A Basic Guide to Levothyroxine Sodium (Synthroid)

Hypothyroidism also known as under-active thyroid disease is a common health problem. According to sources, approximately 5.6 percent of the population ages 12 and older or about 20 million people have some form of hypothyroidism, although most cases of the disorder are not severe. 

As the thyroid controls how the body derives energy from food, hypothyroidism which causes problems with the thyroid by slowing down its processes, contributes to a host of symptoms including fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and menstrual and fertility issues. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to other health problems such as high cholesterol. It is important that hypothyroidism is treated and controlled to manage its symptoms as well as encourage normal functioning of body processes and better overall health. 

If you or someone you know is suffering from hypothyroidism, the prescription medication Levothyroxine Sodium may be able to help. 

Use this guide to learn everything you need to know about the drug, Levothyroxine Sodium to help determine if this medication can be right for you. 

What is Levothyroxine Sodium?

Levothyroxine Sodium is a prescription medication that you may find also marketed under the name Synthroid. It is used to treat under-active thyroid gland or hypothyroidism and in helping to restore normal thyroid function in the body, it belongs to a class of medications called hormones. 

How Does Levothyroxine Sodium Work to Treat Hypothyroidism?

In hypothyroidism, the body fails to produce sufficient levels of thyroid hormone, slowing down various body processes. Levothyroxine Sodium helps to replenish the body’s levels of thyroid hormone by restoring amounts of thyroxine that your body needs, so the body can return to more to optimal levels of functioning. 

How Do You Take Levothyroxine Sodium? 

Remember to first consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new prescription drug medication. It is also critical to take the medication as per the directions of the prescription label and the recommendations of your doctor. 

Levothyroxine Sodium is to be taken orally, once daily on an empty stomach around 30 minutes to 1 hour before your first meal of the day. The medication should be swallowed whole, and not split, crushed or chewed. Remember to take Levothyroxine Sodium regularly, the same time each day to ensure it will work more effectively.  

There are 12 options of dosing for Levothyroxine Sodium so you can work with your doctor to find the right dose for you and your needs. Your healthcare provider will take into consideration factors such as your weight, age, underlying reasons behind your hypothyroidism, any other health issues you may have and other medications you take to help determine the appropriate dosage for you. 

It is important that you are taking the right dose to restore healthy and normal function levels of thyroid hormone in your body. For this reason, your doctor will be monitoring your TSH levels, around every 6 to 8 weeks as you take the medication to ensure that the drug is working for you, and will adjust your dosage as needed to encourage that the drug is working effectively for you. It can take up to several weeks for Levothyroxine Sodium to start taking effect in the body. 

What are Side Effects of Levothyroxine Sodium? 

Understand that if you have been prescribed this medication by your healthcare provider, your doctor has weighed the potential risks of the drug and has decided that its potential benefits it can bring you are greater than the risk of its side effects. It is important that you monitor any side effects you are experiencing and let your doctor know if you experience any severe side effects. It is not common for people to have serious side effects from the medication. 

Serious side effects of Levothyroxine Sodium include increased sweating, sensitivity to heat, changes in mood or mood swings, fatigue, diarrhea, shaking, headache, shortness of breath, and bone pain. 

Levothyroxine Sodium, may be the solution treatment for you or someone you know who is struggling with hypothyroidism. CareCard can help make your prescription medication payments more manageable, helping you save up to 85% prescription drugs. You can search for a Levothyroxine Sodium coupon here and learn how CareCard can help make your medication payments more affordable.