Levothroid

People who have an underactive thyroid or other thyroid problems may benefit from Levothroid. This prescription medication is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring hormone in the body called levothyroxine (T4). Levothroid works by boosting the thyroid hormone levels in the body. The medication comes in the form of a tablet that is typically taken once a day in the morning. Possible side effects can include insomnia and hair loss.

 

What Is Levothroid?

Levothroid® (levothyroxine sodium) is a prescription thyroid medication. It is approved to treat an underactive thyroid (known medically as hypothyroidism) and to treat a variety of thyroid problems (including certain types of thyroid cancer). Levothroid is actually a synthetic version of a certain type of thyroid hormone.
 
(Click Levothroid Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Levothroid?

Levothroid is manufactured by Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
 

How Does Levothroid Work?

Although it is synthetic, Levothroid is identical to the naturally occurring thyroid hormone levothyroxine (also known as T4). In addition to T4, the thyroid gland also makes another thyroid hormone, known as triiodothyronine (T3). Usually, the thyroid gland produces much more T4 than T3 (however, T3 is much more active than T4). The body can convert the less active T4 hormone into more of the T3 hormone as necessary. If your thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormones, there are a few different ways to increase your levels.
 
Some forms of thyroid replacement combine both T3 and T4 (such as natural thyroid replacement made from pig thyroids). However, because the body converts T4 into T3 as needed, most people can successfully take just T4 (such as Levothroid). Alternatively, just T3 can be taken (such as Cytomel®). Currently, most people just take T4 products.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;