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Synthroid (Levothyroxine) - Purchase Online
Brand Names include:
Levoxyl?, Synthroid?, Levothroid?, Unithroid? (in the USA); Thyrax?, Euthyrox?, Levaxin?, L-thyroxine?, Eltroxin? (in Europe)
Generic Name: Levothyroxine
Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroxine (thyroid hormone). Is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Lack of thyroid hormone leads to the condition when the body cannot function properly, resulting in poor growth, slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry thick skin, and increased sensitivity to cold.Levothyroxine is able to replace the natyral human hormone that is normally produced by our thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism.
Levothyroxine is also used to treat congenital hypothyroidism (cretinism) and goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) which can be caused by hormone imbalances, radiation treatment, surgery, or cancer.
Though one of the possible effects of the medicine is weight loss, it must not be used to treat obesity.
The medication is normally taken in the morning on an empty stomach with a full glass of water half an hour or one hour before breakfast. The tablet may be crashed and mixed with pure water to make the swallowing easier.
As thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body, using Levothyroxine is almost always safe, provided you strictly follow your prescription recommendations and do not overdose the medication (maximum dose must not exceed 400 mcg per day).
Yet, you should not use Levothyroxine if you have had a heart attack, a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or an adrenal gland problem that is not controlled by treatment.
You also have to inform your doctor if you have coronary artery disease, anemia, diabetes, problems with your pituitary or adrenal glands, or a history of blood clots.
Levothyroxine does not cure hypothyroidism. It just helps to manage with thyroxine deficit. The effects of the treatment cannot be felt at once. Usually it takes several weeks before any changes in the condition of the patient can be noticed.
To make sure that the medication is working properly and your condition is improving, you have to make your blood tests regularly. The dose of Levothyroxine should be individualized by the doctor. As a rule, if the medication is well tolerated, one has to take it for the rest of his life. Taking the drug over long periods of time has an adverse effect of weakening bone tissue (osteoporosis). Your doctor has to study your condition and take measures to prevent any unwanted results.
Avoid the following food products, which can make your body absorb less Levothyroxine: infant soy formula, cotton seed meal, walnuts, and high-fiber foods. Other substances that reduce absorption are aluminium and magnesium containing antacids, simethicone or sucralfate, Cholestyramine, colestipol, Kayexalate.
The following drugs can dangerously interact with Levothyroxine: Lithium, Amiodarone, or antidepressants. You doctor should know beforehand if you have recently received radiation therapy with iodine (e.g. I-131).
Avoid taking calcium and iron supplements within 4 hours of the medication.
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