Can You Get Levothyroxine (generic Synthroid) Online?

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Allison Edwards, Sesame Medical Director.

Yes! Thanks to convenient telehealth platforms like Sesame you can get a prescription for levothyroxine online in minutes from a trusted doctor. Following a video consultation or in-person doctor appointment, doctors can write prescriptions for medication or refill an existing prescription. Note that doctors on Sesame cannot write prescriptions for controlled substances. Sesame offers same-day in-person and telehealth visits with real quality doctors who can chat with you about your condition and determine the best treatment options for your condition or symptoms.

Visit www.sesamecare.com to find a health care provider, book an appointment that’s convenient for you, and talk to your doctor about your condition.

What is levothyroxine?

Levothyroxine belongs to a class of medication known as hormone replacements. This prescription drug contains synthetic hormones usually produced by the thyroid glands - glands in your neck that help stabilize weight, regulate metabolism, and maintain mental health.

Why do doctors prescribe levothyroxine?

Most commonly, this hormone replacement medication is commonly prescribed to treat hypothyroidism, a condition in which the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone to properly regulate metabolism and weight. In addition to its usage in thyroid replacement therapy, levothyroxine has also been shown to be an effective treatment for thyroid cancer when coupled with other forms of therapy.

When the thyroid is unable to produce adequate amounts of hormones, either due to cancer, inflammation, autoimmune disease, or surgical removal of the thyroid, it may cause serious health problems throughout the rest of the body. Common signs of an underactive thyroid include weight gain, depression, fatigue, constipation, thickening of hair on the body, and other symptoms. For patients with hypothyroidism, levothyroxine is prescribed to supply the body with the level of thyroid hormone it needs. Levothyroxine supplements - and in some cases, completely replaces - your body’s diminished supply of thyroid hormone.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, is a disorder in which your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough hormones to meet your body’s needs. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck which produces hormones that control how your body uses energy by changing the way your body behaves on a microscopic, cellular level. These important hormones control many of your body’s most important functions including your metabolism, breathing, heart rate, digestion, and mood. When your thyroid slows down, these functions can be negatively affected.

How does levothyroxine work?

Levothyroxine supplies the body directly with a synthetic form of thyroid hormone, the natural chemicals responsible for regulating your body’s metabolism. People managing hypothyroidism are either unable to produce adequate amounts of these hormones, or they are unable to produce them at all - which causes significant health problems throughout the body. Levothyroxine acts as a supplement for your underactive thyroid gland, helping supply the necessary amount of thyroid hormone to your body.

How should levothyroxine be taken?

Levothyroxine is commonly administered as a once-daily oral tablet, ideally taken at least 30 minutes before breakfast on an empty stomach. Levothyroxine is typically produced in tablets ranging from 25 to 300 mcg. The specific dosage prescribed will depend on the severity of the patient’s thyroid condition, as well as their age, weight, and health history.

Do not crush or chew tablets. Swallow the oral tablet whole with water on an empty stomach.

How long does it take for levothyroxine to work?

In most cases, individuals undergoing thyroid replacement therapy with levothyroxine will begin to notice effects within 4-6 weeks. This timeframe may vary depending on your age, weight, health history, and the severity of any thyroid conditions you may be managing. Your clinician will likely advise you to get a blood test about 4-6 weeks after starting or changing your dose of levothyroxine to see if the medication is working as desired.

It is important to keep taking your scheduled dosage, even if you do not immediately feel its effects. Do not increase dosage or discontinue the use of levothyroxine without consulting your doctor first. Sudden discontinuation of dosage may result in symptoms recurring, or the thyroid condition worsening.

What are the most common side effects of levothyroxine?

It is important to remember that, regardless of potential side effects, doctors prescribe levothyroxine because the benefits of hormone replacement therapy generally outweigh mild reactions to the medication.

Rare, but potentially serious adverse effects of levothyroxine include arrhythmias, myocardial infarction (heart attack), dyspnea, muscle spasms, headache, nervousness, irritability, insomnia, tremors, muscle weakness, increased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, heat intolerance, menstrual irregularities, and skin rash.

If you experience any of the reactions listed above, talk to your doctor. If you experience symptoms of heart arrhythmia, spasms, or skin rash seek medical attention right away.

This is not a complete list of side effects associated with levothyroxine. For a complete list of levothyroxine side effects, visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed page for more information.

Can you buy levothyroxine online?

Yes, it’s legal and possible to get a prescription for levothyroxine online by scheduling an appointment with a licensed medical provider. Fortunately, there are trusted telehealth marketplaces like Sesame where you can find top-reviewed doctors online and near you, schedule appointments, and, if appropriate, get a prescription for levothyroxine at the lowest cash price.

During your appointment, your doctor or provider will assess your medical condition and, if appropriate, write you a prescription. Please note that all prescriptions are at the sole discretion of your provider.

Schedule an appointment today to talk to a doctor about an online prescription for levothryroxine (generic Synthoid).

Sources:

Mayo Clinic. Levothyroxine. Accessed 12/2/2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs/levothyroxine-oral/drg-20072133?p=1

MedlinePlus. Levothyroxine. Accessed 12/2/2021. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682461.html

DailyMed. Levothyroxine. Accessed 12/2/2021. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=686ba2cf-7651-44de-9b4d-eeaaf2a0e364

Prescription appointment for levothyroxine (generic Synthroid)

Talk to a doctor today about a new prescription or refill for levothyroxine (generic Synthroid), if appropriate.

Skip carousel section: Prescription appointment for levothyroxine (generic Synthroid)
Jump to top of carousel section: Prescription appointment for levothyroxine (generic Synthroid)

Medical disclaimer

Sesame content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have a medical concern, it is critical to seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions. If you are facing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.