Synthroid is a prescription medicine formulated to restore the hormone balance in your thyroid. Its active ingredient, levothyroxine sodium, is used for treating hypothyroidism and is similar to the hormone thyroxine that your body produces. For the medication to work, it has to be taken regularly as prescribed by your doctor. This medication is not intended for hyperthyroidism treatment and it cannot help you lose weight.
The drug has synthetic crystalline L-3,3′,5,5′-tetraiodothyronine sodium salt and includes talc, povidone, magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate and acacia as well as some color additives. To avoid complications you should tell your doctor if you have any thyrotoxicosis, a thyroid disorder or an adrenal gland disorder that has not been treated. In addition, people who have suffered a heart attack or have a history of cardiovascular ailments have to consult their doctor and make sure that the drug does not produce any side effects arising from the interaction of different medications.
Synthroid Cost Information
The average price if you have insurance is $17.13 for a 30 day prescription, and for a 90 day prescription it is $35.80. However, the price may vary in your area and also depend on the type of prescription your doctor issues.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 50mcg | 30 tablets | $29.88 |
| 100mcg | 30 tablets | $31.25 |
| 150mcg | 30 tablets | $32.73 |
| 200mcg | 30 tablets | $35.71 |
Kroger |
| 50mcg | 30 tablets | $26.91 |
| 100mcg | 30 tablets | $28.29 |
| 150mcg | 30 tablets | $29.79 |
| 200mcg | 30 tablets | $32.81 |
Publix |
| 50mcg | 30 tablets | $26.91 |
| 100mcg | 30 tablets | $28.29 |
| 150mcg | 30 tablets | $29.79 |
| 200mcg | 30 tablets | $32.81 |
Rite Aid |
| 50mcg | 30 tablets | $27.96 |
| 100mcg | 30 tablets | $29.38 |
| 150mcg | 30 tablets | $30.92 |
| 200mcg | 30 tablets | $34.00 |
Walgreens |
| 50mcg | 30 tablets | $30.13 |
| 100mcg | 30 tablets | $31.50 |
| 150mcg | 30 tablets | $32.98 |
| 200mcg | 30 tablets | $35.96 |
Walmart |
| 50mcg | 30 tablets | $28.44 |
| 100mcg | 30 tablets | $29.77 |
| 150mcg | 30 tablets | $31.20 |
| 200mcg | 30 tablets | $34.10 |
Short-Term Side Effects
Some of the short term side effects include partial hair loss, although the hair will grow back after a few weeks, and some individuals have also experienced muscle weakness, irritability, menstrual period changes and weight loss. The latter is a very common side effect which has led some to assume that the medication is for weight loss, when in fact it is not. Other short term side effects that may be experienced are vomiting, fever, heat intolerance, trembling and changes in appetite.
Long-Term Side Effects
Most of the serious and long effects are due to under or over replacement (too little or too much levothyroxine). Possible long term and serious side effects include irregular heartbeat, nervousness, reduced bone density, impaired fertility, shortness of breath or chest pain. If you experience any of these symptoms you should stop taking the drug and visit your doctor.
Interactions
This medication should not be used with diet pills, and it should not be taken with weight loss pills either. In addition:
- Inform your doctor if you are taking any other drugs to treat conditions like kidney or liver disease.
- Some foods and supplements can change the way your body absorbs Synthroid so you should take it on an empty stomach or four hours after you have eaten or taken your other medications.
- Medicines that lower cholesterol, antacids, and iron and calcium supplements can produce adverse side effects when taken with this drug.
How It Works
The drug works by replacing the thyroid hormone that the thyroid gland is unable to produce sufficiently. Because people have different needs, the medication comes in a dozen dosage strengths so your doctor can prescribe the proper amount as suits your condition. The drug may also be used for goiter prevention or treat goiter brought about by cancer, surgery or radiation treatment.
Generic Alternatives
The drug is available under the generic name levothyroxine sodium tablet.
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