Running head: LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM (SYNTHROID)

Living a healthy lifestyle cannot always prevent individuals from getting ill. An example of this is hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is characterized by the lack of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, being produced by the thyroid gland. One way to combat this condition is through medication. Synthroid has been prescribed to individuals who suffer from Hypothyroidism to treat their symptoms so that they can live full lives. Synthroid Synthroid, also known as Levothyroxine sodium, is a synthetic hormone used to replace the thyroxine hormone that the thyroid gland makes naturally. And is a prescribed medication used to treat hypothyroidism. Synthroid is available in twelve different dosages, ranging from 25 micrograms (mcg) to 300 mcg (Abbvie, 2013). In order to counteract the symptoms of Hypothyroidism, one tablet should be taken daily preferably for the rest of the patients life. Target Audience for Synthroid Hypothyroidism is a condition can happen to anyone. But there are certain groups who have a higher risk of getting hypothyroidism. These groups include pregnant women and those who have had their thyroid or a part of it removed. Physical symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, cold intolerance, swelling in the extremities as well as around the eyelids and face, dry rough hands and feet, menstrual irregularities, muscle aches and weakness, joint aches and stiffness, clumsiness, hyper stiff reflexes decreased pulse and decreased blood pressure. The cognitive symptoms of hypothyroidism are a reduced attention span, memory impairment, slowed speech, and loss of initiative, depression agitation and paranoia (Elsevier: Mosby, 2013, pp. 887-888).

LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM (SYNTHROID)

For women who had hypothyroidism prior to their pregnancy or those who have it only for the duration of their pregnancy, if left untreated, hypothyroidism can have serious repercussions on both the mother and the child. These repercussions include miscarriage, low birth weight and still birth preeclampsia (AbbVie Inc, 2013) - which is characterized by high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine and if left untreated, preeclampsia may lead to many serious problems, including eclampsia which can cause violent seizures in the mother (Elsevier: Mosby, 2013, p. 1441). If the mother had hypothyroidism prior to pregnancy, her dosage of Synthroid may need to be increased during her pregnancy and have her blood checked by her doctor every six to eight weeks (AbbVie Inc, 2013). People may have their thyroid removed for various reasons. These include thyroid cancer, Gravess disease and if there are any lumps on the thyroid. With the removal of the thyroid, the body is no longer provided with the thyroid hormone, resulting total loss of thyroid function (AbbVie Inc, 2013). With this loss of thyroid of function and the resulting hypothyroidism the patient must take thyroid replacement medication for the rest of their life. Teaching Plan for Synthroid When looking developing a teaching plan for Synthroid, one must look at the target population, any possible barriers and any special teaching considerations that they may require. A common barrier to learning in pregnant women and people just out of surgery would be an overload of information. Therefore, the most effective way of educating them would be through written material by means of a brochure or a pamphlet that can give them the pertinent information and key points should be emphasized by using bold font, repetition or both. The font of the take away information would be large enough so that no one could have any trouble

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reading it and worded as to be easy to read. This means that abbreviations should not be used and any technical language should be defined or explained. The teaching plan would include information such as symptoms of hypothyroidism, information about Synthroid, the benefits, side effects of Synthroid, additional resources and information of when to call their doctor. Information regarding hypothyroidism would be best distributed in pregnancy and fertility clinics, the doctors office, and womens health clinics. This will ensure that women who are already pregnant will be aware of what may happen and those who are planning on becoming pregnant will be aware of the possible risks. This will also ensure that those who are going in for thyroid surgery or are considering it will have access to the information and be able to prepare themselves for the time when they will be dependent on a drug to keep their physical and cognitive well being in balance. For those who suffer from hypothyroidism, whether it be on a temporary or permanent basis it can be hard coming to terms with the fact that the body is no longer producing a hormone integral to the proper functioning of the body. The patient may also have difficulty overcoming some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as depression, before the drug has had a chance to fully integrate and replace the thyroid hormone. It may also prove challenging for a patient to be reliant on a drug for the rest of their lives. Some factors that can affect learning is motivation, environment, support, and a readiness to learn. The use of support groups would also benefit the patient greatly, especially if they are having a hard time adjusting to the change. Conclusion Hypothyroidism is not a condition that can be avoided by living a healthy lifestyle. The consequences of leaving it left untreated are severe. But if the patient follows the prescribed

LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM (SYNTHROID)

medical information and makes Synthroid a part of their everyday lives, they can live a full and happy life. In order to ensure the use and adherence to therapy, support groups, drug teaching plans, support groups and speaking to trusted medical professionals can help the patient make informed decisions.