The first thing you need to know about thyroid drugs is that they are all basically thyroid hormone replacements-they give you the thyroid hormone that your body is not producing on its own so that you can begin to function more normally. It is helpful to get information on thyroid drugs of all kinds so that you know what your treatment options are.
The most common thyroid drug is a synthetic hormone called levothyroxine. This thyroid drug, which is sold under many names including:
Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid and Unithroid, is a synthetic replacement of thyroxine, also known as T4. This is one of the thyroid hormones, which is converted into another hormone, called triiodothyronine or T3, in the body.
If treatment with levothyroxine is not enough, doctors can add a second thyroid drug, liothyronine (sold as Cytomel) to improve thyroid function. If the body isn't converting enough of the synthetic T4 into T3, supplementation with a synthetic T3 like liothyronine may be helpful.
Liotrix is another of the synthetic thyroid drugs. This one is a combination of T3 and T4, giving you both hormones in one drug. For a natural alternative, your doctor may recommend natural thyroid, which is actually derived from pig thyroid. It contains the full range of thyroid hormones, not just T3 and T4, so it's thought to be the most effective treatment. It's sold under the name Armour thyroid.
Regardless of the drug you are using, the main information on thyroid drugs you need to know is how to take them. Thyroid drugs are tricky because many things can slow or impair their absorption, from calcium to estrogen. It is important to talk to your doctor about all the prescriptions and supplements you are taking so you can devise a plan that will give you the maximum benefit.
Doctors often recommend that patients take their thyroid drugs first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach and about an hour before eating. You should also avoid taking vitamins or consuming anything with added calcium, such as fortified orange juice, within two hours of taking your thyroid drug.
To learn about other medicines that can have a negative effect when taken with prescription drugs for hypothyroidism visit information on thyroid drugs.
Monica Villarreal and Gail Kaufman are editors at lowthyroidhelp.com. To learn more about medicines for low thyroid visit: prescription drugs for low thyroid.
To learn about tasty foods that unlock the metabolism and help you burn body fat visit: low thyroid help.
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