Indication and Important Safety Information†
What is Synthroid used for?
- Synthroid is a synthetic thyroid hormone intended to replace a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland. Generally, thyroid replacement therapy is to be taken for life
- Thyroid hormones, including Synthroid, should not be used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss
- Thyroid hormones should not be used in the treatment of male or female infertility, unless the condition is associated with hypothyroidism
Tell your healthcare provider
- If you are allergic to any foods or medicines, are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, are breast-feeding, or taking any other medications, including prescription and over-the-counter preparations
- About any other medical conditions you may have, particularly heart disease, diabetes, clotting disorders, and adrenal or pituitary gland problems. Your dose of certain medications may need to be adjusted while you are on thyroid replacement therapy
- That you are taking Synthroid if you become pregnant and prior to any surgery
- If you experience any unusual symptoms
How should Synthroid be taken?
- Use Synthroid only as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not discontinue or change the amount you take or how often you take it, unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider. It may take several weeks before you notice an improvement in your symptoms
- Take Synthroid as a single dose, preferably on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast
- Do not take certain products, such as iron supplements, calcium supplements, or antacids within 4 hours of taking Synthroid
- If you have your dose or brand of levothyroxine changed, this may affect the level of hormone in your body and you will need to have a follow-up lab test after 8 to 12 weeks
- After a stable response has been established, it is important to have follow-up laboratory tests done, as ordered by your healthcare provider, at least annually
†Synthroid package insert, Abbott Laboratories.