The thyroid is an important gland that regulates the balance of the body. Sometimes, due to hypothyroidism or problems with the pituitary gland, the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to function. It is even possible that surgery or radiation keeps it from producing any hormone at all. Thyroid replacement medication is given to those with a low or non-functioning thyroid.
How It Works
Thyroid replacement medication is a synthetic version of the body's own thyroid hormone. It is taken daily in pill form.
Medications Available
There are eight medications that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as thyroid replacement medication. They are available by prescription as Unithroid, L-Thyroxin, Levo-T, Levoxyl, Novothyrox, Synthroid, Levothroid and Levolet.
Dosage
Thyroid replacement medication needs to be monitored every few months with blood work to test the levels of TSH and T4. The medication is adjusted as needed until levels are normal.
Interactions
There are some medications that can interact with . Hormones (estrogen, testosterone and birth control pills), cholesterol-lowering and anti-seizure medications, as well as anti-depressants can interfere with the levels of thyroid medication. In addition, the pills should be taken on an empty stomach and not at the same time as soy, calcium or iron.
Long-Term Effects
The majority of those who begin taking thyroid replacement medication need to take it the rest of their lives. While doses may be lowered, they are rarely discontinued.
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