Product Details: Synthroid (Levothyroxine)

PLEASE NOTE BRAND SYNTHROID IS ALSO MARKETED INTERNATIONALLY UNDER THE NAME THYRONORM.

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Abbott Laboratories

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

Synthroid is a thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1/2 to 1 hour before breakfast unless otherwise directed by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE WITH A FULL GLASS OF WATER to reduce the risk of choking, gagging, or trouble swallowing when taking this medicine. FOR CHILDREN WHO CANNOT SWALLOW WHOLE TABLETS, crush the tablet and mix in 1 or 2 teaspoons (5 or 10 ml) of water, and give using a spoon or dropper as soon as possible after preparation. Do not store the mixture for later use. Do not mix crushed tablets in soybean infant formula. Consult your pharmacist for more information. Some medicines such as aluminum, calcium, or magnesium-containing antacids; simethicone; calcium supplements; iron; cholestyramine; colestipol; sucralfate; or sodium polystyrene sulfonate may decrease the absorption of this medicine into your bloodstream. Take this medicine at least 4 hours apart from these medicines. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including thyroid function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes cough-and-cold products or diet aids. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Caution is advised when using this medicine in children because it may affect their growth and development. Consult your doctor for more information. FOR WOMEN: INFORM YOUR DOCTOR if you become pregnant, as your dose may need to be adjusted. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are taking this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, MONITOR BLOOD OR URINARY GLUCOSE on a regular basis, as directed by your doctor.

Side Effects

A SIDE EFFECT that may occur while taking this medicine is, in rare instances, some hair loss within 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. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience headache, nervousness, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, trouble sleeping, changes in menstrual periods, leg cramps, trembling, excessive sweating, fever, sensitivity to heat, or unexplained changes in weight or appetite. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or seizures. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Levothyroxine