Thyroid Replacement Medications

Medications may be given to help the thyroid gland work better. The most common thyroid replacement medication is levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levothroid). Some individuals may have overactive thyroid glands. Other medications are prescribed for this condition.

What do thyroid medications do?

  • These medications help correct impaired thyroid hormone production. The thyroid gland makes hormones that affect growth, development, temperature, and appetite. Thyroid hormones are very important for nervous, muscle, and reproductive tissues to function properly.

What should I tell the healthcare professional about the individual who will be taking these medications?

  • Tell the healthcare professional about any alcohol or medications (prescriptions, or nonprescription) that the patient is taking.
  • Tell if the individual is pregnant.
  • Tell if you have observed changes in the person's skin temperature (too warm and moist or too pale, puffy, and dry), heart rate (faster or slower than usual), appetite, or mood.
  • Tell if the person becomes more nervous
  • Tell if the person is having trouble finding the right words to say or answering questions.
  • Tell if you observe changes in a female's period.

How should I give this medication and how should I store it?

  • Give these medications by mouth unless indicated on the prescription.
  • You can give these medications either with or without food unless indicated on the prescription.
  • Give these medications on time and as prescribed.
  • Store these medications at room temperature.

What side effects should I look for and report immediately?

  • Report at once any fever; increased heart rate; extreme agitation; nervousness; restlessness; coma; sudden onset of extreme nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; yellow appearance of skin; or white areas in eyes or under the tongue.

Where can I buy thyroid medications?

  • Go to On line Pharmacy on the World Wide Web and buy prescription drugs.