The thyroid is a small gland located below the skin and muscles at the front of the neck, just at the spot where a bow tie would rest. To do its job, the thyroid needs a chemical element called iodine that the body absorbs from the foods you eat and the water you drink. Thyroid disease occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't supply the proper amount of hormones needed by the body. Although they are two different conditions, in both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism the thyroid can become larger than normal. Thyroid hormone medications are given when blood tests indicate you have hypothyroidism.
Generic Synthroid is used for treating low thyroid activity and treating or suppressing different types of goiters. It is also used with surgery and other medicines for managing certain types of thyroid cancer.
More info »If your thyroid is underactive, your doctor will prescribe a small dose to start your treatment and increase the dose as your thyroid gland becomes progressively inactive. If this medication is prescribed as a result of a total thyroidectomy, your treating doctor will determine the initial dose. Taking calcium supplements and thyroid medication at the same time may reduce the amount of thyroid medication your body gets. Certain medications can affect the way thyroid medications work. People taking some anticonvulsant medications and antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis need to see their health professional often to make sure they are getting the correct dose of thyroid hormone medication. Thyroid hormone medications control symptoms of hypothyroidism but will not reverse the mental disabilities. Too much thyroid hormone medication can increase bone loss.