Precautions
Like many people, you may be in the habit of asking for the generic equivalent of a medication to save money. But if you take levothyroxine, the main drug used to treat hypothyroidism, you may wish to rethink this choice. Levothyroxine is sold under several brand names, including Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, and Levothroid.
Should you take generic levothyroxine?
Why Levothyroxine Alone Might Not Be Adequate. Many people with hypothyroidism (estimates range from 12 to 15% of patients or higher) complain of symptoms when they are treated with standard levothyroxine. Even when blood tests (TSH & TH) suggest that thyroid function is normalized, these individuals feel like crap.
Is levothyroxine really that bad?
The most common medication used to treat hypothyroidism is Levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is considered a "generic" version of the thyroid medication Synthroid. But is there a difference and does it actually matter? The answer is yes, there may actually be a difference despite these medications being almost exactly the same.
Is Synthroid better than generic levothyroxine?
digoxin tablet;oral
- Manufacturer: HIKMA INTL PHARMS Approval date: October 30, 2007 Strength (s): 0.125MG [ AB], 0.25MG [ AB]
- Manufacturer: IMPAX LABS Approval date: July 20, 2009 Strength (s): 0.125MG [ AB], 0.25MG [ AB]
- Manufacturer: MYLAN PHARMS INC Approval date: December 23, 1999 Strength (s): 0.125MG [ AB], 0.25MG [ AB]
What is generic name for digoxin?
What is generic levothyroxine called?
Synthetic thyroxine (T4) comes as brand-name Synthroid or generic levothyroxine. T4 is what is known as a “prohormone”; it's made by the thyroid gland and gets converted to the active hormone, T3, in other body tissues.
Is levothyroxine available in generic?
Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value.
What is the non generic name for levothyroxine?
Synthroid is brand name levothyroxine sodium; other brand name versions of levothyroxine include Levothroid, Unithroid, Tirosint, and Levoxyl. It contains the same active ingredients and is used for the same purposes, namely to treat hypothyroidism or low thyroid hormone levels.
What is levothyroxine classified as?
Levothyroxine is in a class of medications called hormones.
Is brand-name thyroid medication better than generic?
This cohort study of the comparative effectiveness of generic vs brand-name levothyroxine found that for adults with mild forms of thyroid dysfunction, consistent use of either the generic or brand-name formulations was associated with similar rates of achieving normal and stable thyrotropin levels.
Is euthyrox a generic drug?
Euthyrox is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism. This medication is available in the form of an oral tablet and is currently covered by all Medicare plans. The generic version of this drug is levothyroxine.
What are other names for levothyroxine?
US Brand NameLevothroid.Levoxyl.Synthroid.Tirosint.Unithroid.
Is there a difference between generic and brand name Synthroid?
Summary. Most brand-name drugs do not differ that much from their generic counterparts, so switching between the two is not an issue. Levothyroxine, however, is an exception.
Why was levothyroxine taken off the market?
FDA Drug safety recall warning This is due to the medication having less active drug (levothyroxine) than it is supposed to. Taking these tablets can lead to symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, constipation, hair loss, and depression.
What is brand name of thyroxine?
Drug Name : Thyroxine Thyroxine(Synthroid) generic is a thyroid hormone, prescribed for hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer.
Why do you need to drink a full glass of water with levothyroxine?
The Levoxyl-branded tablet may rapidly swell and disintegrate, and cause choking or gagging if it becomes stuck in your throat. Take with a full glass of water, but talk with your doctor should you have difficulty swallowing it.
What is the difference between levothyroxine and thyroxine?
Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of a hormone called thyroxine. It replaces thyroxine if your thyroid gland cannot produce it and prevents the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine starts working straight away, but it may be several weeks before your symptoms start to improve.
Does levothyroxine cause weight gain or loss?
In most cases, levothyroxine causes some weight loss. According to the American Thyroid Association, when this medication is started, you may lose...
What can I eat for breakfast after taking levothyroxine?
Most foods are considered fine to eat for breakfast as long as they are eaten 30 to 60 minutes after taking levothyroxine. Levothyroxine should be...
Can I take other medications with levothyroxine?
Levothyroxine is known to interact with many other medications (called a drug-drug interaction), but there are different kinds of drug-drug interac...
Does levothyroxine cause hair loss?
Yes, levothyroxine, the main treatment for a sluggish thyroid gland, may cause hair loss in addition to other side effects. You may experience part...
What is the purpose of levothyroxine?
1 Levothyroxine is prescribed for people with an underactive thyroid , a condition known as hypothyroidism.
What is the name of the drug used to treat hypothyroidism?
Additional Monotherapy. Brand names for levothyroxine, the main drug used to treat hypothyroidism, include Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, and Levothroid. The generic version of levothyroxine is also prescribed, but there is some controversy about whether it is as effective and reliable as the brand names.
Why are fillers less consistent in generics than brand names?
Fillers and additives such as dyes, gluten, and lactose are also less consistent in generics than brand-name options because they originate from different manufacturers. If this is a concern for you, ask your pharmacist for a list of your prescribed drug's ingredients.
Can levothyroxine be used as a generic?
Generic formulations, on the other hand, tend to be less so. If you switch from a brand name to a generic preparation, you may notice that you don't feel as well on the generic drug ...
Is tirosint a softgel?
Those with certain allergies, digestive conditions, or who have drug absorption issues: In these cases, Tirosint —a softgel option that only contains levothyroxine, gelatin, glycerin, and water—may be specifically recommended. It's important to note, however, that this drug is costly and not widely prescribed.
Is T3 or T4 better for thyroid?
For some people, the addition of T3 to T4 " monotherapy" may result in better control of symptoms and quality of life. If your thyroid preparation doesn't seem to be helping, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss a solution. 5 .
Can other manufacturers make the same drug?
After a period of time, other manufacturers are allowed to make the same drug. While the active ingredient is the same, the inactive ingredients added to improve absorption, preserve the drug, or add color can differ. Generic preparations may be less expensive for pharmacists and patients in some cases.
How to report levothyroxine side effects?
Common side effects associated with using levothyroxine include: This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is levothyroxine sodium used for?
Levothyroxine sodium is a drug approved by the FDA as an oral and injectable prescription thyroid hormone medication that is used to treat underactive thyroid ( hypothyroidism) and other conditions. Hypothyroidism is a medical term that refers to any state in which a person's thyroid hormone production is below normal.
What is low thyroid hormone?
Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation /medications or removed by surgery.
Can you use levothyroxine sodium interchangeably?
Initiate lower dose in elderly, those with angina pectoris, cardiovascular disease, or in those with severe hypothyroidism. Do NOT generally use levothyroxine sodium preparations interchangeably, due to narrow therapeutic index. Check for bioequivalence if switching brands/generics.
Does levothyroxine help with thyroid problems?
The symptoms of hypothyroidism are depend on the health of the thyroid and the efficient production of the thyroid hormone, but can include: Levothyroxine sodium is also used to treat other types of thyroid hormone and thyroid disorders and conditions (such as certain types of goiters, thyroid cancer ).
Can levothyroxine sodium be used for infertility?
Levothyroxine sodium should not be used to treat infertility unless it is caused by low thyroid hormone levels.
Can synthetic thyroid hormone be used for infertility?
Acute MI, thyrotoxicosis, untreated adrenal insufficiency. Synthetic thyroid hormone should not be used in the treatment of obesity or infertility. No contraindications reported by manufacturer for myxedema coma when treated with injection.
Product (s) containing levothyroxine
Brand names: Synthroid, Euthyrox, Levoxyl, Tirosint Drug class (es): thyroid drugs Levothyroxine systemic is used in the treatment of:
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
What is generic drug?
A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Even though Synthroid and levothyroxine have the same active ingredient, the drugs may not be exactly identical.
What is the purpose of synthroid?
For this condition, Synthroid is used to suppress (lower) your levels of a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). When given as part of thyroid cancer treatment, Synthroid is used along with radioactive iodine treatment and surgery.
How long does it take for a thyroid test to show up on a thyroid test?
It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for blood tests to show Synthroid’s full effect on your thyroid hormone levels. So after you’ve been taking the drug for about 4 to 6 weeks, your doctor will order blood tests to check these levels. If your thyroid hormone levels are still too low, your doctor may increase your daily dosage of Synthroid by 12.5 mcg to 25 mcg.
Why is synthroid important for thyroid?
(“Your metabolism” refers to all of the chemical reactions in your body. These reactions affect everything from your digestion to your body’s growth and repair to even your temperature.) Synthroid increases your body’s thyroid hormone levels back to a normal range .
What happens if you forget to take a synthroid?
If you forget to take a dose of Synthroid, your thyroid hormone levels may decrease. And this may lead to certain side effects. (See the “Synthroid side effects” section above for more information.) Because of this, it’s important that you remember to take your dose of the drug at the same time each day.
Why can't my child make enough thyroid hormones?
From birth, some children may not be able to make enough thyroid hormones. This condition is called congenital hypothyroidism. It may occur if the child’s thyroid gland doesn’t develop properly or doesn’t work normally.
How often should I take synthroid?
To do this, it’s very important that you take your Synthroid dose regularly, once each day. And you should try to take the drug at the same time every day.
What is the best medication for hypothyroidism?
The most common medication used to treat hypothyroidism is Levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is considered a "generic" version of the thyroid medication Synthroid.
Which thyroid hormone is more powerful, T3 or T4?
Liothyronine, on the other hand, contains the most potent thyroid hormone which is known as T3 or triiodothyronine. T3 is about 3-4 times more powerful than T4 (depending on which study you look at). T3 is available in two medications: Liothyronine (generic) and Cytomel (brand-name).
Is there a difference between levothyroxine and synthroid?
There is a potential difference between Levothyroxine and Synthroid but the difference is probably not noticeable for most people. If you are currently taking one or the other and you are doing well (meaning you are not symptomatic) then you probably don't need to worry about changing up your medication regimen.
Is tirosint more expensive than levothyroxine?
The average cost of Levoxyl 30-day supply: Levoxyl is another T4 only thyroid medication which is slightly more expensive when compared to Levothyroxine but cheaper than Tirosint.
Is levothyroxine the same as thyroxine?
In this case, we have Levothyroxine which is the generic and Synthroid which is the brand name medication. But despite both of these medications having the exact same ACTIVE ingredient (thyroxine) (1), they are not the EXACT same. And even though the difference is not big, it may actually matter to certain people ...
Is T3 important for thyroid?
Remember that T3 is the most active and potent form of thyroid hormone in your body (4). So even small changes to T3 may have a big impact on certain individuals.
Do all thyroid medications contain T4?
Each of these thyroid medications falls into the class of "Thyroxines" which means they all contain T4. Even though they all contain the same medication, you may find that you do better on one versus the other. Because of this, you may need to "play around" with which medication you are using.