Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking synthroid as follows:
- Synthroid is mainly metabolized in the liver and kidney, with significant elimination performed by the kidneys. If liver and kidney functions are deficient, metabolism and excretion of synthroid could be slowed down, leading to increased risk for side-effects and toxicity with the medication. So, observe compliance with any regular labs ordered for evaluation of liver and kidney functions.
- Synthroid use can sometimes result in gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea. The diarrhea, secondary to synthroid use, usually is self-limiting and resolve over a period of time. Occasionally it can be unresolved and continue longer. Report any unresolved diarrhea to your physician. Observe compliance with recommendations on fluid supplementation, to help replace fluid loss due to diarrhea.
- Synthroid intake can sometimes result in overstimulation of cells of the nervous system and lead to rapid reflexes, racing thoughts, mood swings, nervousness, irritability, headache, and in extreme cases even seizures. Report any of these findings to your doctor for a possible change in plan of care.
- Prolonged synthroid use can result in increased rate of overall metabolism and consequently, contribute to rapid bone turn over, leading to bone demineralization, loss of bone density, thus increasing the risk for osteoporosis and pathological fractures of skeleton. Any unresolving skeletal pain should be reported, to be evaluated for a possible pathological fracture. Periodical labs and bone scans with administration of calcium supplements, can help early diagnosis of osteoporosis and prevent bone demineralization and fractures.
