Get a Levothyroxine Prescription Online (Synthroid)

Levothyroxine is a prescription drug used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition caused by an underactive thyroid gland. It’s a synthetic version of the human hormone thyroxine. If your body is unable to produce thyroxine, a doctor may prescribe levothyroxine. It comes in tablet or capsule form and is often taken in conjunction with other medicines. While it’s primarily used to treat hypothyroidism, in some cases, it also forms part of the treatment plan for some types of thyroid cancer.

Sometimes referred to as L-thyroxine, it was originally developed in 1927 and is today second on the list of most prescribed drugs in the U.S. It’s available in brand-name and generic versions. Doctors can prescribe levothyroxine online.

Hypothyroidism is a slow-acting issue that can take several years to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. Common symptoms include:

• Tiredness
• Weight gain
• Cold sensitivity
• Muscle aches and cramps

What is Levothyroxine Prescribed For?

Levothyroxine is most commonly prescribed to treat hypothyroidism, a condition caused by an underactive thyroid gland. Though it doesn’t cure the condition, it does help to improve symptoms. It is the preferred option for the majority of people who have hypothyroidism, who typically need to treat the condition all their lives.

The drug is also used to treat goiter, which occurs when a gland becomes enlarged. Doctors may also use levothyroxine in conjunction with other medicines and surgery to treat certain types of thyroid cancer.

How Does Levothyroxine Work?

Your body’s thyroid gland naturally produces a hormone called thyroxine, which controls the body’s metabolic rate; in other words, your body’s energy use. It also plays a big role in the function of your heart and muscles, your digestion, and bone and brain health.

If you have hypothyroidism, your body will not produce enough of the thyroxine hormone, and that can cause many aspects of the body to slow down or not function as well as they should. Levothyroxine is a synthetic (man-made) version of the thyroxine hormone that your body cannot produce. It’s a way to artificially provide your body with the thyroxine hormone it needs.

What Are The Side Effects of Levothyroxine?

Some people can experience side effects when taking levothyroxine. The side effects usually occur because the prescribed dose is too high for what the body needs. Any side effects typically cease once a lower dose is taken or if treatment is stopped.

The side effects of levothyroxine are usually the same as the symptoms of hypothyroidism. These side effects can include:

• Tiredness
• Weight gain
• Cold sensitivity
• Muscle aches and cramps

If you experience side effects, speak to your primary care doctor, who will adjust the dose.

Frequently Asked Questions About Levothyroxine

How to Take Levothyroxine?

Levothyroxine should be taken once a day, ideally in the morning. It’s important to take the medicine at least thirty minutes before eating and drinking tea or coffee (or any other drink containing caffeine) since both of them can prevent levothyroxine from working as well as it could.

Most people start with a standard dose, but it’s often adjusted over time, depending on the individual’s response. If you need to take more levothyroxine, you may need to take multiple tables as part of one dosage.

What to Avoid While Taking Levothyroxine?

Some people are unable to take levothyroxine, such as people who take medications like carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, amiodarone, and estrogens. The drug can also interact with diabetes medication and warfarin. You may be able to take levothyroxine once the dosage of these two medications has been adjusted.

It’s also important to avoid certain foods and drinks, either around the time you’re taking levothyroxine or entirely. Avoid caffeine until at least thirty minutes after you’ve taken the medication. It’s best to avoid products containing calcium, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, for at least four hours before/after taking medication. Soy products, such as tofu, should not be eaten too frequently since they can prevent levothyroxine from working properly.

Can You Get Levothyroxine Over the Counter?

No, Levothyroxine is a prescription medication and cannot be obtained over the counter.

Can You Get a Levothyroxine Prescription Online?

Yes, you can get a prescription for Levothyroxine online from DrHouse, if your physician deems it appropriate during your video consultation, based on your medical history and current symptoms.

For more detailed information about levothyroxine, you can refer to the following sources:

• LEVO-T prescription label, Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Levothyroxine, Drugs.com.
• Levothyroxine, MedlinePlus

The content on this page has been medically reviewed for accuracy and comprehensiveness by Amy Dougherty, FNP-BC, AGAC