Highlights
- Hypothyroidism medications help to balance thyroid hormone levels.
- Medications for hypothyroidism work by boosting your levels of thyroid hormone(s) with either natural or synthetically manufactured hormones.
- The most common thyroid medication is the synthetic hormone levothyroxine.
- Side effects of thyroid medications are rare when you have found the right dose and stick to your medication schedule.
- BidRx can help you get the best prices for thyroid medications.
Hypothyroidism describes a condition where your thyroid gland does not produce enough of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) your body needs. You can’t cure this condition, but you can treat it with medications for hypothyroidism. Finding the right hypothyroidism medication and the right dose can help you to take back control of your health.
Hypothyroid Medications
Hypothyroidism can be treated but can’t be cured. This condition is treated by supplementing missing thyroid hormone(s) with thyroid medications. Most people start to feel better shortly after identifying the right dosage to balance their hormone levels.
Hypothyroidism medications fall into two categories:
- Synthetic thyroid hormone. These preparations are manufactured in a laboratory. The daily treatment supplements missing thyroid hormone(s) to restore balance to your hormone levels.
- Natural thyroid hormone. These preparations are derived from animal thyroid. The hormone is usually taken from pigs. Natural thyroid hormone medication is known as desiccated thyroid.
Most people need to supplement the thyroxine (T4) hormone. However, some people benefit from supplementing the triiodothyronine (T3) hormone or a combination of T3 and T4 hormones. Your provider can help you to identify the best medication and the best dosage to balance your hormone levels.
Synthetic Thyroid Hormone
The standard treatment for hypothyroidism is oral synthetic thyroid hormone. Oral pills are taken daily at a dose prescribed by your doctor. It can take time to find the right dosage to balance your hormone levels.
The most common treatment for hypothyroidism is synthetic thyroxine, also known as levothyroxine. This synthetic thyroid hormone is identical to the T4 hormone, which is converted to T3 in the body. Other synthetic thyroid medications work by supplementing T3 or a combination of T4 and T3 hormones.
Examples of synthetic thyroid hormone medications include:
- Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, others)
- Liothyronine (Cytomel)
- Liotrix (Thyrolar-1)
Natural Thyroid Hormone
Natural (desiccated) thyroid hormone is derived from animal thyroid glands. It works similarly to synthetic thyroid hormone to supplement low thyroid hormone levels. Unlike synthetic thyroid levothyroxine, these medications contain both thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Desiccated thyroid is available as a prescription. It’s available under several brand names. The most common are:
Warning and Contraindications for Thyroid Medications
Thyroid medications are safe for most people with low thyroid hormone levels. Thyroid medications should never be taken by someone without thyroid problems. Taking high doses of thyroid medications can result in death.
Most pregnant people can continue to take their thyroid medication. However, it’s important to contact your provider and to monitor your hormone levels closely if you become pregnant while taking medication for hypothyroidism. Your provider should also monitor your TSH levels throughout your pregnancy.
Side Effects for Thyroid Medications
Most people don’t experience side effects from thyroid medications once they find the right dosage. Side effects typically indicate that you haven’t yet found the correct dosage to balance your hormone levels. If you develop side effects, speak to your provider about checking your thyroid hormone levels.
Potential side effects include:
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dull, lifeless, or brittle hair
- Fast heartbeat
- Heat sensitivity
- Hunger
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Weight loss
Drug Interactions for Thyroid Medications
Certain drugs, supplements, or foods can interact with your thyroid medication or make it harder to absorb the hormone(s). For example, eating a high-fiber diet or large amounts of soy products can make it difficult to absorb your thyroid medication.
To avoid adverse drug interactions, always tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you take.
Potential interactions include:
- Aluminum hydroxide, which is found in some antacids
- Calcium supplements
- Iron supplements or multivitamins containing iron
- Certain prescription medications:
- Oral contraceptives
- Estrogen
- Testosterone
- Anti-seizure medications
- Cholesterol-lowering medications
- Some antidepressants
There are many supplements on the market claiming to support thyroid health. Taking these can be risky. Supplements are unregulated and may contain undisclosed thyroid hormones. Taking these supplements with your thyroid medication can lead to toxicity.
Special Considerations for Thyroid Medications
Thyroid medications should be taken only as prescribed. Talk to your provider about special considerations for your health, lifestyle, and other medications you take.
Other considerations vary by category and medication, including:
- Synthetic thyroid hormone considerations. Stick with your medication type, brand, and dosage as instructed by your provider. You should never skip doses and should take your medication at the same time every day.
- Natural thyroid hormone considerations. Natural thyroid hormone medications should only be taken if prescribed. Glandular concentrates sold in natural food stores are not the same product and should not be taken in place of your prescription. These concentrate products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Levothyroxine considerations. Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach and at the same time every day. If you miss a dose of this medication, you should take two pills the next day.
Best Prices for Thyroid Medications with BidRx
We can help you find the lowest prices available for your thyroid medication. BidRx works by inviting pharmacies to compete to offer the best price.
How BidRx Works
BidRx is easy to use. After signing up, you can create a bid, and pharmacies across the U.S. will compete for your business. You simply compare prices and select a pharmacy. You can choose a neighborhood pharmacy or have your prescriptions delivered to your doorstep from anywhere in the country.
BidRx partners with local drug stores as well as mail-order, online, and specialty pharmacies. Create a bid today, and let us help you find the best bargain on your thyroid medication.
