Myths vs Facts

Test your knowledge on managing hypothyroidism

Although millions of people have hypothyroidism, there are many misconceptions around managing it. 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. Check out the myths and get the facts below.

Hypothyroidism can be controlled with a pill. 

What do you think, is this a myth or a fact?

Sorry, that’s incorrect. This is a fact.

It’s true that Synthroid can help you manage your hypothyroidism. In addition to taking a pill, you also need to take an active role.

  • That means taking Synthroid the same way every morning, 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast–just as your doctor prescribed–so your body absorbs and processes it better.
  • It also means getting your levels checked regularly.
  • And it means keeping your doctor informed about how you’re feeling.

The sooner you speak with your doctor about any symptoms you’re experiencing, the sooner you can get your thyroid hormone levels back to where they should be.

Correct! This is a fact.

It’s true that Synthroid can help you manage your hypothyroidism. In addition to taking a pill, you also need to take an active role.

  • That means taking Synthroid the same way every morning, 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast–just as your doctor prescribed–so your body absorbs and processes it better.
  • It also means getting your levels checked regularly.
  • And it means keeping your doctor informed about how you’re feeling.

The sooner you speak with your doctor about any symptoms you’re experiencing, the sooner you can get your thyroid hormone levels back to where they should be.

A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test is just one way to determine if you’re managing your hypothyroidism.

What do you think, is this a myth or a fact?

Sorry, that's incorrect. This is a fact.

A TSH test is one way to measure how you’re doing. It’s also important to talk with your doctor about how you’re feeling and about any symptoms you’re experiencing.

Correct! This is a fact.

A TSH test is one way to measure how you’re doing. It’s also important to talk with your doctor about how you’re feeling and about any symptoms you’re experiencing.

It may take time to find the proper dose of Synthroid that restores your thyroid hormone levels.

What do you think, is this a myth or a fact?

Sorry, that's incorrect. This is a fact.

It may take up to several weeks for you and your doctor to find the dose of Synthroid that works best for you. Then, after finding the right dose, it’s up to you to take your Synthroid the right way, every day, so that it can work properly. You can review how to take Synthroid here.

Correct! This is a fact.

It may take up to several weeks for you and your doctor to find the dose of Synthroid that works best for you. Then, after finding the right dose, it’s up to you to take your Synthroid the right way, every day, so that it can work properly. You can review how to take Synthroid here.

When your doctor prescribes Synthroid, that might not always be what you'll get at the pharmacy.

What do you think, is this a myth or a fact?

Sorry, that’s incorrect. This is a fact.

1 in 3 people who think they are taking Synthroid aren’t. The FDA has determined that certain levothyroxine products are interchangeable and can be switched at the pharmacy. So if your doctor didn’t note their preference for brand-name Synthroid on the prescription, your pharmacy may switch you to a generic. To ensure you get what your doctor prescribed, check out these tips.

Correct! This is a fact.

1 in 3 people who think they are taking Synthroid aren’t. The FDA has determined that certain levothyroxine products are interchangeable and can be switched at the pharmacy. So if your doctor didn’t note their preference for brand-name Synthroid on the prescription, your pharmacy may switch you to a generic. To ensure you get what your doctor prescribed, check out these tips.

There is no gluten in Synthroid.

What do you think, is this a myth or a fact?

Sorry, that’s incorrect. This is a fact.

Synthroid tablets contain no ingredients made from gluten-containing grain (wheat, barley, or rye).

Correct! This is a fact.

Synthroid tablets contain no ingredients made from gluten-containing grain (wheat, barley, or rye).

Synthroid should only be taken with water.

What do you think, is this a myth or a fact?

Sorry, that's incorrect. This is a fact.

Synthroid should be taken alone, with water ONLY, on an empty stomach 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast.

Correct! This is a fact.

Synthroid should be taken alone, with water ONLY, on an empty stomach 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast.

There are certain foods that may interfere with how Synthroid works.

What do you think, is this a myth or a fact?

Sorry, that's incorrect. This is a fact.

Foods containing soy and cottonseed meal can make Synthroid less effective. Walnuts, grapefruit juice, and dietary fiber can also affect the absorption of Synthroid. If you eat any of these on a regular basis, let your doctor know. Your dose of Synthroid may need to be adjusted. 

Correct! This is a fact.

Foods containing soy and cottonseed meal can make Synthroid less effective. Walnuts, grapefruit juice, and dietary fiber can also affect the absorption of Synthroid. If you eat any of these on a regular basis, let your doctor know. Your dose of Synthroid may need to be adjusted. 

Some generics have similar shapes and colors to Synthroid.

What do you think, is this a myth or a fact?

Sorry, that's incorrect. This is a fact.

If your pill doesn’t say “SYNTHROID,” it’s not Synthroid. Look for the stamped name on your pill at every refill to make sure you’re getting Synthroid as your doctor prescribed.

Correct! This is a fact.

If your pill doesn’t say “SYNTHROID,” it’s not Synthroid. Look for the stamped name on your pill at every refill to make sure you’re getting Synthroid as your doctor prescribed.

Synthroid should not be taken at the same time as a calcium or iron supplement.

What do you think, is this a myth or a fact?

Sorry, that's incorrect. This is a fact.

Certain supplements can affect the way hypothyroidism treatments work. To avoid this, take Synthroid 4 hours before or after taking these supplements: iron supplements or multivitamins with iron, calcium supplements or multivitamins with calcium, and antacids.

Correct! This is a fact.

Certain supplements can affect the way hypothyroidism treatments work. To avoid this, take Synthroid 4 hours before or after taking these supplements: iron supplements or multivitamins with iron, calcium supplements or multivitamins with calcium, and antacids.

Hypothyroidism is a lifelong condition.

What do you think, is this a myth or a fact?

Sorry, that's incorrect. This is a fact.

Hypothyroidism is generally a lifelong condition, and hypothyroidism medication, such as Synthroid, is to be taken for life.

Correct! This is a fact.

Hypothyroidism is generally a lifelong condition, and hypothyroidism medication, such as Synthroid, is to be taken for life.

You could get switched to a generic at your pharmacy.

What do you think, is this a myth or a fact?

Sorry, that's incorrect. This is a fact.

The FDA has determined that certain levothyroxine products are interchangeable and can be switched at the pharmacy. So, if your doctor hasn’t noted their preference for brand-name “Synthroid” on your prescription, you could get switched. In fact, 1 in 3 people who think they’re taking Synthroid aren’t. Remind your doctor to let your pharmacy know there should be no substitutions.

Correct! This is a fact.

The FDA has determined that certain levothyroxine products are interchangeable and can be switched at the pharmacy. So, if your doctor hasn't noted their preference for brand-name "Synthroid" on your prescription, you could get switched. In fact, 1 in 3 people who think they're taking Synthroid aren't. Remind your doctor to let your pharmacy know there should be no substitutions.

You need to continue taking Synthroid even after you feel better.

What do you think, is this a myth or a fact?

Sorry, that's incorrect. This is a fact.

Hypothyroidism is usually a lifelong condition. While feeling better after starting Synthroid might be a sign that your thyroid levels are restored to normal, you'll need to keep taking Synthroid to maintain these levels. Be sure to always follow your doctor's guidance on taking Synthroid.

Correct! This is a fact.

Hypothyroidism is usually a lifelong condition. While feeling better after starting Synthroid might be a sign that your thyroid levels are restored to normal, you'll need to keep taking Synthroid to maintain these levels. Be sure to always follow your doctor's guidance on taking Synthroid.

Are you getting what your doctor prescribed?

Learn how to make sure your hypothyroidism medication is consistent every time you refill.

Making sure it’s Synthroid