Thyroid Archives

Allergic reactions to Synthroid and the symptoms

I'm looking for anyone who has had numerous symtoms of different diagnoses in relation to Synthroid for Hypothyroidism.

I was Hyperthyroid, had the Radioactive Iodine treatment done when it first came out in the 70's. The medical industry didn't know the long term side effects that point. My parents opted to try it anyway, opposed to surgery.

After the treatment, I naturally became Hypothryroid. I have been taking Synthroid (the synthetic alterternative hormone replacment) on a daily basis for 20+ years.

Only recently have I started having symptoms that relate to several different ailements, and have been misdiagnosed for many of the symtoms. A person who has so many things wrong in such a short time span ( 9 months or so ) is rare that they truly have those particular deseases.

Some of the symptoms are as follows:
* Always tired, lathargic
* Tremendous weight gain (not changing diet)
* Cramping in feet, calves, legs, and back (charlie horses)
* Hard muscles ( I don't work out )
* Digestive problems. ( Soft stool, or liquid )
* Severe Symtoms of GERD (Endoscopy shows negative)
* Severe Mood Swings
* Indications of Rheumatoid Arthritis
* Chronic Fatigue and Stress

These are just some of the symtoms I feel on a daily basis.
My father's sister, also had the same treatment for Hyperthryroidism, and now is Hypo. She experienced the same symptoms after taking Synthroid for 10 years. Her Internal Medicine doctor took her off Synthroid and placed her of Animal Thyroid Replacement Hormones. She has never felt better, and feels like "herself" again.

I am suspecting I too, have developed an Allergic reaction or Intolerance to Synthroid.

My question is: Has anyone else had to deal with this problem, as this hasn't even been submitted to the AMA for review or Journaled.

I also don't know how to approach my physician with this information, as he already thinks I am on the border of being a "Hypocondriac" (sp)? !!!!!! Which I'm not!!

Please respond as soon as possible, as I have to have relief.!
Thank you so much.
Maggie.

Follow Ups:

• Re: Allergic reactions to Synthroid and the symptoms (Archive.) Walt Stoll 07:58:06 9/22/02 (0)
• Re: Allergic reactions to Synthroid and the symptoms mirtha 06:52:13 9/22/02 (0)
• Re: Allergic reactions to Synthroid and the symptoms Cheezi 02:05:35 9/22/02 (0)

In Reply to: Allergic reactions to Synthroid and the symptoms posted by Maggie on September 21, 2002 at 14:47:52:

I was on Synthroid for about 11yrs, Maggie. I didn't have the hard muscles nor Rheumatoid Arthritis (although I do have arthritic changes in my fingers and a toe), but I had at least a bit of everything else you mentioned. Your friend is probably using Armour thyroid medication. It comes from pigs.

In Reply to: Allergic reactions to Synthroid and the symptoms posted by Maggie on September 21, 2002 at 14:47:52:

Some ppl. can be allergic to the dye used to color the dif. dosage levels. In the States you can get synthroid with no dyes. I been told that you cant in Canada (drats!!!) Also in the States Synthroid has been involved in some legal battle, something about it not being a consistent drug,something about it not getting proper approval years ago, I dont know the details, go to about.com, chk. out Mary Shomon's thyroid site, its the place to go if you have thyroid prob.s I do hope you find the solution quickly. I too have hypo. and for whatever reason develop allergies to so many dif. things, apparently quite common, it you have added any new drugs since feeling the way you do, include vits/min. consider that as well. If you can figure out what changes you made at the time of your not so great changes it will help you, a move to a dif. place, diet changes, etc. etc. Also my mom had RAI in the 70's and has never had a prob.

In Reply to: Allergic reactions to Synthroid and the symptoms posted by Maggie on September 21, 2002 at 14:47:52:

Hi, Maggie.

Listen to Cheezi.

Since it is now well recognized by everyone but Abbott Laboratories (the manufacturer of Synthroid), that it is the worst thyroid replacement substance on the market, why does your doc still have you on it?

If switching you to Armour Thyroid (more difficult for your doc to use) does not resolve your symptoms, I would suggest your next step is serious wellness (see the archives).

Let us know how you do.

Walt