Synthroid Information Center

By Mary Shomon, About.com Guide

Updated: June 19, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

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Chronological Synthroid Information

March 2003 -- FDA Opens Door for Generic Synthroid: But Will You Want It? -- The FDA turns down Abbott's request, clearing the way for bioequivalent generic Synthroid.
February 2003 -- Abbott Fights Synthroid Going Generic -- Synthroid is now eligible to go generic...but will it? Will its manufacturer let it happen?
February 2003 -- Synthroid Lawsuit Update -- If you filed several years ago to be part of the class action lawsuit against Synthroid, are you still waiting for your check?
MAJOR NEWS: July 24, 2002 -- Synthroid Receives FDA Approval -- Almost two years past the FDA's initial deadline, and five years after the initial request to submit new drug applications, Synthroid has finally received approval
July 2002 -- Almost 3 Million Levoxyl Tablets Recalled -- Old formulation Levoxyl faces additional recalls, 3 million pills affected
June 2002 --- Levoxyl Recalls and Stability Questions -- As market share rises, old formulation Levoxyl faces recalls for potency and stability
Synthroid Lawsuit Update, March 2002 -- Settlement is not finalized, and payments are still on hold for patients participating in the class action suit
Mova-T Levothyroxine Approved, March 2002 -- Generic levothyroxine producer gains FDA approval for its Levo-T product
Levoxyl's Reformulation: What You Need to Know, Feb. 2002 -- Fast-dissolving formula is causing problems for some patients. Here are some things to know about how to take the reformulated new Levoxyl.
August 7, 2001 -- Synthroid Lawsuit Payment Update
A status update from an Abbott Laboratories representative regarding when members of the Synthroid class action suit can expect payment.
August 1, 2001 -- Abbott Files New Drug Application for Synthroid)
Abbott Laboratories filed with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) its long-awaited new drug application (NDA) for Synthroid putting an end to speculation that Synthroid might not submit in time, and face total withdrawal from the market.
July 23, 2001 -- Trouble for An Old Standby (Article on Synthroid from the Los Angeles Times)
In an detailed article that quotes from an interview with Mary Shomon, Los Angeles Times health writer Shari Roan looks at how, as she says, "the FDA is throwing thyroid patients, their doctors and many a pharmacist into a tizzy."
July 20, 2001 -- Press Release: Court Prohibits Watson From Making Misleading Representations About Synthroid
Official Abbott press release about court ruling to limit statement of Watson regarding Synthroid.
[U]July 17, 2001 -- Today Show Covers Synthroid[/u]
The Today Show on Tuesday, July 17, 2001 featured a segment with host Katie Couric interviewing Paul Ladenson, M.D., head of the American Thyroid Association. Ladenson, whose group relies on funding from the manufacturers of Synthroid, presented an optimistic picture of the current Synthroid situation that was consistent with his organization's vocal support for Synthroid, as demonstrated by the press release on their site.
July 14, 2001 -- Thyroid drug's demise possible (The Tampa Tribune)
In an detailed article that quotes About.com's thyroid guide Mary Shomon, Tampa Tribune health writer Patty Ryan takes an in-depth look at whether Synthroid's "days are numbered."
July 12, 2001 -- Synthroid Faces Production Phase-Out, Per FDA, Until August 2003 Total Phase-Out
Is it a defeat, a symbolic hand-slapping, or victory for Synthroid? And what does this mean for patients? Find out in this exclusive look at the new FDA guidance.
July 12, 2001 -- Synthroid Setback: FDA Says Companies May Have to Cut Thyroid Drug Distribution (ABC News)
Among those affected could be the popular drug Synthroid.
July 12, 2001 -- Gray Panthers' Press Release: Consumer Claims Against Synthroid Vindicated by FDA, According to Gray Panthers
Abbott Laboratories' product to be withdrawn from the market.
July 11, 2001 -- Abbott Labs/Synthroid Press Release: FDA Guidance on Levothyroxine Sodium Products Assures Synthroid® (Levothyroxine Sodium, USP) Will Remain on Market While NDA Reviewed
Abbott states that it will submit NDA for Synthroid in advance of deadline, confident that application willdemonstrate safety, efficacy of Synthroid.
June 23, 2001 -- Letter to Wall Street Journal from Mary Shomon, re: AACE
Mary Shomon's response to Rhoda Cobin's letter, pointing out that AACE, the group Dr. Cobin represents, has financial ties to Synthroid that may be influencing their public support for the product.
June 22, 2001 -- AACE Defends Synthroid in Letter to Editor of Wall Street Journal
In a letter to the editor, responding to the June 1, 2001 Wall Street Journal article about concerns regarding Synthroid, Rhoda H. Cobin, M.D., President of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, an organization that receives funding from Synthroid's manufacturers, again comes to bat for the beleaguered drug.

Key Resources

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