroid cancer.

Women taking daily doses of 1.6 mcg/kg or more had significantly lower bone mineral density levels at the ultradistal radius, midshaft radius, hip, and lumbar spine compared to controls. However, estrogen use appeared to negate the adverse effects of thyroid hormone on bone mineral density. Absorption of orally administered T4 from the gastrointestinal tract ranges from 40% to 80%. The majority of the SYNTHROID dose is absorbed from the jejunum and upper ileum.