Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It replaces the hormone that is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Synthroid is used to treat other types of thyroid disorders as well certain types of goiters, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, thyroid cancer.
Take Synthroid as a single dose, preferably on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast. The drug is absorbed better on an empty stomach. Be sure to take the dose with plenty of water. Keep this medication in a tightly closed container. Store it at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
Occasionally, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis may occur in association with other autoimmune disorders such as adrenal insufficiency, pernicious anemia, and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Do not discontinue or change the amount you take or how often you take it, unless directed to do so by your physician. The levothyroxine in Synthroid is intended to replace a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland. Generally, replacement therapy is to be taken for life, except in cases of transient hypothyroidism, which is usually associated with an inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis).
Before using Levothyroxine, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., hypertension, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease), diabetes, male or female infertility problems (unless caused by underactive thyroid disease), bone loss disease (e.g., osteoporosis), other hormone disorders (e.g., hypothalamic/pituitary hormone deficiencies, autoimmune polyglandular syndrome), certain thyroid problems (e.g., nontoxic diffuse goiter, nodular thyroid disease), blood clotting disorders.