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Global Patient Feedback for Levothyroxine ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I am 30 years old and was diagnosed with hypo in 2005. When I found out I had gotten sick with symtoms that would have suggested that I had an inner ear infection. However, as it turns out I was so low on blood I needed 4 transfusions. The doctors figured my thyroid condition had gone untreated since I was 13. I never had any lack of energy nor was I sleepy or had any physical effects of a thyroid condition. Now I have been on Levothyroxin for a few years without any major side effects, I wish I had never called the ambulance that day. And just let everything level it self out. My first doctor didnt closely monitor my TSH progess and when I gained lot of weight she just wrote it off as a personal issue. I was very active and exercised very regular. I have now found a doctor that checks my TSH often and it has made a big difference. I still feel like I dont have the energy and spark that I once had.
30 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-04 18:01:56
Answer/Reply:
female 58years
I am the text book case for a mishandled case.
I was 13 when they read the test wrong. I spent
12 years with a medically induced thryoid toxicosis.
(all documented) I was told I was crazy, I had
double vision due to the water retention behind my eyes
and now am nearly blind in one eye, As a young woman
I had six miscarriages due to this. Now, even with the tests
I went from .5 to 1.24mg a day on this, and there was no jump
in the test results. Have yourself tested (all of them T1 T3
uptake) by two different labs.Stress will put abnormal stress on
your thyroid. but also, your med (especially generic )can be chemically
the same, but "mirror images" of each other and react differently with you
This is too much for one answer.
Double check your tests. They do make mistakes.
Find someone who really knows his stuff.(Board Certified)
Keep a daily journal and record all the stress and what happens -
even temperature will interact..
Realize that your hormones, and thyroid both swing back and forth
and it takes time and patience to get it under control.
Finally, to me to keep healthy, and have that spark you spoke of
takes a few vitamins and really really talking to a nutrionist who knows
what your problem is. Think of yourself as a delicate instrument who needs
a artist you properly bring you back to form.
Good Luck
You take control of this, not your Dr, Not the Lab and not the pills
59 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-01 14:14:36
Answer/Reply:
Amen to everything that you have said.
This condition should NOT claim our lives. Do the research, get educated, and become your own health care advocate. YOUR life depends on it.
Doctors are wrong, and do mistakes. They push the wrong drugs, and we need to be aware of this. Trust your instincts, and know your own body.
31 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-02 13:11:48
Question/Comment:
I've had hypothyroidism for many years now.
I've been taking thyroxine (112mcg) for the past year or so and get regular blood draws to be sure the dosage is right for me & it's keeping my thyroid levels in the normal range.I remember going to pick up a refill once and the tablets were different. The pharmacist told me they were the same only they were manufactured by a different company & were less expensive so that's what they were dispensing. But just because it's controlling the level as it should, does that mean I should have to take a lesser quality drug? I feel fatigued every day about mid day. I have gained weight(20#'s in the past year) and it's extremely hard to lose any weight at all. I also have difficulty in sleeping. I sleep maybe for 2 hours then wake up & am awake for an hour or more, so I read til I can get another 2 or so hours of sleep. My skin has no "plump" to it. Especially around the face & I have dark dark circles under my eyes.(from lack of sleep or proper rest?) I have developed IBS over the years since being diagnosed with thyroid problems. I hate going anywhere because I use the bathroom so frequently. Especially in the morning s before noon. It seems to start about an hour to an hour & a half after taking my thyroxine. Then about 4-5 more times before 1 in the afternoon. I don't have any insurance so I suppose that is why my Dr. prescribes thyroxine. (or maybe he didn't originally..but it's what the pharmacy gives me.)
I've read that it's more dangerous not to take thyroid meds so I continue to take it every day.
When is the US government going to start controlling the high cost of medical & drug expenses? If I knew someone who traveled to Mexico or Canada regularly, I'd get my Dr to write me a prescription for the REAL thing & get as much as I could filled across the borders.
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-29 17:03:18
Answer/Reply:
I am having the same problem with hypothiroidism, mostly weight gain and tiredness. After researching on diets for this condition, I have started to include iodine-containing foods that supposedly help your metabolism: kelp, parsley, radish, beet, potato, fish, oatmeal, banana; I am including more proteins (not much red meat and egg, though) and high-fiber carbs in my meals but less sugars; I am eating several small meals per day and I am also taking ACAI BERRY, for body "cleansing". I am trying to exercise more (fast walking and bycicling). After 3 days, I have lost 2 pounds already. We have to remember this is a slow process, but worth doing it.
44 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-07 12:57:51
Answer/Reply:
I have been diagnosed with Hypothirioidism back in the late 80's and have been struggling with my weight ever since. The most recent diet that I tried was around a 1200 calories per day diet. Bam, I lose 20lbs in 6 month. It's now a year later a I have managered to keep 15 of those pounds off. The best tool is finding out how many calories you need to eat per day to maintance your weight. There are many calorie calculators out on the internet to help you. Once to know your calorie count you can minus out 500 calories per day. 500 calorie times 7 days equal 3500 calories which equals one pound. Do that and you will lose 1 pound a week. I choose to eat about 700 to 800 calories less and managed to lose about 1 to 2 pounds per week. There are calorier counters out on the internet also to help with how many calories are in the food you are chosing to eat. What also helped was joining an exercise group like Curves and tried to do 30 minutes 2 to 3 days per week. Right now I am back on track and plan to lose another 20 pounds before Thanksgiving.
55 year old female
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-29 10:40:46
Answer/Reply:
Ask your dr to change your meds I don't have insurance and I don't take that one and ask your dr for samples they get them so ask him for them so you can try different types to see what suits you remember its YOUR HEALTH and make sure your telling the DR your symptoms and if he or she doesn't help change your DR
39 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-23 00:32:23
Answer/Reply:
Levothyroxine does not work for a lot of people, the reason the pharmacy wants you to take it instead of levoxyl or Synthorid is because they get more for the levothyroxine. I would never take levothyroxine again.
62 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-29 17:25:49
Question/Comment:
I HAVE BEEN ON LEVOTHYROXIN FOR 4 MONTHS NOW. MY THYROID NUMBERS WERE 8.5 AND NOW THEY ARE 1.32 SO LEVOTHYROXIN MUST WORK. I WAS VERY SICK BEFORE THE DOCTOR DID A TSH TEST ON ME. I FEEL LIKE A NEW PERSON AND AM VERY THANKFUL THAT I CAN GET THIS MEDICINE FOR SUCH A REASONABLE PRICE. THE MAJOR PROBLEM I HAVE IS THAT I CANNOT TAKE CALCIUM OR DRINK MILK FOR AT LEAST 8 HOURS AFTER I TAKE MY THYROID MEDICATION. MY HUSBAND WAKES ME UP AT 6 AM AND GIVES ME MY PILL, THAT IS WHEN HE GET UP. THEN WHEN I GET UP I CAN EAT MY BREAKFAST. I LEARNED THE HARD WAY THAT CALCIUM WILL KILL YOUR THYROID PILL SO TO SPEAK. I HAVE SEVEN OTHER CLOSE RELATIVES THAT HAVE HAD THYROID DISEASE. I AM VERY CAREFUL NOT TO EVER MISS A DOSE OF MY THYROID MEDICATION.
WOMAN 58 YEARS OLD
59 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-29 01:36:10
Answer/Reply:
Oh my goodness, I did not know that Calcium can not be taken for 8 hours after Thyroid meds. I am looking at my Synthroid bottle now and there is no pharmacist warning. Well you learn something new everyday. Maybe that would explain why I have been feeling so tired lately. I thought maybe I was coming down with something or that my TSH levels were off. I have an appointment with my Endocrinologist on the 15th of May so I thought would discuss with him. Now I know that it could possibly be the Calcium I have been taking. I have a not so common thyroid condition called Hoshimotos Thyroiditis which is an immune disorder that attacks my thyroid which makes it very hard to control my levels. That is why I highly suggest to all patients who have a Thyroid condition to be treated by an Endocrinologist. I was seeing my General Practicioner when first diagnosed she put me on .25 of Synthroid was on that for a few years and never really felt better. Then I went to an Endocrinologist who took a TSH sensitive T3/T4 uptake blood test and he immediately changed my dose to .125. Wow what a difference that made after being on .25 for 2 years.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-06 15:08:21
Answer/Reply:
I see a Naturopath for my thyriod condition. She has helped me so much. I went to a Endocrinologist to get my thyriod tested, I have been on thyriod meds since I was 21,at the app. she basicly told me my problems was I was getting old. After the tests came back she said I should lower my dosage. My Naturopath said according to her test I could increase it and I did, I have not felt better. I get my thyriod meds from her too for about $1-$2 per month. I started going to a Naturopath because when my thyriod test were borderline my doctor would increase my dosage and I felt terrible. I have not felt this good in years.
50 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-23 22:01:07
Answer/Reply:
My pharmacy provides me with an attached flyer listing all of the restrictions and contra-indications for my medications (all of them would not fit on a bottle:)).
Basically current thought is ..take on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before a meal (I wait 2 hours so I can have cereal for bkfst)..wait 4 hours before taking a calcium supplement (have never heard 8 hours and I have researched the internet extensively..good stuff on about.com). My GP tested me every 3 months at first increasing each time to get dosage right. I have been on 137 Synthroid for 3 years so I am on annual tests now (5 years since diagnosis). Consistency in the taking is the name of the game. Also since you started on Synthroid current advice is do not switch to a generic.
71 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-26 17:44:38
Answer/Reply:
I just started on generic for synthoid. My endo told me no calcuim for 4 hours after taking thyroid drug. Also no vitamins for 4 hours.
68 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-26 21:51:40
Answer/Reply:
My levels were all over the place for years before a friend of mine (a doctor - general practitioner), suggested I take my Levothyroxine 12 hours away from any calcium whether supplements or via food and/or any other vitamin supplements. I ended up deciding to take my Levothyroxine in the evenings, so that I could take my prenatal vitamins in the morning and still have them be 12 hours apart. For the first time in years, my levels started to balance out! The only problem was that at night I was having a little bit of acid reflux type issue going on, I asked my endo. to prescribe Synthroid with a statement to the pharmacy not to replace with generic. As long as this is what the prescription ordered, my ins. covered it and I pay the same as I would have for generic. Ever since the switch, no more acid reflux. The generic is not coated and Synthroid has a slick sweet coating that prevents the acid reflux type symptoms. This is what works for me. I started Levothyroxine about 6 years ago, the first 4 years I was all over the charts and changing my prescription dosages every few months. Once I switched to taking Synthroid at night and focused on trying my best to avoid calcium for 12 hours, the fluctuations finally stopped and I began to feel much better!
41 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-28 01:25:47
Answer/Reply:
Check with your pharmacist or another one - my prescription comes with notes to wait at least one hour after taking the thyroid pill to take calcium, and four hours after taking calcium or an antacid before taking the thyroid. And the dosage of calcium also matters. My physician says the amount in a standard vitamin will not have much negative effect.
67 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-22 16:02:29
Answer/Reply:
Are you sure that you can not drink milk or take calcium for 8 hours after you take your thyroid medication? I take thyroid mediation also but the write up from the pharmacy, says wait 4 hours after taking the medication not 8. If you take your med at 6am, you couldn't take your calcium until 2pm. Mine didn't say that I couldn't drink milk though. I need to check on that.
66 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-23 22:31:30
Answer/Reply:
I heard it was only 4 hours you had to wait before taking calcium.
62 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-24 16:35:47
Answer/Reply:
Oh my God! I take thyroid meds as well. I never knew that calcium would interfere with it. I alwyas drink it with milk. This will explain why it hasn't had much of an effect on me lately. The lethargy, the fuzzy brain, the weight gain. I'll see how it works now that I know I can't have calcium. Thank you....
43 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-26 06:24:04
Answer/Reply:
I have had hypothyroid for about 15 years. About 4 years ago I was having heart palpitations, and shortness of breath for weeks, the Dr. could find nothing wrong with me. After calling their office daily with complaints of ill health, I was sent for echocardiogram. I had almost 1 liter of fluid around my heart and I had to have the fluid removed, and spent several days in the hospital. It was finally decided that this happened because my thyroid medication needed adjusted. I have been fine until this last month. I started my menstrual cycle May 7 and it is 19 days later and still going. I went to my gyne on friday, and again today. I was told that the reason I have been bleeding is because my TSH level is over 30, and it should be below 5. So now I am on a new dose of synthroid. It is really important to take your thryoid medications. There are so many medical problems that can occur when your thyroid medication is not the right dose.
39 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-26 22:30:01
Answer/Reply:
I have been on synthroid for almost 20 years. It is very important to have your tsh levels checked when on synthroid, if you are on too much, your tsh is too high, then your body is unable to absorb calcium. Your bones will become very brittle. My endocrinolgist recommends taking calcium at night when your body is at rest it is able to absorb more of this precious mineral.
50 year old female
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-28 20:21:29
Answer/Reply:
I just read your comment and checked my Levothyroxin label and it says to wait four hours before taking any antacids, iron,or vitamin/mineral supplements. Of course there's the mandate that it be taken on an empty stomach. Thanks for the comments. I plan to ask the pharmacist tomorrow just to see what she can tell me. I've always found that the pharmacist is much more up-to-date on the dos and don'ts about medications.
59 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-28 00:49:39
Answer/Reply:
Thank you for the info about calcium and thyroid meds. I was unaware, I got out my info that
comes with my Levothyroxine, it says you can eat 1 hour after meds. but down further in
fine print, you need a magnif. glass to read take this med. at least 4 hours apart from these
medicines. I now take this thyroid med. at about 2:00a.m. when I get up for a bathroom run.
That way I feel safe in taking my other vitamins at 7:00 a.m. Also, I use my AAA auto card for perscriptions, on one of my other medications it saved me $15.00. I also signed up at CVS
for their Health Savings Pass program on generic meds.
woman, 55 years old
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-31 11:11:29
Question/Comment:
I have taken levothroxin and develope a rash over night.I have been on synthroid since 1986 and now my liver is low from taken it too long.Because I have no insurance my doctor will not prescribe Armour throid for me.Armour Thyroid has done wonder to my friends and family-cuz they have insurance(GOOD)-not medicade or none.Synthroid is no longer working for me-but the drs. will not tell you the side affects.
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-03 22:25:21
Answer/Reply:
I am a 70 year old woman who has been on Synthroid for at least the past 15 years, however, my doctor discovered that I was one of a few people who could not use the generic brand and have remained on the name product. My insurance does not pay for the name brand, therefore, I pay for it myself. I also, take the calcium 600+D. My Dr. suggested to take the Synthroid at least 1 hour prior to the calcium and I have had no problems. I suggest to everyone who is taking Generic and having problems to as their Dr. about going on the name brand and it does solve problems.
71 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-21 10:33:02
Answer/Reply:
your Medicare should cover all but $6.00 of the Synthroid. Use Humaria for your drug paln, thats all I pay.
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-21 16:52:53
Answer/Reply:
Have you ever been told why the put Iodine in salt?
It's because it helps offset a nonworking Thyroid. Truly it was identfied as an epademic in the 50's.
I tell you this because after years of fighting my thyroid I was told about the best solution I have ever found.
I have Hashimotos (SP) disease. My Thyroid works over time then it does not work at all then it works just right. There is no rhyme or reason to it.
I take Iodine in liquid form you know the kind that they sell at the drug store fo cuts and scrapes.
Rub it on my leg with a cotton ball and then my body takes what it needs and the rest washes off. The cost about $3 a month.
It does have a scent so I tried the 300mg Iiodine tablets it still works but not as good. With the pills I use half the synthroid with the liquid I use no synthroid.
46 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-21 19:28:44
Answer/Reply:
I am now 52yrs young, I started on 5mg og synthroid in 1989 after experiencing a heat stroke, damaging my thyroid. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. After receiving a dosage of radioactive iodine to totally shut down my thyroid I then had to go to levothyroxin - now at 150mcg, Doctor monitored every year, no reactions or side effeccts.
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-28 17:31:33
Question/Comment:
DO NOT TAKE GENERIC SYNTHROID PEOPLE. Have your doctor write DAW (despense as written) on your prescriptions. take only the synthroid product. The generic does nothing at all. I've had thyroid problems for over 10 years not and I've been told by my endocrinologist not to accept GENERIC. ITS A SYNTHETIC.
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-02 21:42:05
Answer/Reply:
Hi, actually SYNTHROID is the synthetic not the armour or other types. I agree that the synthroid is better, actually because it is synthetic and can be dosed much more evenly. The "natural" synthroid medications are ground animal thyroid, and there is actually no way to determine how much medication you will get with any one pill. Hypo for almost 7 years now and have been pn both. Hope this helps.
38 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-12 00:01:11
Answer/Reply:
I had taken Synthroid for 40 years. Once, a doctor had me take the Armour, but I did not like it and so switched back. I realized I had been having a problem with a racing heart beat, but no doctor was bothered about it too much. I went in for a minor surgery last December, only to have to go home after my blood pressure registered 190/107! I had not taken my thyroid that day because of the surgery, and continued to not take it until I saw my physician three days later. My
blood pressure was down to 173/95. He asked me to not take it for 1 month and then to have blood work done to see where my thyroid level was. In the weeks that followed, my blood pressure dropped each week that I was away from the Synthroid. Scary! I am currently not taking anything.
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-21 15:50:01
Answer/Reply:
i am a 62 year old woman i take the generic synthroid and have no problems i have my blood checked every 3 months as i go from hypo to hyper my weight is average up or down a pound or 2. i have been on this med for a lot of years now i think about 30 or more i take all my meds in am with no problems
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-21 16:09:01
Answer/Reply:
I've been Hypo for almost 12 years now. I am on Synthroid now, about 2 years. Doing okay, still gaining weight. Was on Levoxal for years, had all the bad side-effects, then try'ed Armour, had side-effects. I also read your not suppose to take Calcium when your Hypo?
I take the synthroid when I wake up, and about 1 to 2 hours later take my blood pressure and baby asprin. I don't see where it makes any difference.
I just can't control the weight...
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-21 16:31:06
Answer/Reply:
I am a 52 year old ,white women,that has been Hypo for over 12 years now. I started out 115,now I'm over 245!!!! HELP!!!
I was on Levoxell for years, and had all the bad side-effects.Then tried Armour, bad side-effects after about 2 years. Now I've been on Synthroid for over 2years, and all seems fine. Except the weight. I was on Lyrica for my Fybromyalgia, but stopped that after 2 years, because of side-effects.
And I read,that if your Hypo., you should not tkae calicum.
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-21 16:40:16
Answer/Reply:
HOW DO YOU FEEL ON A DAILY BASIS?/ I TAKE LEVOTHYROXINE 125MG FOR Almost 10 yrs.....MY EYES BOTHER ME ALOT LATELY MY MUSCLES ARE WEAK AND OVERALL I FEEL LIKE CRAP DAILY
44 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-28 15:30:23
Answer/Reply:
actually, i spoke with a pharmacist years ago and was part of the synthroid class action suit which netted me about $130....
synthroid is not dosed evenly. the generics are. with synthroid, you can get less then or more then the prescribed dose. with the generics you will get the prescribed dosage with each pill. the lawsuit proved this and the makers of synthroid paid out millions.
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-29 09:09:27
Answer/Reply:
Yes, Synthroid is a name-brand patented synthethic of the naturally occuring thyroid that Armour has harvested from animals.
After Synthroid went off patent, generic versions of Levothyroxine appeared. Initially these generics, which may may been effective in some patients, still did not have the same actions as Synthroid.
During the last couple of years, the FDA has approved at least some of the generic Levothyroxine as having the same action as Synthroid.
I started Amour Thyroid many years ago before there ever was a Synthroid. I finally switched to Synthroid for several years. Within the last two years, I switched to Levothyroxine.
Each change required an initial trial period to get the dosage right. This included how I functioned and a battery of thyroid tests.
I am a 70 year old male and I have been on some sort of thyroid for 40+ years. Your reactions to any of the drugs mentioned may afect each person differently based on any number of health conditions, and/or other drugs used.
71 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-29 16:23:49
Answer/Reply:
HI, Well I have been Hypo since 1994 and I was on Synthroid most of those years until I could no longer afford it. I'm now taking the LEVOTHYROXIN have been for 4 years and my TSH number is the same as when I was taking the Synthroid. No side effects at all. I truly believe it depends on each indiviual.
However, in Jan I was found to have a PARATHYROID TUMOR. I've had surgery to remove it. It has NOTHING to do with the Thyroid.
58 year old female
59 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-30 14:10:19
Answer/Reply:
I agree 100%. The Generic did nothing for in any way.
46 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-21 19:04:37
Answer/Reply:
I am 42 and had my thyroids removed when I was 16, so I've been battling this for a long time. Generic does not work with me either and I take only Synthroid, but because generic is available, my insurance refuses to pay for the synthroid. Luckily it is not extremely expensive and I can afford it at this time. It's a shame though that an insurance company (who you pay premiums to each month) thinks they know more the doctor and will override his instructions. Good luck to all thyroid sufferers...it is an agony few know about.
43 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-24 15:29:29
Answer/Reply:
I know the feeling. Mine were surgically removed about 12 years ago.
Have been fighting weight gain and diabegtes since.
Generic does me no good. I have to take Synthroid, also.
APills for diabets do not work.
I take shots after I eat and a long acting one at bedtime and once in the morning.
I truly nderstand the problems that people have with thyroids.
Thyroids regulate the body and when you have none, it's hard to keep regulated.
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-26 10:49:19
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking levothyroxine for about a year now and had to lower the dose several times because it was too strong for me, so it does work. I have blood tests every 2 months and even at 12.5mcg (taking 1/2 of the 25mcg) I am still getting results. You have to remember that everyone's bodies are different and different meds affect people in different ways. The generic works for me and is only $9 for 3 months supply and since I cut them in 1/2 it costs me only $9 for a 6 month supply and that's without insurance.
29 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-26 03:48:12
Answer/Reply:
I also take levothyroxine & feel that I am doing well on it, my medicare covers it.
I tkae other meds though and was wondering what problems u all may have had 2 b on the lookout 4 in case it's caused by the levo?
I just got on this site & thought that levo was a pretty mild drug (especially in light of some of my other meds), but while looking at the info it's letting me know that my thyroid med could b making my heart problems worse! Anybody have any experience w/this?
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-27 19:36:26
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Yes, levothyroxine may make your heart problems worse. An increased heart rate is one of the signs of too much levothyroxine. This drug can be safely used in patients with heart problems, along with regular blood tests to monitor your levothyroxine level and close monitoring for signs of too much or too little levothyroxine. A rapid or irregular heartbeat, fatigue, muscle weakness, increased or decreased appetite, increased sensitivity to heat or cold, nervousness, anxiety or irritability, changes in your bowel movements, or difficulty sleeping are signs that may indicate that your levothyroxine may need to be adjusted.
If you have any concerns about how this drug works for you, about symptoms to watch for, or if you feel that your heart problems are getting worse, please contact your physician as soon as possible.
Posted: 2009-05-15 07:39:59
Answer/Reply:
I was told the generic brand the same and Insurance company will not pay for non generic brand when generic brand is available! I have had several problems once Insurance company non longer pay for the non generic brand! How can I get back taken the non generic brand without paying out of pocket full price?! Thanks, tla145@aol.com
59 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-28 08:29:48
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking thyroid medication for 14 years. I was first placed on the brand Synthyroid. The doctor could never get my dosage right. I kept gaining and gaining weight. I went from 110 pounds to 210 pounds. I continued to have no energy, my hair kept falling out and my skin was still dry. I asked the doctor to switch me to armour because my sister was on it and was having good luck.. The armour was worse then the synthyroid. I finally switched back to synthroid since it was a little better regulated then the armour. I am now taking a generic brand for synthyroid and it is working fine. I had the gastic by-pass surgery two years ago and maybe that is why is working so well for me now. Since I have had the gastric bypass surgery, I am now off of the high blood pressure medicine, the acid reflux medicine, the cholesterol medicine, and I have no more sleep apnea. I recommend the surgery. I now weigh 115 pounds and I feel great.
54 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-29 22:38:26
Answer/Reply:
I, too, have hypothyroidism. Although it has long been the practice of M.D.s to prescribe Synthroid DAW, the generic fought back and proved it was just as good as Synthroid. I believe all the meds for hypothyroidism are synthetic. Only "Thyroid" is not synthetic (it is made of ground pigs thyroid and less reliable for dosing but is still prescribed).
49 y/o female
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-30 21:41:28
Answer/Reply:
Synthroid itself is synthetic. There is no bio-identical form.
73 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-21 22:48:07
Question/Comment:
i am age 51, female, i use to take synthroid which worked then my insurance stopped paying for it, i was put on levothyroxiene did awful on it now i am on levoxyl, i seem to do very well on this 1. i also take 2 insulins blood pressure , depression and anxiety meds. but levoxy seems to be working. i have had hypothyroidism about 8 years or more.
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-02 12:49:31
Answer/Reply:
I've been on medication for hypothyroidism for about 15 years. I am a 67 year old female. For many years I took Armour. Then, about two years ago I started taking levothyroxiene. Just recently, after coming down with Valley Fever, I was retested and required less medication. While I used to take 1.50 I now take .075. It seems to be working fine for me.
65 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-24 17:14:51
Answer/Reply:
I was taking Synthroid and was put on Levothyroxiene by my pharmacist about a month ago.
How would I know if it was working or not? I feel the same as I did on the Synthroid? What symptoms did you have?
67 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-27 12:35:31
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Levothyroxine is the generic form of Synthroid. It works the same way that Synthroid does. The goal is to have your thyroid hormone level return to normal and prevent symptoms of low thyroid hormone level, such as drowsiness, fatigue, weight gain, constipation, increased sensitivity to cold, brittle fingernails or hair, or changes in appetite. Both Synthroid and levothyroxine need routine blood work to make sure your dose is not too high. In addition to blood work, you can also watch for symptoms of too much levothyroxine such as rapid heart beat, sweating, weight loss, changes in tolerance to heat, increased appetite, nervousness, anxiety, changes in bowel patterns, and difficulty sleeping.
If you experience any side effects that bother you or if are worried about how the new formulation is working, please contact your physician. He or she may request that your thyroid levels be checked to make sure that the levothyroxine dose is working for you.
Posted: 2009-05-14 12:50:29
Answer/Reply:
I was diagnosed with Graves disease and had my thyroid irradiated in 1996. Until 2006 I was on levoxyl and very happy and stable. I had a crisis while off insurance. Then I went to the VA for my medical care. They only give me synthroid and it has been difficult to stabilize. Now it is finally better in 2009.
59 year old female.
61 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-28 02:12:05
Answer/Reply:
I AM 60 YEARS OLD FEMALE & HAVE BEEN ON THYROID MEDS FOR 10 YEARS......NEITHER ONE NOR THE OTHER AFFECTED ME. I OPTED FOR THE CHEAPER.
IF YOU ASK ME, YOUR OTHER MEDS MAY BE INTERACTING SOMEHOW.....
61 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-29 16:04:26
Question/Comment:
hello. I'm new to iGuard. Diagnosed with hypothyroidism 12 years ago, prescribed (I think) Synthroid at first, then levothroid (currently and for a long time on 150 mcg/day) for most of time. Before iGuard, i had never seen or heard levothroid cited as maybe worsening heart problems. This concerns me because a year and a half ago I suffered a heart attack and had three stents implanted. Ever since i have suffered from near continuous GI malfunction of varying severity, which basically consists of partially digested food, pressure & distention (more or less severe), and difficulties with BM's (of varying nature and severity. Can any of the heart and/or GI problems possibly be side effects of levothroid? What are alternative hypothyroid treatments (natural or drug? Many thanks.
62 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-24 16:28:52
Answer/Reply:
Hi, I also take levothyroxin. You need to have your blood checked once to twice a year. But your thyroids controls everything in your body, it is not the meds, but your thyroids causing the problems. See if your doctor can give you Ranitidine for your stomach problems and take fiber pills for your BM problems, I have never heard of the levothyroxin causing any heart problems. There might be other underlining problems that the doctor just hasn't checked. Have your doctor do a full blood work up and see if something else might be causing you heart problems. If your doctor won't listen to your see if you can find a nurse practioner, that's who I see and they listen more than doctors do to what you need and usually the tests and blood work doesn't cost as much s a dr. would charge. 52 year old woman
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-31 03:14:05
Answer/Reply:
As I understand it, levothyroxin may cause heart problems if not properly dosed. I had hyperthyroidism, which has been treated. I now take levothyroxin for hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can cause heart problems. If your medication is too high, you would have symptoms of hyperthyroidism. As long as you have a reliable physician and are having your blood tested regularly, the heart problems shouldn't be related to the medication.
I have also had a lot of GI problems. My specialist told me they were not related. I have since been diagnosed with food allergies and IBS. Since, you have been taking medication for hyperthyroidism for many years prior to the onset of the GI problems, I would think they would be unrelated. You should probably talk to your medical professional about these symptoms.
33 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-16 10:15:32
Answer/Reply:
I take Synthroid and I too have GI issues. I understand the GI issues are a part of having hypothyroidism which affects metabolism which affects digestion. I take a lot of fiber to take care of that problem. If not's a perfect solution, but it's been the best suggestion from my doctor so far. I recommend Fiber One products - the cereal works pretty quickly. (Constipation is no fun!!)
I also took Levothryroxine for about a year. I agree it does not work as well as the Synthroid. I requested to be switched back. But even with the Synthroid and check-ups twice a year I still have some symptoms of the hypothyroidism - thinning hair, being cold, gaining/having difficulty losing weight, days of fatigue, etc. I don't know that there is a perfect pill to fix all of these issues, but I am doing better on Synthroid than not.
37 year old female - Virginia
38 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-16 18:35:39
Answer/Reply:
hi,
my insurance had told my pharmacy to change to change my name brand Synthroid ( which I had been on for 9 years) to generic ( levothroid)..about 3 months after the change I had disc replacement surgery involving C5-C6...during the operation my neurosurgeon and the rest of my surgical team thought I was having a heart attack, my heart was just going haywire, after the surgery was finished I was placed in Cardiac ICU ...when I woke up they bombarded me with questions regarding all my medications.
Soon after the endocrinologist team came in and told me that all the heart problems I had just went thru were because of the levo...they told me that it is a proven fact ( it is in the medical journals,they showed the articles to me) that a percentage of people can NEVER be switched to generic from Synthroid because it can and does cause heart problems, and after we talked I did remember my endo doc telling me to never let them switch me to generic because it could cause problems.
My doctor had to send all my records to the insurance company to switch me back to Synthroid and to continue to let me get name brand. I have had NO problems since my switch back to Synthroid.
I don't know of any naturals treatments you can try, but I would definately talk with your doctor and ask him to look up the info about the 2 medications himself so he can switch you back to Synthroid.
Hope this info helps...
God Bless
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-21 15:46:00
Answer/Reply:
I too was surprised about the heart info, I just joined also. My heart problems r not anywhere near as severe as yours. But I have had the IBS problems similar 2 yours (my IBS symptoms r the worst/more painful of conditions that I have, I have passed out from the pain of BMs etc.)
But I had the severe IBS long b4 my thyroid went out & haven't changed in degree or severity since taking the Levo.But it never hurts 2 ask ur Dr. (which I will do on my next visit) bcause we are all different w/different reactions & different additional health problems & meds.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-27 19:45:13
Question/Comment:
I have been on synthroid (generic) for many years. Post op sub sternal goiter removal. Also lost parathyroid in the process so have been on Calcium with D as well as the synthroid. I also recently was told the Calcium and synthroid should not be taken less than 4 hours apart. I had already been taking the thyroid med alone at least one hour before eating but now in a quandry about taking the rest of my meds in the morning. Should I change major meds prescription and otc to noon meal instead?
76 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-23 10:34:08
Answer/Reply:
Hello. Something that may be beneficial to you to avoid changing the time you take your calcium is to take your thyroid medication in the middle of the night. I used to be on iron supplements and this also cannot be taken within four hours of the thyroid medication. So when I would get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, I would take my thyroid medication. Then in the morning I could take any other meds with breakfast as needed.
36 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-26 22:09:33
Answer/Reply:
I've been told when I take synthroid not to lie down for an hour after taking it. Has anyone been told this?
Thanks..
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-21 18:48:13
Answer/Reply:
Hi, I am on levothroxin also, and I would suggest that you follow the instructions on the prescription bottle and continue to take the levothroxin in the morning and take your other meds at a later time during the day. this way you don't have to get up in the middle of the night to take meds. 52 year old female
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-31 03:19:20
Answer/Reply:
I have the same problem. I have to take iron and calcium supplements in addition to many other meds. I take my Synthroid first thing in the morning. I take the suppliments at dinner time. And I take the rest of my meds before I go to bed. Hope this helps.
38 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-16 18:38:39
Answer/Reply:
I usually wake up at midnight or a little later to take the Levothyroid. My dr. said that was ok to do that since my levels were good. This way when I wake up in the a.m. I can take my vitamins. I purchased Living Well With Hypothyroidism. It is written by a female who has low thyroid. I let a neighbor borrow the book that is why I cannot tell you who wrote it. There are a lot of hints in that book. You should take any vitamins or meds 4 hrs. after taking the thyroid meds. You should also limit your comsumption of soy.
71 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-20 20:02:25
Answer/Reply:
Hi, I've been on thyroid medication since 1999 after having my thyroid out. I take it when I get up, then take my vitamin/mineral supplements with lunch (or later if I forget). It seems to work out better that way. Also remember that your body only processes so much calcuim at a time, so supplements won't do much good if you take them with milk. If you have milk with your meals, just take the supplements between meals.
50 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-30 09:16:11
Question/Comment:
Any drug interactions of Synthroid and Slimquick?
71 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-20 19:51:49
Question/Comment:
I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH THYROID PROBLEMS FOR 45 YEARS AND BEEN ON THYROID MEDICINE MANY TIMES ONLY TO BE TAKEN OFF OF IT AS IT MADE NO DIFFERENCE FINALLY I ENDED UP WITH A SURGERY TO REMOVE A BLOOD CLOT 2 MONTHS IN HOSP. AND AM BACK ON IT AND HAVE A LOT OF WEIGHT GAIN DOES LEVOTHYROXIN CAUSE IT. HAVE MY BLOOD CHECKED EVERY 6 MONTHS NUT I FEEL DR. IS TOO BUSY TO REALLY READ ALL MY TESTS. AND HE SAYS MY THYROID LEVEL IS FINE WOULD YOU GET ANOTHER OPINION. 71 TEAROLD FEMALE
73 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-20 06:25:17
Answer/Reply:
Levothyroxine did not work for me, I have had hypothyroidism for over 20 years. I take levoxyl no which works as well as Synthroid does for me. Levothyroxine does not work as well, my daughter, told me who is a pharmacy tech, that the pharmacies get more for the levothyroxine than they do for the levoxyl and if you are on generic and don't tell them what you want they will give you levothyroxine. It did not work at all for me.
62 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-24 18:35:46
Answer/Reply:
Hi, I am also on levothyroxin and was on synthroid before. I did good on the synthroid and have not done good on the levothyroxin, so my question is, does the levoxyl work any better than the levothyroxin, cause I can't lose weight on it no matter what I do? 52 year old female
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-31 03:25:55
Answer/Reply:
Hi, I don't feel that the levothyroxin causes the weight gain, cause your thyroids control everything in your body and if they are not working right then the rest of your body can't function right. If you have a quack for a doctor and won't listen do what I did and go to a nurse practioner they listen to what you say and take time for you and make sure you get what you need whether it be tests, meds, changing your meds or what ever, they care more about their patients than a doctor thats been in practice for a lot of years and thinks they know what's best for your without listening to you and your symptoms. 52 year old female, Hope this helps!!!!!!
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-31 03:36:10
Answer/Reply:
Well I was diagnosed 13+ years ago with Hypothyroidism. I have gone from .75 to .10 to .125 to recently .137 over the last 13 years. I have continued symtoms of thyroid, and finally went to an Endochronogist. I told him I have fluid I carry continuously only to be relieved by taking Lasix as well as alligator appearing skin, very dry damaged looking hair, disrupted sleep patterns and weight gain. This Endo doctor found that I have Hashimoto's Thyroditis otherwise known as Hashimoto's Disease. There is no cure for this but they can tweek your Synthroid to help ith the symtoms. I have just been on the new dose of the .137 for two days now, I cannot tell you yet if it has made a difference since it takes a couple weeks to get into my system completely. I will have to update you as time goes on. So I guess to those of you who are having not enough visable results from the thyroid treatment you are under, then go to an Endo and see if there isn't something further that they can do to help you.
49 yr old female
50 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-20 20:46:15
Question/Comment:
Hello, all you hypothyroid sufferers., I am a new subscriber to IGuard.org and I too suffer with hypothyroidism. The earliest I remember a diagnosis is about18 yrs.old. If the real truth was truly known, I have probably had it all my life. I have had every side effect that was mentioned. Why do drs. want towork around the root of the problem but don't seem to be concerned about the root but they will give you 19 pills in the mornings and 9 or more in the evening.? I mean geeze! when we repair a building, we look until we find the place that caused the problem. Then, we see what it takes to fix (the root of the problem). Then we work on whatever else is wrong. So why do we get rickeydooed like that? Then, getting someone who can do something about it, to just listen to what you have to say for real without fidgeting or checking their watch continually implying youare imposing on their time. Cherokee96
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-20 00:57:53
Answer/Reply:
Hi, I am 52 years old and I found my doctor would not listen to what I had to say or would do anything to fix what was wrong with me, He just said I was over weight and put me on a diet I couldn't do. I was working at Wal-Mart at the time and had a regular customer that would come through my check-out line that was a retired Doctor and she told me that I had thyroid problems just by looking at me, so I then realized it was time for me to get a new doctor, and I found a nurse practioner and she is wonderful, she listens to my symptoms and reads my tests completely and calls me or writes a letter with the results, and then prescribes the meds I need or what ever it takes to correct the problem. See if you can find a nurse practioner where you live, they are more concerned about their patients and listen as long as it takes.
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-31 03:49:49
Answer/Reply:
Switch your doctor. Any kind of thyroid problem is very dangerous if not looked at.
62 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-17 09:40:47
Answer/Reply:
I am 53 had hyperthroidism during a pregnancy in 1984, after delivery got the goiter radiated, gained 20 lbs in a month and fought the weight for 20 years, the amount of time they told me
would pass and I could come down with thyroid cancer from the radiation. Joined Weight
Watchers in fall of 2004 lost 20 lbs and leader sent me to doc to make sure I wasn't enemic
wasn't, but my thyroid was low. That was Dec, took til March to see doc to test and put me
on levothryoxine, I lost another 15 lbs by that time. I was put on the replacement and had the
levels tested once a year. The last 2 years I have been fighting the side effects of menopause
and weight gain. The docs have all quit and changed 3 times. The newest one insisted that
I needed to be on Synthroid instead, so I changed. It costs me 3Xs more and I could tell no
difference so I asked to go back. Now I have lost all my eyebrows and am wondering if maybe
the Synthroid would be better. I have an appt at the end of May so I will ask to change back
and see if there is a difference. I want to know what the nurse prac saw that she knew you
were hypothroid. The eyebrows? or more?
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-19 21:31:12
Answer/Reply:
I found that my primary MD will send me to a specialist. I have been seeing an endocronoligist for about 1 1/2 yrs. She just keeps adjusting my meds. This all happened because my calcium was "just out of the range-high" for about 2-3 years, and I finallly pushed my primary about this. I have Hyperparathyroid and the endo wants to do surgery to remove the gland, but my scans and tests come back negative. I will not let them just "root" around to figure which of the 4 glands it is. We switched from Levothyroxine to Levoxyl thinking brand name was the issue, to no avail. T4 keeps going up and down. This is very frustrating and I make sure I keep on top of it. Make sure you get a copy of your lab work so you can understand what they are telling you. If not, look it up on the net.
By the way, this "specialist" had NEVER TOUCHED ME FOR AN EXAMINATION, only looked at my labs!
55 year old female
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-20 14:15:36
Answer/Reply:
To everyone on this thread. I have Hosimotos diesease,(over active Imune syndrome) I found most doctors misdiagnose or do not know all of the sysmtoms of this diesease. With any thyroid disorder you must choose a doctor that will treat the underliying problem and do full and complete testing. there is more than one test for thyroid levels. you thyroid harmone level may be in normal range but another harmone ( cant remeber the name) is high then you body is calling for more. there are many causes of hypothyroidism, some as in my case are just symptoms of another problem. if your doctor is not getting the quality of life you expect get another Dr. also there is no reason to take a lot of pills most thyroid replacment harmone pills come in many sizes. I take two .112 mg to get my .224 dose. hope this helps
43 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-16 09:50:12
Answer/Reply:
HI every one, I am a 51 yr. old maleand I am very sorry you all seem to be having so many problems with doctors. I have been on thyroid meds for 13 years and have maintained my weight with no problem. I also have blood work done every six mon. and have had my dosage changed only once. My doctor does listen to me and pays very close attention to what I tell him. I guess what I'm trying to say is not all doctors have one foot out the door. Good luck in the future.
52 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-16 23:01:32
Question/Comment:
Have been on thyroid extract or synthroid since 1960 when I had surgery for hyperthyroidism. Following the surgery, I became hypothyroid and hypoparathyroid and in addition to the thyroid meds, I have been taking massive dose of Vitamin D (ergocalciferol) and lots of calcium. It took nearly a year in an Army hospital to get my blood chemistry in balance. It wasn't until this year that I learned that I should not take the thyroid med at the same time as the calcium because there is a reaction which lessens the effect of the thyroid.
75 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-13 17:37:32
Question/Comment:
I have been on synthroid and levothyroxine for a total of 39 years, I've lost weight, gained weight, lost alot of my hair and even had a drug reaction. Have have part of thyroid removed by surgary and the rest dissolved with radeoactive iodine. But now I have a good stable weight and I did get my hair back all after my meds were regulated correctly. Only advise is to take meds as perscriped by your dr., and have your tests retaken regularlly. Also have had two children during all this, and the youngest is now diagnosed with thyroidism.
57 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-12 17:11:10
Question/Comment:
I do not want to start this medicine now. To many bad things and side effects. To many people
say bad things about it. I have a goidier and under active thyroid. I have gained alot of weight I don't want to gain anymore weight. Even though my doctor is going to have me come in every 2 months to keep a eye on it and blood test to make sure everything is fine. Levoxyl 25MCG. is what I got today. start it tomorrow. Does not look like a good idea, And lose my hair!!!!!
43 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-10 01:25:24
Answer/Reply:
Look up hypothyroidism - your weight gain is because of low thyroid production, you lose hair because of low thyroid production, you will have severe dry skin because of low thyroid production, you will be tired all the time because of low thyroid production. I know -- I've had hypothyroidsim for 24 years and taken this medication with NO side effects. If hypothyroidism is not treated, it can raise your cholesterol levels and make you more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. During pregnancy, untreated hypothyroidism can harm your baby.
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-10 19:55:46
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Synthriod since I was approx. 36 years old. At the time I found out I had low thyroid, I was in the ER as my throid function at that time was near zip, zero. I was unable to put one foot in front of the other and felt like someone was holding me back from walking, plus many other effects. I am now 63 years old, still on medication and have no problems. It is true it does take a while to figure the right dose. But the consequences outweighs the side effects you may originally get.
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-10 22:27:03
Answer/Reply:
The dose that you are being put on is rather low. Hair loss is due to the hormone not being produced the medication dose not cause it. I have been on 112mg for 10 years and now for the last 2 years I have been on 125mg it is very important to have your t3 and t4 blood test done regular basis this keeps your dose right. Ask questions of your doctor, research the library they have alot of books on subject, educate your self there is more to fear by not taking it if you need ti that not taking. Mood Swings, Dry Skin, Fatigue, Depression, hair loss, weight gain, tired and alot more are just to name the symtomes I had before going on synthriod. I do not have any of these any more because I have my blood tested and keep my medication adusted to compensate for what my thyriod is not producing naturally and this keeps me on a healthy even keel and keeps my weight at a range that I can control through a heathy diet.
41 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-19 11:56:44
Answer/Reply:
Most of my hair loss was BEFORE I took it. Same with the Weight gain.
40 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-20 04:06:35
Answer/Reply:
Definitely keep taking the meds. I promise you'll see differences that far outweigh the bad. I was diagnosed with hypothroidism when I was 15 years old, it's a genetic disease that doesn't have to interfere with your life. It can change based upon when you take the medicine, take right after you wake up and Do Not take it with food or milk. I always take mine with a full glass of water and wait an hour before eating. Wait 4 hours before taking any other medications or vitamins.
I have been at ease knowing that this is a very common problem with women, and I'm not alone in the things that we all go through. My mom, aunt's and grandma all take medicine for their thyroid as well, and the hair loss is very minimal. I haven't gained any weight from being on the meds. In fact it helped me lose weight. The hormone that is given in Levothyroxine can actually at times be prescribes by a doctor for weight loss. I hope it works for you, and good luck with the adjustments.
28 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-20 16:48:07
Answer/Reply:
What medication are you taking? Syntheroid?
34 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-31 09:29:26
Question/Comment:
Now I don't want to take levoxyl.I have heard to many things wrong and bad with this product. I have a goider and under active thyroid. But I don't want to gain weight or loss my hair or any other side effect.
42 year old female
43 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-10 01:01:55
Question/Comment:
Heavens, I'm so sick of gaining weight or never losing despite the WW plan, and all other diets. I finally just watched my calories & eat only 1100-1200/day & can't lose. I'm taking 10 mgs daily of Synthroid. I exercise by walking 2-4 mp day. I need a walking partner in Delaware!!! LOL
There has to be some way in this world that we with hypothyroidism can lose a few pounds!
64 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-07 21:02:48
Question/Comment:
My mother who is 80 is on Levothyroxine and it really did help her in fact the Dr. just lowered her dose last visit. Her Thyroid had been nearly shut down by the time she saw a Diabetician and he got her on the right track.He also perscribed Januvia for her Diabetes and now no Insulin injection daily. And remember all that paperwork that comes with your perscriptions? That's the info on the drugs you are taking READ IT EVERY TIME you start a NEW DRUG.
46 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-05 17:24:48
Question/Comment:
My endocronologist, first prescribed synthroid, but after paying 30 dollars a month for 30 pills, I asked my family Dr. about taking the generic form (Levothroxin) and he said it would work the same way. I have been taking the generic brand for some time now and feel the same as I did with taking synthroid. I now pay 4 dollars a month at wal-mart, and am happy to say I have saved a bundle.
43 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-05 09:25:47
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I took Synthroid for a while before switching to the generic equivalent, Levothyroxin. They both work equally well. The only difference is the cost. There should be a sheet that comes with either form of medication that will tell you what you should or should not do when taking this medication.
Posted: 2009-03-05 16:26:55
Answer/Reply:
You can also ask your Dr. to increase your dose and then cut your pills in half that way you get two months worth for the price of one.
I do this with my Lipitor.
46 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-05 17:28:34
Question/Comment:
Ihave this from 1989,i was in synthroid and the doctor change the pill for this levothyroxine.i dont feel good this pill dont do the work.ihave a q?does synthiroid still in the market?
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-04 06:25:50
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Yes Synthroid is still on the market. I have had this problem for quite some time as well, and I also started out on Synthroid. When the Dr. switched me to levothyroxin it also gave me some concerns, however after about two months I found that levothyroxin actually works better for me. Give it a little time and keep in contact with your Dr. about your concerns,everything will work out.
Posted: 2009-03-04 18:47:31
Answer/Reply:
Synthroid is still on the market.
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-07 08:33:06
Answer/Reply:
Synthroid is still on the market. Speak to your doctor. I can not take the generic, it does not work for me but the actual sythroid is just fine. My daughter is also on it and she has the same problem. When they put her on the levothyroxine, she felt terrible. We called her doctor and he immediately put her back on name brand only and she is just fine now. Most generics work fine but some of them just don't work in certain people.
43 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-07 15:16:58
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I had the same problem; the generic levothyroxine did not work for me. The doctor now marks my Rx with DAW- dispense as written. Not everything works the same for everyone.
Posted: 2009-03-08 21:33:13
Answer/Reply:
Same here. I can not take generic. I also tried to take Armour. That was a nightmare!
I have trouble w/synthroid sometimes also. I am taking .125 now ( was always on a much higher dose till recently) but tend to get heart palpitations if I take it all at once. I now take 75 in the morning and 50 in the evening...I feel much better. Still have trouble with weight gain.
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-13 09:38:40
Answer/Reply:
I don't know that this is an answer as much as it is a question. I'm 73 yrs. old, the doctor put me on Synthroid when I was 58, going through menopause. I had the radio-active iodine so that I could have the scan done. I was put on 0.05MG, which I think is the lowest doseage.
I still get heart palatations, and really bad pain in my knees (which is almost constant). What I'm going to tell you is that I was called away on a family emergency and left without my Synthroid...............I was gone for 5 days without it and never felt better in my life. The pain in my knees went away, and even with all the emotions going on there, I had no heart palpatations, also had lots of energy to do a lot of things that I normally wouldn't have had.
My question is: Should I go back on the Synthroid? Maybe I didn't need it all these years after all.
74 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-24 20:55:27
Answer/Reply:
I am a little confused --I have taken levothyroxine for a long time but when I told the doctor that the last time she ordered synthroid and under it on the bottle it says levothyroxin sodium--is there a difference????
70 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-26 11:01:25
Answer/Reply:
I have been on synthroid since 1991 and my endocronlogist has told me not to let anyone fill my perscription with generic. There is a difference in generic and synthroid, generic is made from sheeps hormone and harder to regulate same amount of hormone consistantly. Synthroid is man made and easier to regulate the amount of hormone in each pill. Therefore there is a difference in the two and it can affect you and how you react. Talk to your dr about this the pharmacy will tell you there is no difference but this is a HUGE one.
44 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-30 16:45:26
Answer/Reply:
I am on Synthroid as well, and do not take the generic as I have not done well on it (fatigue, palpitations, coldness, etc). Usually I do fine on generics, but for whatever reason, cannot do so on this medication.
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-31 15:17:27
Question/Comment:
Just was prescribed Synthroid for low thyroid. My dr told me to take it once a day like a vitamin. That was really the only instruction I got. Plus, go back in 2 mths to re-check thryoid levels. I am now reading about taking it in the morning before food - I take it this is important? I am also on birth control - Trivora (Triphasal 28) which my dr knows - we went through my meds before he prescribed (this and allergy meds) and said nothing about it - however, i am reading online that there may be some interaction between the 2. I really need to know if it makes the pills less effective. I have only taken this pill twice now and the second time felt very out of it (although I may have ate 1/2 hr after not knowing better). Any common side effects for people starting this and do they usually subside after a few days? Thanks!
38 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-03 16:15:52
Answer/Reply:
It is very important to take the synthroid at least 1/2 hr to 1 hr before eating, take it in the morning, and take it with a full glass of water. Take any other pills 4 hours or more after taking the synthroid (perhaps take the Trivora in the evening or at least after lunch.)
Did you get information when you picked up your scrips? Usually the pharmacy will give you a prescription information phamphlet. If not, drop by any pharmacy and they should be able to provide you with one.
43 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-06 21:38:41
Answer/Reply:
I have always taken it right after I eat with my other pills. Now I take Levoxyl 46 year old male
46 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-30 13:55:23
Answer/Reply:
Buy Mary Shomon's book about Hypothyroidism, it will help you with everything. Always take your pill on an empty stomach at least an hour before eating. Birth control pills will affect absorption of the medicine, however you will be adjusted accordingly. When one becomes pregnant their dosages usually have to be adjusted throughout the pregnancy, because hormones effect absorption.
In addition, you may want to stay away from soy products, raw broccoli and cauliflower. Also, don't take calcium supplements until at least 4 hours after taking synthroid or the like, because it also affects absorption.
Get the book, you will learn so much. Also there is a thyroid forum on about.com, I've gone there for years. It is so helpful, I usually just read the posts and learn so much.
Good Luck.
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-24 17:56:45
Answer/Reply:
I too have been taking a medication for my thyroid condition for a little over 4yrs, first let me say your at a very good medical website,second you can find out through this site if your birth control pill and thyroid meds have a funky mix. I'm taking birth control too and haven't noticed anything different yet, whatever you do until your doc says so keep taking your meds. when I don't take mine for 3 days its bad...really bad. If you need to change something speak up to your doctor ASAP. You are the most important thing..nobody but. Stay well.
39 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-31 17:43:33
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Synthroid for 7 years. I take all my vitamins in the morning and I take my Synthroid at night before I go to bed. Then I do not have to worry about eating or having any other pill to take. It might be helpfull to anyone else who takes other pills.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-05 13:22:42
Question/Comment:
I felt no symtoms of Hypothyroidism and after taking Synthroid for over a year I feel no different.
83 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-28 22:00:11
Answer/Reply:
I"m 73 and been taking Synthroid since i was 5o i have no side effects
75 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-29 16:00:25
Question/Comment:
Currently taking Levothryroxin (on an empty stomach - IMPORTANT!). Used to take Synthroid for many years (since '74) and could not really explain to my doctor that I just "felt better" on Synthroid. Because of insurance (problems), I was switched and didn't feel quite well since taking the Levo. (heaviness in abdomen and Left ear/throat (eustach. tube?) has a sensation in it). She did switch me back to the Synthroid (was working at the time and could afford it). Again my left ear/throat annoyed me. After losing my job, I had to get the generic. I spent more money on so many office visits and lab fees I shoud have just bought the brand name drug. It takes FOREVER to find the right dosage. I would switch back in second if I could afford Syntroid now. As far as the increased heart rate, I always had to deal w/that when taking Synthroid. I was under the impression and all thyroid meds caused that side effect.
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-21 19:34:25
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Amazing to read others concerns and comments. I had my thyroid removed in 2000. Been on synthroid ever since. Never told about any side effects. Sometimes get the left ear-throat irritation--thot it was allergy or something. Have been on atenenol for years for rapid heart rate. You might check with your physician, too. Thanks to all for their shared concerns. 60 year old female.
Posted: 2009-03-06 12:05:29
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking thyroid medications for over 25 years. Talk to your pharmacy. Each brand may react differently in each person. I will NEVER take a generic thyroid medication. It really throws me out of whack! Yes, it seems to take forever to get regulated and a slight change in diet and exercise can also change the dosage needed. And surprisingly, doctors are just now telling people to take this on an empty stomach. They also tell you to take a calcium with D because thyroid medication is hard on your bones. What they fail to tell you is, do not take them at the same time of day, as it changes effectiveness. As far as increased heart rate--I have never experienced that--always keeps around 65 bmp. MAKE your doctor listen to you and stick with and endroconologist--don't let a GP regulate this for you.
54 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-22 15:57:29
Question/Comment:
Been taking the generic levoxyl for years but then was increased from 75mg to 100 mg and started losing weight and brittle nails and Insomnia!!
so went back to 75mg hypothyroidismn and hashimoto
Here it says that can have weight gain
how is that? When I have weight loss ???
I am trying with natural alternatives and want to get off those synthetic drugs main thing be on a alkaline diet which balances the body and we do not need all them pills!!!
Thank you
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-19 23:45:15
Answer/Reply:
What exactly is a alkaline diet.
maureen.budenz@comcast.net
65 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-20 08:23:33
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Try switching off the dosages (same brand or mfr.) during the week. I would not risk going off thyroid medication totally, because it is like being a diabetic. If you don't need it any longer because of some alternative thing you do (exercise?) the TSH will lower and you will not need it.
With some other problems, yes I would consider no meds, but not this one.
Posted: 2009-02-22 00:41:18
Answer/Reply:
Let your doctor know if you don't feel better, or start feeling worse, after a change in your medicine dose. Your doctor should have your thyroid hormone levels checked after any dose change or if you start feeling worse.
If your doctor doesn't do this, or won't listen to your concerns, you should ask why. If he or she continues to ignore you, you should find a doctor who listens to you.
I once had what is called a "paradoxical" reaction to my thyroid hormone being too low; I had symptoms opposite from what you would expect. Once my dose was revised, and checked a couple of times, it all evened out again.
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-07 08:47:09
Answer/Reply:
I have been on this drug for a good while. Here lately i have felt sluggish and out of sorts. The dr hasnt checked my levels. Going to make an appointment sa soon as possible. When levels are checked and corrected i do fine. I am also loseing weight and also doing exercise 3 times a week. 64 yr old female
65 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-23 18:36:02
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Synthroid for six months. I dont feel any real benefits from the medication. How long before I feel better?
59 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-13 10:34:14
Answer/Reply:
Okay you have been taking Synthroid for six months. You should have blood taken each month to moniter the dosage to see if your t4- t3 and tsh is level. If they are not then they have to balance them with thyroid hormone. I started off with levoxyl and they have to play with my dosages. I am allergic to blue dye so I have to sometimes work with lower dosages to total the amount I need. Generic drugs for thyroid sometimes do not work you have to actually take the name brand. Synthyroid is one brand. See if you can switch to levoxl and have your blood checked monthly. If this is your primary doing this they usually think they know how to handle thyroid problems, but they do not. Go to an endocrinologist and you are going have to be your own advocate because their are good ones and goofs. Early on I went through everyone in my city and there was only one that was on the ball. The rest over dosed, under dosed.
With thyroid there is a great deal that goes with it that is mistaken for other things the endo can help. The primary usually shrugs it off as stress or depression. It's not it's the little gland in your neck.
41 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-17 00:28:39
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I am so glad to see that someone else is allergic to blue dye. I have been taking Synthroid since the early 80s. I started with Graves' disease in the early 70s and because I was quite young, the doctor didn't want to give me radioactive iodine (still in child-bearing years), so he did surgery and removed most of the thyroid gland. They thought they left enough to have function, but one night I was washing my hair, and it fell out by the handfuls. I was petrified, and it was on a Friday night, so I couldn't see a doctor til Monday. I was low, so was started on Euthroid, which was not a synthetic, and it did take a long time to get adjusted. Ten years later, the thyroid became overactive again, and this time they gave me radioactive iodine to "kill" the thyroid. It worked, but at that time they let you go for a few months to see what function you still had, so a few months later, I had absolutely no thyroid in my system and was dragging around, very low pulse (45), and could hardly function. They started me on Synthroid then, saying that it makes your function more level as opposed to the real thyroid extract (from horses). When they put me on the blue pill for the dosage I needed, I started to have diarrhea, which I never had, and it finally occurred to me what was going on. SInce then, I have been given the white pill, which I take 1 and 1/2 to get my dosage. For many years, I was on the same dose, but the last few years, the thyroid has been too high, so my dose was lowered. I don't feel nearly as good, much more tired, and so very cold all the time, dry, itchy skin; but my tests are all in the normal range, so they won't increase it again.
For those of you who don't notice any difference, you probably still have some of your own thyroid functioning and are just hypothyroid. The drug will just bring it to the normal readings, so perhaps there wouldn't be much difference in how you feel. But, if your thyroid has been completely removed with surgery or killed with radioactive iodine, you would notice a big difference in taking the medicine. You do have to do a lot of experimenting and should be tested pretty often at first. They say to take in in the morning on an empty stomach, but I can't take any meds on an empty stomach, so do take mine after breakfast. It probably would work better to take it on empty stomach if you can. It does cause increased heartbeat if the dosage is too high.
Posted: 2009-03-05 22:25:54
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Synthroid for about 2 weeks and I think at this early date, they ( Dr. ) did not give me the right dosage. Maybe it is too early to tell ( I guess they must do a little investigating before they find the right dosage. ) I get so tired all the time, anyone else do too? I had all the symptoms of hypothyroid and still feel lousy. I too, wonder how long it will take till I feel better? I was told that once you are on the med, you will see a weight loss after a while. I am still hoping and praying for that! :-)
57 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-05 14:30:09
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I was on synthroid for 9-12 months before noticing any benefits, it takes quite a long time for your body to adjust. I went from 112 mcg, to 100 mcg, then to 88 mcg, then 75mcg & finally leveled off at 50 mcg all over a 3 and 1/2 year time span, I was getting quite frustrated, so, just try to be very patinet.
Posted: 2009-03-05 19:53:45
Answer/Reply:
See your Doctor and have a blood sample taken. Don't worry you will not have to fast or give up food for a few hours. Your Synthroid dose may have to be increased. Make sure you take it at least 1 hour before eating breakfast and do not take Synthroid with calcium. I take vitamins and supplements at night to avoid any problems. Calcium prevents Synthroid from doing what it has to do. Just do not take calcium and Synthroid together. Allow several hours between dose times.
50 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-05 22:37:37
Answer/Reply:
Are you anemic? The Synthroid helped initially when I was put on it but after a few months I was still tired. I didn't really start feeling better until the doctor addresses my anemia. Good luck and don't be afraid to question your doctor, its your health.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-07 21:36:24
Question/Comment:
i heard that synthroid has steroids in it that makes it hard to loss weight. How much if any?
33 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-05 12:50:22
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Synthroid is actually a thyroid hormone that controls the rate of metabolism. Steroids are also hormones but there are no steroid compounds in Synthroid.
When someone does not have enough thyroid hormone they will often gain weight. Patients who need thyroid hormone supplementation may receive a prescription for Synthroid. A side effect of Synthroid is weight loss; however, Synthroid should not be used for that purpose. There are many factors that contribute to weight gain and weight loss – Synthroid’s effect on weight loss will vary across individual patients.
Posted: 2009-02-11 16:03:51
Answer/Reply:
actually, the reason you need synthroid is a slow thyroid, which is what makes it hard to lose weight...a lot of diet remedies will counteract the thyroid medication, therefore making both moot. no weight loss and no energy! I find if youre going to take diet remedies leave a time between taking your thyroid meds and the diet pill...(1-2 hrs)
57 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-18 16:33:29
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