Synthroid may help patients with hypothyroidism, providing benefits for people with the thyroid disease that doesn't produce enough hormones, but there are some side effects of which to be aware, as well.
Levothyroxine sodium tablets contain an artificial hormone designed to make up for what the thyroid fails to produce or doesn’t create enough of,
according to Synthroid’s website.
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Benefits from taking levothyroxine include alleviation of the common symptoms of hypothyroidism, which include fatigue, dry skin, weight gain, and hair loss. It also can treat a goiter, which is a bulge in a person’s neck from an enlarged thyroid gland,
Everyday Health reports.
Synthroid also can help to ensure women with underactive thyroids who are pregnant produce sufficient amounts of breastmilk, according to Everyday Health. Pregnant women can take the medication, and it has tested safe for children.
Benefits and side effects of Synthroid may take a few weeks after starting on the medication to become apparent.
Synthroid can have a variety of side effects. Some include rapid or irregular heartbeat and pain in the chest. If a patient experiences these symptoms, he should get medical help immediately, says Everyday Health.
Other side effects include shortness of breath, muscle weakness, insomnia, weight loss, hair loss, impaired fertility, inability to tolerate heart, fever, leg cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and more, according to Synthroid.
Women who have used the medication for long periods of time are linked to increased bone loss, the Synthroid website notes.
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According to Everyday Health, such decrease in bone mineral density can lead to osteoporosis, and people who have that disease should be careful about taking levothyroxine because it could put them at a greater risk for fractures.
Allergic reactions to Synthroid are uncommon,
Rx List notes. Some preparations of the drug, however, do contain iodine and lactose.
Overdosing on Synthroid can lead to confusion, stroke, coma, and even death,
according to Drugs.com.
Levothyroxine can interact with other drugs. Those who take amphetamines, aspirin, blood thinners, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, heart drugs, anti-seizure medications, contraceptives, and diabetes drugs should take precaution before starting to use Synthroid,
Everyday Health reports.
Taking calcium or iron supplements and antacids can decrease the body’s ability to absorb levothyroxine, Synthroid notes. Patients should take the medication at least fours before or after consuming such supplements.
All patients should speak with a doctor prior to treatment with Synthroid to discuss dosage and medical history.
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