Drugs Used to Treat Thyroid Problems

Thyroid disease affects one in four women and an increasing number of men. Symptoms can be bothersome, such as weight gain, mood changes, hair loss, sensitivity to cold and sexual dysfunction, but they are easily remedied with medication. Your doctor or endocrinologist can help you choose from the current choices available, tailoring the option to your preferences and health requirements. While thyroid disease is unpleasant and increasing in today's world, it does not have to hold you back.

Synthroid

• Synthroid (synthetic thyroid) is one of the most well-known and highly prescribed thyroid hormone drugs. It is a synthetic that replaces the functions of your thyroid gland, affecting everything from weight, mood, hair and sensitivity to cold. There are varying doses of Synthroid, so your levels may be adjusted depending on symptoms. Synthroid must be taken on an empty stomach and is not advised for patients who have suffered a heart attack. There are no known side effects. A generic of this drug is not available.

Armour Thyroid

• Armour Thyroid is a natural hormone created from porcine (pig) glands to re-establish the levels in the body that the thyroid usually regulates. Armour Thyroid is used to treat underactive thyroids (hypothyroid). There are no known side effects. A generic of this drug is not available.

Nature-Throid and Westhroid

• Nature-Throid and Westhroid are natural hormone replacements for hypothyroid patients. They are hypoallergenic and contain no gluten, corn or wheat (ingredients causing more and more allergies and reactions in patients). It is created from porcine glands and meets all USDA and medical standards. There are no known side effects. A generic of this drug is not available.

Levoxyl

• Levoxyl is a synthetic hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroid patients. It replaces the thyroid hormone's tasks in the body such as regulating weight loss and body temperature. When taking Levoxyl, avoid walnuts and high-fiber foods, which may interfere with the drug's displacement throughout the body. There are no known side effects. A generic of this drug is available.

Cytomel

• Cytomel is a synthetic hormone replacement for the thyroid's functioning in your body. Do not take Cytomel if you are taking birth control or anticoagulants or have diabetes, as there may be interactive complications. There are no known side effects to Cytomel. A generic of this drug is available.