medical IDs for synthroid

Medical IDs for the Use of Synthroid

The confidence to live with Synthroid use

Synthroid is the most widely used brand of thyroid medication in the U.S. today. In people living with hypothyroidism, a condition that occurs when the thyroid is not able to make enough of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, this synthetic (man-made) hormone helps restore the body’s thyroid levels by replacing the amount of thyroxine the body is missing.

Most people who begin using Synthroid report feeling better within a few months. While Synthroid has positive benefits for people living with hypothyroidism, this drug has known interactions with 201 medications and it can cause side effects ranging from nausea to rapid heartbeat.

This is why people using this medications should wear a MedicAlert medical ID for Synthroid.

How MedicAlert protects those living with Synthroid use

One thing you shouldn’t worry about is what could happen if there’s an emergency. MedicAlert’s protection plans offer benefits that extend beyond the ID, providing safety and peace of mind for people living with Synthroid use, their families and caregivers.

24/7 Emergency Response

Our team provides first responders the information they need to provide fast, accurate care.

Digital Health Profile

All your vital information, all in one place for you and your caregiver.

Emergency Contact Notification

In an emergency, we connect families so that no one is alone in a crisis.

Patient Instructions

Share the information that’s important to your care, such as use of rescue medications or contraindication for tests like MRIs.

Pair a medical ID for Synthroid with the protection plan that’s right for you.

What exactly is Synthroid?

Synthroid has been on the market since 1955. The drug belongs to a class of medications known as “levothyroxine.” Synthroid is a brand-name prescription for levothyroxine and the most prescribed drug to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Other brands include Levothroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint, and Unithroid.

When the thyroid is underactive, it doesn’t produce enough of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. Without enough of this hormone, slow speech, fatigue, constipation, weight gain, hair loss, thick skin, sensitivity to cold, joint and muscle pain, and depression can occur. Levothyroxine works by replacing or providing more thyroxine. Once the body’s thyroid levels are restored, symptoms are reversed.

Synthroid is so effective, that in 2000, the drug had sales exceeding $400 million. In 2018, more than $2.5 billion worth of levothyroxine overall was sold in the U.S. alone.

For which conditions is Synthroid prescribed?

Synthroid is primarily prescribed to treat hypothyroidism which can be caused by autoimmune disease (e.g., Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, iodine deficiency, and over-response to hyperthyroidism treatment. Synthroid may also be prescribed along with surgery and radioactive iodine therapy to treat thyroid cancer, and it may be used to treat an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter). 

What to engrave on MedicAlert medical IDs for Synthroid:

MedicAlert offers free custom engraving on all our Synthroid bracelets and medical ID products. Engravings on medical IDs for Synthroid should include any critical medical information that can protect and save lives in an accident or medical emergency, for example:

  • Taking Synthroid
  • Current medical condition(s)
  • Designated physician
  • Emergency contact information 
  • Any critical medical information that needs to be communicated to first responders
medical IDs for Synthroid

Sample engraving. Consult our team if you need help engraving your medical ID for Synthroid.

What are the advantages of Synthroid?

With regular use, Synthroid can reverse the effects of hypothyroidism by supplementing thyroid hormone production back to normal levels. However, Synthroid is not recommended for people with only mild subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH)—an early, mild form of hypothyroidism—or no apparent thyroid dysfunction. If you have or suspect that you have a thyroid disorder, it is critical to consult a medical professional before using Synthroid.

What are the potential side effects from Synthroid?

With regular use, Synthroid can reverse the effects of hypothyroidism by supplementing thyroid hormone production back to normal levels. However, Synthroid is not recommended for people with only mild subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH)—an early, mild form of hypothyroidism—or no apparent thyroid dysfunction. If you have or suspect that you have a thyroid disorder, it is critical to consult a medical professional before using Synthroid.

How should you manage the use of Synthroid?

If you are using Synthroid, it is important to consult with your doctor before taking any new prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines (OTCs), vitamins, or even herbal supplements. Staying in contact with your doctor about the drugs and supplements you are taking can help you avoid dangerous interactions or those that can decrease the effectiveness of Synthroid. For example, iron, calcium supplements, and antacids can lower your body’s ability to absorb levothyroxine. You should also talk to your doctor about your diet as certain foods can also decrease the effectiveness of Synthroid. Soybean flour, cottonseed meal, walnuts, dietary fiber, and grapefruit are examples. 

Synthroid and other forms of levothyroxine are typically prescribed in tablet form, with dosage amounts ranging from 25 micrograms (mcg) up to a maximum of 300 mcg. For optimal absorption into the body, Synthroid is usually taken once a day, every day, with a full glass of water on an empty stomach one-half to one hour before breakfast. 

Synthroid should not be used as a treatment for obesity, weight loss, or infertility in men (unless it is caused by hypothyroidism). It should never be combined with other drugs to treat these conditions. Larger doses of Synthroid can cause serious and even life-threatening side effects when used in combination with certain other drugs used to reduce appetite. 

Synthroid can cause fluctuations in blood and urine sugar levels, so people living with diabetes and using Synthroid should be monitored closely by their doctor. Women who have become pregnant while using Synthroid should tell their doctor right away. Dosage amounts for pregnant women are typically higher than those for women who are not pregnant. Post-menopausal women should be careful when using Synthroid as it can lead to osteoporosis (bone loss) in this population. Synthroid can also interact with certain dental and medical tests and surgeries, so it is important to tell your dentist, oral surgeon, or doctor that you are using Synthroid before taking any tests or undergoing any type of surgery.  This is wear adding medical IDs for Synthroid use comes in very handy to help inform about and track drug interactions.

Finally, if you decide to stop taking Synthroid, it is important to talk to your doctor first. In some cases, gradually reducing the amount of Synthroid you are using can help minimize any side effects associated with stopping the medication. 

How medical IDs for Synthroid combined with MedicAlert  Membership provide peace of mind

In a medical emergency, a MedicAlert medical ID can let first responders, ER doctors, and hospital staff know that you are using Synthroid. This crucial information can help your emergency care team create the safest and most effective emergency treatment plan for you. Add a MedicAlert protection plan and your MedicAlert medical ID becomes even more valuable. For people using Synthroid, a MedicAlert protection plan can help ensure fast and accurate treatment by providing extensive details about all of your current medications, all of your treatment plans, your full health profile, and any other detailed information important to your care. A medical ID for Synthroid combined with a protection plan can even connect ER doctors and staff with your designated physician and emergency contacts.
  • We’re your voice:  If you can’t speak for yourself due to a medical emergency, your ID will speak for you – informing others about your Synthroid prescription as well as any medications you’re taking.
  • 24/7 emergency protection:  In an emergency, the MedicAlert team will relay all of your critical medical information to first responders, no matter where or when your emergency happens.
  • Always connected:  You should never be alone in an emergency. That’s why MedicAlert will reach out to your designated contacts if you are unable to do so.
  • Live with peace of mind and confidence:  MedicAlert will be there for you every step of the way. You’ll have the confidence and freedom to live your life with Synthroid, knowing we’ve got you covered.

Sources: AbbVie Inc.; American Thyroid Association; Business Standard; Cleveland Clinic; Drugs.com; Mayo Clinic, National Health Service (NHS); National Library of Medicine (NLM); RXList; The New York Times-Science; WebMD

DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information in this article is presented for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.