Synthroid Side Effects
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Synthroid is a synthetic thyroid hormone, also called levothyroxine sodium, which is available by prescription only. Patients taking the drug as a hypothyroidism treatment should be aware of Synthroid side effects. As the drug is identical to the natural thyroid gland hormone called thyroxine, side effects are generally considered rare, but they do occur in some patients.[1]
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| Brand name for | Levothyroxine[1] |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Abbott Laboratories[1] |
| Uses | Treatment of hypothyroidism[2] |
| Common side effects | Partial hair loss[3] |
| Who should not take Synthroid | Patients taking weight loss or appetite suppressants[2] |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Common Synthroid Side Effects
Some patients have experienced hair loss, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, flushing, a change in appetite, heat intolerace, impaired fertility, decreased bone density, muscle weakness, tremors, frequent bowel movements, vomiting, excessive sweating, chest pain and changes in menstrual periods while using Synthroid.[4]
Many of the side effects listed may be caused by the incorrect dosage for the level of the patients's thyroid condition.[5]
About Drug Side Effects
Synthroid Allergic Reactions
Very few people will experience allergic reactions with Synthroid. However, in some cases serious side effects may occur, and may cause facial swelling, skin breakouts and other symptoms. In severe cases, patients may have trouble breathing.[6] Even if patients are not allergic to levothyroxine, they may experience allergic reactions to inactive ingredients contained in Synthroid.[6]
Synthroid Precautions and Warnings
- Long-term use of Synthroid and similar drugs can lead to a decrease in bone density among women. This is because Synthroid can, over time, increase bone resorption. Post-menopausal women are at a greater risk.
- Medical experts recommend that patients who already have, or are more susceptible to, cardiovascular diseases take a lower dose of Synthroid than patients who are not at risk for heart problems.[7]
- Synthroid is not recommended for the treatment of obesity or weight loss. Taking larger doses of Sythroid for weight loss purposes may cause serious or life-threatening effects. Synthroid may also cause problems when taken in combination with other weight loss medications or drugs intended to reduce appetite.[2]
- Patients are advised to tell their doctors if they have heart disease, clotting disorders, diabetes, adrenal or pituitary gland problems, as the medication used to treat these conditions may alter the effect and administration of Synthroid.[2]
Also See: Drug Side Effects, Synthroid Patient Assistance Programs, Abbott Patient Assistance Programs, Diet Pills, Drug Coupons
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://www.synthroid.com/WhatIsSynthroid/Default.aspx
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 http://www.synthroid.com/important-safety-information.cfm
- ↑ http://www.synthroid.com/WhatIsSynthroid/SideEffects.aspx
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682461.html
- ↑ http://www.synthroid.com/Prescription/RightDose.aspx
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-7033-Synthroid+Oral.aspx?drugid=7033&drugname=Synthroid+Oral
- ↑ http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/021402s011lbl.pdf
