Synthroid (Levothyroxine) prescription available online
If you suffer from hypothyroidism, enlarged thyroid glands, or thyroid cancer, Synthroid can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Synthroid today from a board-certified doctor online.*
About Synthroid
Synthroid is considered a thyroid drug, which increases the concentration of thyroid hormone levels in the body. Like any thyroid hormone drug, this medication can only be used for hypothyroidism. It is ineffective against hyperthyroidism because it will not help decrease thyroid hormone levels.
Some conditions that Synthroid is known to treat include hypothyroidism and a specific type of thyroid cancer. Synthroid is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under different brand names, including levothyroxine.
Synthroid may be prescribed as a tablet. It's always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.
Only stop taking your levothyroxine doses if your doctor tells you to. This may cause the problems with your thyroid gland to resurface. In turn, thyroid hormone levels can start to decline again. Tell your doctor about any unpleasant or unexpected side effects that you experience. This can help them understand if you get enough thyroid hormone through this medication.
Synthroid uses
There are two FDA-approved uses for Synthroid, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for the following reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for different reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how it is prescribed.
Hypothyroidism
Thyroid Cancer
What are the pros and cons?
Synthroid
Cons
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Taken every day at the same time
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Best absorbed on an empty stomach
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Regular blood tests needed to monitor thyroid levels and adjust dosage
Synthroid side effects
The side effects associated with taking Synthroid are typically mild. Most Synthroid side effects are associated with the gastrointestinal tract and muscles. Synthroid has some common side effects. They may include:
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Irregular menstrual periods in female patients
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Rash on the skin
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Muscle aches
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Fast or irregular heartbeats
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Shortness of breath
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Muscle weakness
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Hair loss
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Anxiety
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Irritability
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Sleeping problems
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An increased appetite
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Diarrhea
Some patients experience weight gain or weight loss when they take Synthroid. The weight gain should usually stop after taking the medication for a few weeks. If not, the patient may gain too much weight, which warrants the need to treat obesity in the long term.
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
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Cardiovascular Problems: Some patients experience heart problems when Synthroid is used to treat hypothyroidism. This may cause an irregular heartbeat. Some patients complain about heart palpitations. Dizziness, high blood pressure, and shortness of breath are also symptoms of cardiovascular problems. There is also a rare but potentially fatal risk of a heart attack while using this medication.
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Allergic Reaction: Patients may sometimes experience an allergic reaction to the main ingredients in this drug. This can cause serious side effects. Tell your doctor if you previously experienced serious side effects when taking levothyroxine. You should also tell your doctor if you have had allergic reactions to other medicines in the past.
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Low Bone Mineral Density: It has also been found that Synthroid may affect bone mineral density. This increases the risk of fractures. This particular complication is usually only relevant to cases where people take too many levothyroxine tablets with each dose. A healthcare professional can determine the right dose and help you prevent large doses from affecting your bones.
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms.
In some cases, children may also be provided with this medication. In this situation, less levothyroxine is provided compared to older adults. There are also different side effects that have been noted among pediatric patients.
How to take Synthroid
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Synthroid prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Synthroid can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed one time per day. Some specific instructions may include how you should ideally administer the medication.
There are certain cases where you will use two doses. You start with an initial dose that only contains a small concentration of levothyroxine. The doctor can give you advice about side effects you may experience during this time. The dosage may then be increased over time to help reduce the risk of certain side effects.
What to avoid while taking Synthroid
Synthroid can cause interactions with certain drugs. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Some of the drug interactions that can occur include the use of:
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Heartburn drugs
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Medication for stomach problems
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Cholesterol medications
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Rifampin
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Anticoagulant drugs
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Digoxin
If you take levothyroxine, tell your doctor about any over-the-counter or herbal products you use. These can sometimes also lead to drug interactions.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Synthroid. There is limited information available regarding the potential interaction between alcohol and levothyroxine. Thus, if you take levothyroxine and want to drink alcohol, ask your doctor for medical advice.
Medication alternatives to Synthroid
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another medicine in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Allergic Reaction To Levothyroxine
Synthroid prescription FAQs
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3 simple steps to request your Synthroid prescription today
Book a Synthroid prescription request appointment.
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Synthroid prescription.
Pick up your Synthroid prescription.
Synthroid prescription pricing details
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Synthroid prescription Resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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Doctors have prescribed synthroid for over 60 years to keep thyroid hormone levels in balance. Synthroid Official Website. (n.d.). Accessed on October 10, 2023, https://www.synthroid.com/
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Synthroid uses, dosage & side effects (no date) Drugs.com. Accessed on October 10, 2023, https://www.drugs.com/synthroid.html
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.