Levothyroxine Online Prescription

Levothyroxine - An Overview

Levothyroxine sodium (T4) is a medication sometimes prescribed to people for hypothyroidism and conditions causing pituitary thyrotropin suppression. Through Push Health, people in need of a levothyroxine prescription can connect with a licensed medical provider who can prescribe the medication when appropriate to do so.

What Is Levothyroxine Used For?

Levothyroxine, marketed under the brand names Euthyrox, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Tirosint, Unithroid, and others, is a medication used to replace low thyroid hormone (T4) in the body. The body converts T4 to the more active T3 as needed.

Levothyroxine is commonly prescribed for the treatment of primary hypothyroidism (including Hashimoto's thyroiditis) and other causes of thyroid hormone deficiency. It is also used in specific cases when there is a need for TSH suppression after certain thyroid cancers and goiters. It is not used as a weight-loss medicine in people with normal thyroid function. The adequacy of therapy with levothyroxine is typically assessed through periodic monitoring of T4 and TSH test levels in addition to clinical status. Levothyroxine and a similar medication, liothyronine, differ in that levothyroxine is T4 while its counterpart is T3 thyroid hormone. Both hormones are found in Armour Thyroid medication.

What Is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism - also called underactive thyroid - is a common condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It is typically diagnosed with blood tests - typically a TSH test - and sometimes additional tests. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, hair thinning, brain fog, and low mood. Symptoms overlap with many other conditions, so labs matter.

Levothyroxine - Dosage and Cost

Levothyroxine tablets come in many strengths (commonly 25 mcg to 200+ mcg). Dose depends on age, weight, pregnancy status, heart disease, and other medicines. Full symptom improvement and TSH stabilization often takes 6-8 weeks after a start or dose change

Generic levothyroxine is usually very inexpensive (often only cents per tablet. A month's supply commonly costs under $10. Branded products such as Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint, and Unithroid typically cost more. Levothyroxine coupons may be available from the manufacturer or other sources.

Brand vs. Generic

Euthyrox, Levoxyl, Synthroid and Tirosint are all branded versions of levothyroxine. Many patients do well on generic. Because levothyroxine has a narrow therapeutic window, staying on the same product is important for most people. TSH levels often need to be rechecked after switching.

Can I Buy Levothyroxine Online?

Levothyroxine requires a prescription from a licensed medical provider to be dispensed in the United States and is not available over the counter. Push Health connects people who are in need of a levothyroxine prescription with licensed medical providers who can prescribe the medication to a local pharmacy or for delivery when appropriate to do so.

When and How to Take Levothyroxine

Common recommendations on how to take levothyroxine:

• Once daily at a consistent time
• In the morning on an empty stomach (30-60 minutes before food or coffee)
• Alternatively, at bedtime (3-4 hours after the last meal)

Coffee, calcium, iron, antacids, bile-acid binders, soy, and high-fiber loads can reduce absorption if taken too close to the dose. In these situations, try and avoid taking the medication within 4 hours.

Medications that reduce levothyroxine absorption (take at least 4 hours apart):

• Antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum (Tums, Maalox, Mylanta)
• Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole)
• Cholestyramine and colestipol (bile acid sequestrants)
• Sucralfate (Carafate)
• Ferrous sulfate (iron tablets)
• Calcium carbonate supplements

Medications that may require dose adjustment:

• Rifampin and certain other antibiotics
• Phenytoin and carbamazepine (seizure medications)
• Certain HIV antiretrovirals
• Estrogen-containing medications (oral contraceptives, hormone therapy)

Patients should inform their prescribing provider and pharmacist of all supplements, vitamins, and medications before starting levothyroxine. TSH monitoring helps detect when absorption changes have affected dosing adequacy.

Levothyroxine - Side Effects

When taken at the correct dose for an individual patient, levothyroxine is generally well tolerated and causes minimal side effects. The goal of levothyroxine therapy is to restore normal thyroid hormone levels. In most patients, correct dosing results in symptom relief rather than side effects. Excessive levothyroxine use can cause symptoms consistent with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), including palpitations, increased heart rate, heat intolerance, increased sweating, anxiety, tremor, weight loss, and insomnia. Signs of insufficient levothyroxine can cause symptoms consistent with hypothyroidism, including fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and brain fog.

Patients with a known allergy to levothyroxine or any inactive ingredient in the tablet formulation should not use levothyroxine. Gelcap formulations such as Tirosint contain fewer inactive ingredients and may be appropriate for patients with sensitivities to tablet excipients. Levothyroxine is not recommended during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis or for the suppression of benign thyroid nodules in iodine-sufficient patients. Chronic heavy alcohol use can affect thyroid function and TSH levels and patients interested in alcohol consumption while using levothyroxine should discuss possible issues with their medical provider.

How to Get a Levothyroxine Prescription with Push Health

1. Complete a brief health intake. Describe your symptoms, any recent lab results, current medications, and relevant medical and thyroid history.
2. Connect with a licensed medical provider. A provider will review your information and evaluate whether levothyroxine is appropriate for your situation. Same-day consultations are available.
3. Receive your prescription electronically. When appropriate, your provider will send a prescription to a pharmacy of your choice - no office visit required.
4. Pick up your medication. Generic levothyroxine is available at most retail pharmacies, typically under $10 for a 30-day supply. A follow-up TSH test approximately 6-8 weeks after starting or changing your dose may be necessary to confirm the dose is appropriate.

No health insurance or subscription is required. Medical providers are available now.

More Levothyroxine Information

• Levothyroxine - Medline