Are Synthroid and Levothroid the Same Thing? Synthroid (levothyroxine sodium) and Levothroid (levothyroxine sodium) are replacements for hormones produced by the human thyroid gland used to treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Synthroid is also used for pituitary TSH suppression.
Furthermore, are all brands of levothyroxine the same?
Several brand-name synthetic levothyroxine preparations are currently available. These include Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Tirosint and Unithroid in the United States; and Eltroxin and Euthyrox in Canada. Although all these medications are synthetic levothyroxine, they are not identical.
Beside above, can I use levothyroxine instead of thyroxine? The thyroid gland produces the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Both are used for the treatment of hypothyroidism, but levothyroxine is preferred because T3 is absorbed from the intestine very rapidly, and this may cause mild thyroid hormone toxicity (hyperthyroidism) in some patients.
Similarly, you may ask, is there a difference between Synthroid and the generic levothyroxine?
Generic levothyroxine may differ slightly from Synthroid in terms of how well it’s absorbed. That’s why it’s preferable to stick with either one if possible. Both the American Thyroid Association and the Endocrine Society recommend that patients remain on Synthroid if that’s what was initially prescribed.
What is another name for levothyroxine?
Levothyroxine sodium is available under the following different brand names: Synthroid, Levoxyl, L Thyroxine, Levo T, Levothroid, Levothyroxine T4, Levoxine, Tirosint, and Unithroid.
17 Related Question Answers Found
Can I lose weight on levothyroxine?
One of the symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland is weight gain. So, once you start taking levothyroxine, you may lose weight as your body’s hormones rebalance. Losing weight can also be a sign that your dose of levothyroxine is too high. Leave at least 30 minutes after taking levothyroxine before you drink them.
Which brand of levothyroxine is best?
Brand names for levothyroxine, the main drug used to treat hypothyroidism, include Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, and Levothroid. The generic version of levothyroxine is also prescribed, but there is some controversy about whether it is as effective and reliable as the brand names.
Can levothyroxine cause weight gain?
Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. If untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to poor growth, slow speech, loss of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and increased sensitivity to cold temperatures.
What are the most common side effects of levothyroxine?
The more common side effects of levothyroxine can include: increased appetite. weight loss. heat sensitivity. excessive sweating. headache. hyperactivity. nervousness. anxiety.
Is there an alternative to levothyroxine?
Levothyroxine is the third most commonly prescribed drug in the UK and the most prescribed in the USA. Other options for thyroid hormone replacement include liothyronine (L-T3), which is used alone or in combination with L-T4, and desiccated thyroid extract (DTE), also known as natural desiccated thyroid (NDT).
Can I just stop taking levothyroxine?
Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. You or your child may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests. A temporary loss of hair may occur during the first few months of levothyroxine therapy.
What does levothyroxine do in the body?
Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery.
Can levothyroxine cause hair loss?
Ironically, taking the hormone levothyroxine to treat an underactive thyroid can contribute to some hair loss, among other side effects, but this seems to be more common within the first month of treatment and more often in children than adults.
Is it OK to take outdated Synthroid?
Do not take your tablets after the expiry date shown on the label. It is important to keep the SYNTHROID tablets in the original package. Ask your pharmacist what to do with any left over SYNTHROID that has expired or has not been used.
What are the long term side effects of taking Synthroid?
The more commonly reported adverse events have included those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdose including arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, dyspnea, muscle spasm, headache, nervousness, irritability, insomnia, tremors, muscle weakness, increased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, heat intolerance,
Can I switch from Synthroid to levothyroxine?
If your Synthroid prescription is switched to a generic at the pharmacy, you may not realize it. That’s because some generics come in the same shape and colors as Synthroid. The Food and Drug Administration has determined that certain levothyroxine products are interchangeable and can be substituted at the pharmacy.
Do you lose weight on Synthroid?
When One Drug Isn’t Enough Levothyroxine drugs like Synthroid are synthetic forms of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, also known as T4. If you fall into this category, you may find that even after being treated with levothyroxine, you are gaining weight or unable to lose weight.
What foods to avoid while taking Synthroid?
Remember, certain foods and supplements can interfere with Synthroid. Foods containing soy and cottonseed meal can make Synthroid less effective. Walnuts, grapefruit juice, and dietary fiber can also make Synthroid less effective. If you eat any of these on a regular basis, check with your doctor.
Can you drink coffee right after taking Synthroid?
Researchers have found that for patients taking levothyroxine tablets, absorption is affected by drinking coffee within an hour of taking thyroid drugs. This is why experts recommend that you wait at least 60 minutes after taking the levothyroxine to drink your coffee.
Which thyroid medication is best?
The most common treatment is levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, Tirosint, Unithroid, Unithroid Direct), a man-made version of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). It acts just like the hormone your thyroid gland normally makes. The right dose can make you feel a lot better.
Can you take vitamin D with levothyroxine?
No interactions were found between levothyroxine and Vitamin D3. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Is 125 mcg synthroid a lot?
The average full replacement dose of SYNTHROID is approximately 1.6 mcg per kg per day (for example: 100 to 125 mcg per day for a 70 kg adult). Doses greater than 200 mcg per day are seldom required.