Synthroid Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
Closely monitor infants during the first 2 weeks of SYNTHROID therapy for cardiac overload and arrhythmias. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Seizures have been reported rarely with the institution of levothyroxine therapy.
ELDERLY PATIENT*
Familial hyper- or hypo-thyroxine binding globulinemias have been described, with the incidence of TBG deficiency approximating 1 in 9000. Concurrent use of tyrosine-kinase inhibitors such as imatinib may cause hypothyroidism. The recommended daily dosage of SYNTHROID in pregnant patients is described in Table 3. Many drugs can inhibit Synthroid’s adsorption by the body; other medications may increase or decrease its effectiveness once it is adsorbed.
Closely monitor coagulation tests to permit appropriate and timely dosage adjustments. Assess the adequacy of therapy by periodic assessment of laboratory tests and clinical evaluation. Persistent clinical and laboratory evidence of hypothyroidism despite an apparent adequate replacement dose of SYNTHROID may be evidence of inadequate absorption, poor compliance, drug interactions, or a combination of these factors.
Decreased Bone Mineral Density Associated With Thyroid Hormone Over-Replacement
- Biotin supplementation is known to interfere with thyroid hormone immunoassays that are based on a biotin and streptavidin interaction, which may result in erroneous thyroid hormone test results.
- Levothyroxine is generally continued for life in these patients see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS.
- Persistent clinical and laboratory evidence of hypothyroidism despite an apparent adequate replacement dose of SYNTHROID may be evidence of inadequate absorption, poor compliance, drug interactions, or a combination of these factors.
- 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.
- In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction.
In addition, many drugs and foods affect T4 absorption see 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. HypothyroidismSYNTHROID® (levothyroxine sodium) tablets, for oral use is indicated as a replacement therapy in primary (thyroidal), secondary (pituitary), and tertiary (hypothalamic) congenital or acquired hypothyroidism. Myxedema coma is a life-threatening emergency characterized by poor circulation and hypometabolism and may result in unpredictable absorption of levothyroxine sodium from the gastrointestinal tract. Use of oral thyroid hormone drug products is not recommended to treat myxedema coma.
Start at a lower starting dosage and increase the dosage every 4 to 6 weeks as needed based on clinical and laboratory response. 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. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- However, you may not be able to take this medicine if you have certain medical conditions.
- If you eat any of these on a regular basis, check with your doctor.
- If you become pregnant while taking Synthroid, do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor’s advice.
- Start at a lower starting dosage and increase the dosage every 4 to 6 weeks as needed based on clinical and laboratory response.
- Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects.
- Approximately 80% of the daily dose of T4 is deiodinated to yield equal amounts of T3 and reverse T3 (rT3).
- Stop biotin and biotin-containing supplements for at least 2 days prior to thyroid testing.
- Use this section to review the cases of Steve, Jennifer, and Diana to see how to effectively manage their hypothyroidism with SYNTHROID (levothyroxine sodium).
- Carefully monitor glycemic control after starting, changing, or discontinuing SYNTHROID see DRUG INTERACTIONS.
- Levoxyl treats hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) and treats or prevents goiter.
- SYNTHROID is not indicated for suppression of benign thyroid nodules and nontoxic diffuse goiter in iodine-sufficient patients, as there are no clinical benefits and overtreatment with SYNTHROID may induce hyperthyroidism.
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. 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 synthroid research area. SYNTHROID is not indicated for treatment of hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis.
We anticipate reposting the images once we are able identify and filter out images that do not match the information provided in the drug labels. Administer SYNTHROID as a single daily dose, on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast. Our Synthroid Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication. Notify your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Synthroid including rapid heartbeat, fluttering in your chest, or chest pain. Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above. Who are otherwise healthy non-elderly and have been hypothyroid for a few months.
1 Cardiac Adverse Reactions in the Elderly and in Patients with Underlying Cardiovascular Disease
Euthyrox (levothyroxine) is used to treat hypothyroidism and to treat or prevent goiter. Tirosint is used for hashimoto’s disease, hypothyroidism, after thyroid removal, myxedema coma … Synthroid should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems. Dangerous side effects or death can occur from the misuse of levothyroxine, especially if you are taking any other weight-loss medications or appetite suppressants. Synthroid is a thyroid medicine that replaces a hormone normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body’s energy and metabolism.
The recommended starting daily dosage of SYNTHROID in pediatric patients with primary, secondary, or tertiary hypothyroidism is based on body weight and changes with age as described in Table 2. Titrate the dosage (every 2 weeks) as needed based on serum TSH or free- T4 until the patient is euthyroid see Important Considerations For Dosing. For secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism, serum TSH is not a reliable measure of SYNTHROID dosage adequacy and should not be used to monitor therapy.
What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Synthroid?
Over-treatment with levothyroxine may cause an increase in heart rate, cardiac wall thickness, and cardiac contractility and may precipitate angina or arrhythmias, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease and in elderly patients. Initiate SYNTHROID therapy in this population at lower doses than those recommended in younger individuals or in patients without cardiac disease see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Use In Specific Populations. Hypersensitivity reactions to inactive ingredients have occurred in patients treated with thyroid hormone products. These include urticaria, pruritus, skin rash, flushing, angioedema, various gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea), fever, arthralgia, serum sickness, and wheezing. Hypersensitivity to levothyroxine itself is not known to occur. For pregnant patients with pre-existing hypothyroidism, measure serum TSH and free-T4 as soon as pregnancy is confirmed and, at minimum, during each trimester of pregnancy.