Warning: Patients must tell their doctors if they have repeatedly suffered blood clots, pituitary or adrenal gland problems, diabetes, anemia, coronary artery disease, or heart disease before using Synthroid. Dentists must also be notified if a patient is using Synthroid prior to the administration of other medications.

In 2007, the FDA announced that restricted potency provisions for levothyroxine sodium would be enacted to maintain the drug’s efficacy throughout its shelf life. This action by the FDA came as a follow-up measure when endocrinologists indicated concern about the functioning of levothyroxine sodium products in 2005. Synthroid is typically prescribed to patients for life, and the medication must be administered every day. Side effects are associated with patients who abruptly cease using Synthroid and with dosages that have decreased potency after the passing of time.

Warning: Various levothyroxine sodium brands may not perform the same as Synthroid. Patients are advised to not use a generic brand of Synthroid or to change brands without consulting first with a doctor. Patients must seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of an allergic reaction occur, including the following: rash, hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the throat, tongue, lips, or face.

Things You Should Know About Synthroid

Patients who use Synthroid should not miss any doses. The advisory message included with each prescription of Synthroid must be read. Specific actions should be undertaken and some medications avoided when taking Synthroid so the body’s absorption of this drug is not compromised.

Simple activities such as taking drugs to reduce cholesterol, iron supplements, products such as Citracal, antacids that contain aluminum, herbal products, minerals, and vitamins may inhibit the efficacy of Synthroid if they are taken simultaneously. A patient must wait at least four hours between taking Synthroid and ingesting another supplement or prescription as approved by a doctor.

Warning: Patients of Synthroid may experience medical problems if the drug is taken with antidepressants, or lithium amiodarone. A physician must be notified if a patient has recently undergone radiation therapy with iodine. Many drugs interact with levothyroxine and Synthroid. A doctor must be consulted before a patient begins a regimen with new medications. The Synthroid website can provide additional information to patients.

Side Effects of Synthroid

Several weeks of dosage are necessary for Synthroid to take effect. A patient progress is continually monitored while he or she uses synthroid. Doctors commonly alter Synthroid dosages for each individual until the desired hormone level is reached. Patients must not stop taking Synthroid unless directed by a doctor. Moderate side effects reportedly experienced by patients while using Synthroid include the following: mild hair loss, changes in menstruation, sweating, hot flashes, and fever, feeling irritable, insomnia or sleep problems, nervousness, headache, appetite change, and weight change.

Warning: If a dose is missed, patients must not take additional medication to compensate. In addition, patients must not take Synthroid pills prescribed for other individuals. An overdose of Synthroid is usually responsible for most of the side effects associated with it. Some symptoms of such an overdose are as follows: seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, confusion, leg cramps, tremor, racing heartbeat, and chest pain.

Patients should always consult doctors if changes in health or additional side effects are experienced at any time throughout the prescription of Synthroid.