Synthroid or a Substitute?

IMPORTANT SAFETY FACTS

Thyroid hormones, including SYNTHROID, should not be used either alone or in combination with other medicines for the treatment of obesity or weight loss. In patients with normal thyroid levels, doses of SYNTHROID within the typical range used for hormone replacement are not effective for weight loss. Larger doses may result in serious or even life-threatening effects, especially when used in combination with certain other drugs used to reduce appetite.

Tell your doctor about any medication and food allergies, all medications you are taking, pregnancy plans, and all medical conditions you may have, especially heart disease, diabetes, clotting disorders, and adrenal or pituitary gland problems.

Most side effects are due to over-replacement (over-treatment) with SYNTHROID. Tell your doctor if you experience rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, leg cramps, headache, nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, tremors, change in appetite, weight gain or loss, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, fever, changes in menstrual periods, hives or skin rash, or any other unusual medical event.

In women, long-term use of SYNTHROID has been associated with a decrease in bone density.

Do Not Take for

Do not take SYNTHROID, either alone or in combination with other medicines, for the treatment of obesity or weight loss. In patients with normal thyroid levels, doses of SYNTHROID within the typical range used for hormone replacement are not effective for weight loss. Larger doses may result in serious or even life-threatening effects, especially when used in combination with certain other drugs used to reduce appetite.

Do not take SYNTHROID for male or female infertility unless it is associated with hypothyroidism.

Do not take SYNTHROID if you have hyperthyroidism or are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Tell Your Doctor

Tell your doctor:

• if you are allergic to any foods or medicines, are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
• if you are taking other prescription medications or over-the-counter products. Tell your doctor if you begin or stop taking other medications while taking SYNTHROID. Some drugs may interact with SYNTHROID.
• of any other medical conditions you may have, particularly heart disease, clotting disorders, and adrenal or pituitary gland problems. Your dose of medications used to control these other conditions may need to be adjusted while you are taking SYNTHROID.
• if you have diabetes. Monitor your blood and/or urinary glucose levels as directed by your doctor and immediately report any changes.
• if you are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners). Your clotting status should be checked frequently.
• or dentist that you are taking SYNTHROID prior to any surgery.

What To Expect

It may take several weeks before SYNTHROID begins to work. Your doctor may change your SYNTHROID dose to find the one that is right for you. Even if you feel well, you may still need to take SYNTHROID every day for the rest of your life to replace the thyroid hormone your body cannot produce.

After you have achieved a stable dose, you should see your doctor for a physical examination and testing of your thyroid hormone levels at least once a year.

Partial hair loss may occur rarely during the first few months of SYNTHROID therapy, but this is usually temporary.

Use

SYNTHROID is a prescription synthetic thyroid hormone that is used to treat a condition called hypothyroidism. It is intended to replace a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland. Generally, thyroid replacement therapy is to be taken for life.

How To Use

Use SYNTHROID only as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking or change the amount of SYNTHROID you take, or how often you take it, unless your doctor tells you to.

Some medications or supplements can make SYNTHROID less effective if taken at the same time, so it's best to take SYNTHROID 4 hours before or after you take these things. Some examples are iron products, calcium supplements, or antacids.

Take SYNTHROID as a single dose, preferably on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast. SYNTHROID absorption is increased on an empty stomach. Some foods may cause your body to absorb less SYNTHROID. You should avoid infant soy formula, cotton seed meal, walnuts, and high-fiber foods while taking SYNTHROID.

Store SYNTHROID away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Useful Resources

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

If you cannot afford your medication, contact www.pparx.org or call the toll free phone number (1-888-4PPA-NOW) (1-888-477-2669) for assistance.