Find information on thousands of medical conditions and prescription drugs.

Synthroid

Synthroid is the brand name used by Abbott Laboratories for levothyroxine sodium (T4, a synthetic thyroid hormone) product. Levothyroxine is the basic T4 thyroid hormone responsible for metabolism. Patients who suffer from hypothyroidism, either for endogenous disease or after radioactive iodine ablation or thyroid resection, require exogenous thyroid hormone, and Synthroid is the most prescribed brand of T4. Synthroid was marketed in 1955, but was not FDA approved at that time as it was considered "generally regarded safe". more...

Home

Sansert

Sarafem

Satric

Serax

Serine

Serzone

Sinemet

Solage

Soma

Somatostatin

Sotahexal

Sotalol

Sotret

Spiriva

SPS

SSD

Stimate

Subutex

Sulla

Sustiva

Suxamethonium chloride

Synarel

In the 1990s, in response to various complaints, all levothyroxine preparations were required to undergo the formal FDA approval process. Synthroid was approved by the FDA on 2002-07-24.

It should be noted that Synthroid was not the first T4 produced for patients, and there are generic versions approved by the Food and Drug Administration, but Synthroid represented a significant advance on other brands and formulations in terms of uniformity of production and regularity of therapeutic action. Therefore, many endocrinologists and other prescribers specify a specific thyroid hormone brand because thyroid hormone has a narrow therapeutic index. In the United States, Synthroid is the most prescribed drug. Despite its frequent use, however, it is far from being a so-called "blockbuster drug" ($1 billion USD or more in sales annually).

Notes

^ Company Report on Abbott
^ Dr Mercola's site
^ FDA approval

Read more at Wikipedia.org

• [List your site here Free!]

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
From Ebony, 7/1/05

When the thyroid gland, often referred to as "the body's thermostat," does not produce the correct balance of hormones, the result is hypothyroidism (an underactive gland) or hyperthyroidism (an overactive gland). Although some people may have no symptoms, hypothyroidism, which affects more than 5 million Americans, may result in weight gain, dry hair and hair loss, headaches, loss of appetite, slow speech, infertility, respiratory infections, dry skin, weakness, cold intolerance, constipation, decreased libido, irritability, muscle cramps, constipation and/or memory loss.

Hyperthyroidism, by contrast, may produce heat intolerance, nervousness, insomnia, fatigue, increased appetite, breathlessness, weight loss, moist skin, bulging eyes and increased heart rate.

A blood test that measures hormone levels is the most common way to diagnose a thyroid disorders. Additionally, an over-the-counter test, the BioSafe Thyroid test, allows you to test at-home and forward blood to a laboratory for results.

Hormone-replacement therapy using Synthroid, a synthetic version of the hormone T4, is typically used to treat hypothyroidism. Surgical options, including removal of part or all of the thyroid gland may also be employed, depending on the severity of the disorder, or if cancer of the thyroid is detected. Radioactive iodine therapy (for benign conditions) may also be used on affected portions of the thyroid in order to prevent goiters from growing larger or to prevent the thyroid from producing too much hormone, as in the case of hyperthyroidism. Acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal and homeopathic remedies are also available to treat symptoms of thyroid disorders.

Fluoride (found in tap water and in toothpaste), stimulants in coffee and alcohol, refined foods, sugar and dairy products may lead to an imbalance in thyroid activity. An iodine-rich diet (containing seafood, shellfish, organic vegetables and iodized salt) may help regulate some thyroid disorders.

Return to Synthroid

Home

Contact

Resources

Exchange Links

ebay