Levothyroxine

"I've been feeling so sluggish lately and I've noticed my hair thinning and my nails are more brittle."
Have you had your thyroid checked? I experienced similar symptoms and I have hypothyroidism."
"No I haven't, but it seems like I'll need to. How do you treat hypothyroidism?
"I take levothyroxine also called Synthroid 50mcg/day 30 minutes before breakfast with a glass of water."
"Is it helping?"
"Yes. I started noticing improvement in my symptoms 2 weeks after starting it and the full effect 2 months later."
"Are there any reasons why I shouldn't take levothyroxine?"
"Some contraindications are acute MI, Thyrotoxicosis, and uncorrected adrenal insufficiency."
"Are there any drug interactions? What are the side effects?"
"Antacids, calcium, and iron supplements can decrease levothyroxine absorption. Some adverse effects are tachycardia, tremor, headache, and diarrhea."
"How much does it cost?"
"I pick up my prescription from Walgreens for $12.05. I also know someone who pays $4.00 at Walmart."