Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, PharmD
Are you or a loved one dealing with a thyroid condition? Chances are, you've come across levothyroxine as a potential treatment option. This synthetic form of thyroxine is specifically designed to help those with thyroid hormone deficiencies, including hypothyroidism and some thyroid cancers. But what exactly is levothyroxine, and how does it work? In this article, we'll cover all the basics, including dosage forms, pricing, and potential side effects. Plus, we'll give you some tips on how to save big on levothyroxine costs, so you can focus on feeling your best without breaking the bank.What is levothyroxine?
Levothyroxine, also known as Synthroid, is a synthetic form of thyroxine used to treat thyroid hormone deficiency. Thyroid hormones are essential for vital body functions such as controlling metabolism, regulating body temperature, and heart rate. Taking levothyroxine will help restore the normal level of thyroid hormones in your body when they are low. Common brands of levothyroxine include Synthroid, Levoxyl, and Tirosint.
How does levothyroxine work?
Levothyroxine works by replacing thyroxine, a thyroid hormone, in your body if your thyroid gland cannot produce enough. It helps prevent the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as weight gain, fatigue, and hair loss.
What forms of levothyroxine are available?
Levothyroxine is available as a tablet, capsule, solution, and powder for injection. The dosage form prescribed to you will depend on your medical condition and treatment plan.
What is the typical dosing of levothyroxine?
The typical starting dose of levothyroxine depends on your body weight and medical history. The usual dose range is 25 mcg to 300 mcg per day, which will be adjusted based on your response to the medication.
Can I take levothyroxine with food?
Levothyroxine is best taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before breakfast. Food can affect its absorption, so it's important to take it consistently in the same way each day.
What are the side effects of levothyroxine?
Common side effects of levothyroxine include shakiness, fast or irregular heartbeat, hair loss, fever, sweating, weight loss, weak muscles, fatigue, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. These side effects are expected to improve with time. However, if you experience a heart attack or seizure, contact your doctor immediately. Check out more side effects of levothyroxine (Synthroid) here.
What are possible drug interactions with levothyroxine?
Levothyroxine may interact with certain medications and supplements, so it's important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you are taking. Some of the medications that may interact with levothyroxine include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), esomeprazole (Nexium), estradiol (Alora), lopinavir (Kaletra), phenytoin (Dilantin), rifampin (Rifadin), and semaglutide (Wegovy). Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about other medications and supplements you use, as this list is not exhaustive.
How much does levothyroxine cost?
The price of levothyroxine can be affected by several factors, such as your insurance coverage, location, and the pharmacy you use. But don't worry, there are ways to get the best deal. One of them is using resources like rxless to compare prices across different pharmacies and find the most affordable option for you. So, before you head to the pharmacy, be sure to get an rxless prescription savings coupon to save up to 88% on levothyroxine.
