Managing hypothyroidism: myths vs. facts

Although millions of people have hypothyroidism, there are many misconceptions around managing it. So in order to help you get the most from your Synthroid treatment, it’s important to understand a few facts about Synthroid and what you can expect. Check out the myths and get the facts below.

Hypothyroidism can be controlled with a pill.

While Synthroid can help you manage your hypothyroidism, there’s more to it than simply taking a pill. You need to take an active role. That means taking Synthroid the same way every morning, 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast—just as your doctor prescribed—so your body absorbs and processes it better. It also means getting your levels checked regularly. And it means keeping your doctor informed about how you’re feeling. The sooner you speak with your doctor about any symptoms you’re experiencing, the sooner you can get your thyroid levels back to where they should be.

A TSH test is the only way to determine if you’re managing your hypothyroidism.

A TSH test is one way to measure how you’re doing. It’s also important to talk with your doctor about how you’re feeling and about any symptoms you’re experiencing.

You’ll feel better immediately after starting treatment.

It may take up to several weeks for you and your doctor to find the dose of Synthroid that works best for you. Then, after finding the right dose, it’s up to you to take your Synthroid the right way every day so that it can work properly. You can review how to take Synthroid here.

Because your doctor prescribed Synthroid, that’s what you’ll always get at the pharmacy.

1 in 3 people who think they are taking Synthroid aren’t. The FDA has determined that certain levothyroxine products are interchangeable and can be switched at the pharmacy. So if your doctor didn’t note his or her preference for brand name Synthroid on the prescription, your pharmacy may switch you to a generic. To ensure you get what your doctor prescribed, check out these tips.

Gluten is an added ingredient to Synthroid.

Synthroid tablets contain no ingredients made from gluten-containing grain (wheat, barley, or rye).

Test Your Synthroid Smarts

USE

SYNTHROID® (levothyroxine sodium) tablets, for oral use is a prescription, man-made thyroid hormone that is used to treat a condition called hypothyroidism in adults and children, including infants. It is meant to replace a hormone that is usually made by your thyroid gland. Generally, thyroid replacement treatment is to be taken for life. SYNTHROID should not be used to treat noncancerous growths or enlargement of the thyroid in patients with normal iodine levels, or in cases of temporary hypothyroidism caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis).

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USE

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Thyroid hormones, including SYNTHROID, should not be used either alone or in combination with other drugs for the treatment of obesity or weight loss. In patients with normal thyroid levels, doses of SYNTHROID used daily for