Hypothyroidism Patient Scenarios

The peak therapeutic effect of a given dose of SYNTHROID synthroid nebenwirkungen may not be attained for 4 to 6 weeks. Administer SYNTHROID at least 4 hours before or after drugs known to interfere with SYNTHROID absorption see DRUG INTERACTIONS. 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.

Protein-bound thyroid hormones exist in reverse equilibrium with small amounts of free hormone. Many drugs and physiologic conditions affect the binding of thyroid hormones to serum proteins see DRUG INTERACTIONS. Thyroid hormones do not readily cross the placental barrier see Use In Specific Populations. Published studies report that levothyroxine is present in human milk following the administration of oral levothyroxine. No adverse effects on the breastfed infant have been reported and there is no information on the effects of levothyroxine on milk production. Adequate levothyroxine treatment during lactation may normalize milk production in hypothyroid lactating mothers with low milk supply.

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It is meant to replace a hormone that is usually made by your thyroid gland. Generally, thyroid replacement treatment is to be taken for life. SYNTHROID should not be used to treat noncancerous growths or enlargement of the thyroid in patients with normal iodine levels, or in cases of temporary hypothyroidism caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis). Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestationsof toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects. Common side effects of Synthroid include chest pain, increased heart rate or pulse rate, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, nervousness, headache, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, fever, and irregular menstrual cycles. Synthroid therapy in nursing mothers is usually safe but should be supervised by a physician.

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In pregnant patients with primary hypothyroidism, maintain serum TSH in the trimester-specific reference range. Do not administer in foods that decrease absorption of SYNTHROID, such as soybean-based infant formula see DRUG INTERACTIONS. SYNTHROID is indicated in adult and pediatric patients, including neonates, as an adjunct to surgery and radioiodine therapy in the management of thyrotropin-dependent well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Many drugs can inhibit Synthroid’s adsorption by the body; other medications may increase or decrease its effectiveness once it is adsorbed. Providing a complete list of medications to the doctor will help with getting the correct dose established for each individual patient. 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.

Cancer: Visual Guide to Thyroid Cancer

The most common medications are aluminum- and magnesium-containing antacids, calcium carbonate, iron, cholestyramine, sucralfate, and sevelamer. To reduce the risk of impaired absorption, it’s recommended to take levothyroxine at least 4 hours before taking any of the medications listed above. Pseudotumor cerebri and slipped capital femoral epiphysis have been reported in children receiving levothyroxine therapy. Overtreatment may result in craniosynostosis in infants and premature closure of the epiphyses in children with resultant compromised adult height. Converting a state of hypothyroidism (under activity) to a normal state (euthyroid state) with Synthroid may decrease the actions of certain beta-blocking drugs.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR HYPOTHYROID MEDICATIONS

These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Serum TSH levels should be monitored and the SYNTHROID dosage adjusted during pregnancy. Since postpartum TSH levels are similar to preconception values, the SYNTHROID dosage should return to the pre-pregnancy dose immediately after delivery see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. SYNTHROID may reduce the therapeutic effects of digitalis glycosides. Serum digitalis glycoside levels may decrease when a hypothyroid patient becomes euthyroid, necessitating an increase in the dose of digitalis glycosides.

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. 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. Stop biotin and biotin-containing supplements for at least 2 days prior to thyroid testing.

• For the same reason, the dose of digoxin also may need to be changed.
• So in order to help you get the most from your Synthroid treatment, it’s important to understand a few facts about Synthroid and what you can expect.
• Similarly, if you suddenly lose a bunch of weight, it may mean your meds are too high, she adds.
• The higher affinity of both TBG and TBPA for T4 partially explains the higher serum levels, slower metabolic clearance, and longer half-life of T4 compared to T3.

Levothyroxine is an oral medication used to treat underactive thyroid gland activity (hypothyroidism). The thyroid is a major gland in the body that is involved in important functions such as metabolism, growth, development, and regulation of body temperature. Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of the main hormone of the thyroid gland, known as thyroxine (T4). In patients who have an underactive thyroid, there is not enough production of thyroid hormones and levothyroxine is prescribed to help maintain normal thyroid hormone function.

So in order to help you get the most from your Synthroid treatment, it’s important to understand a few facts about Synthroid and what you can expect. Drug interactions of Synthroid include blood thinners because Synthroid may increase the effect of blood thinners. Not all generic forms of Synthroid are created equal, which can create additional side effects, Goldfarb says.

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. For secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism, serum TSH is not a reliable measure of SYNTHROID dosage adequacy and should not be used to monitor therapy. Use the serum free-T4 level to titrate SYNTHROID dosing until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum free-T4 level is restored to the upper half of the normal range see Recommended Dosage And Titration. Currently available studies have not demonstrated increased risk to the fetus in pregnant women taking levothyroxine.