{"id":635824,"date":"2026-03-30T12:16:34","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T16:16:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=635824"},"modified":"2026-08-13T10:33:31","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T14:33:31","slug":"synthroid-generic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/synthroid-generic\/","title":{"rendered":"Synthroid generic availability, cost, and dosage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Synthroid<\/a> (levothyroxine) is a brand-name prescription medication used in adults and children with hypothyroidism. People prescribed Synthroid may have to take it long-term to maintain normal, healthy thyroid hormone levels. With an average cost of more than $200 for a three-month supply, some may wonder about less expensive alternatives to Synthroid, such as its generic version, levothyroxine<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

History of Synthroid generic\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Levothyroxine is a synthetic (lab-made) drug version of thyroxine (also called T4), a hormone naturally produced by the thyroid. It has been available since the 1950s, long before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required formal approval for this group of drugs. Generic levothyroxine did not receive FDA approval until 1997. A few years later, in 2002, Synthroid was approved as a brand-name medication.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\u00a0 Synthroid generic availability<\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Generic name<\/b><\/td>\nLevothyroxine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
FDA approval date of generic version<\/b><\/td>\n1997<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Is there a generic available for sale in the U.S.?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

What are the differences between generic and brand-name Synthroid?<\/h2>\n

\u201cLevothyroxine is simply the generic form of Synthroid,\u201d explains Gillian Goddard<\/a>, MD, board-certified endocrinologist and author of The Hormone Loop<\/i>. Both medications are approved to treat hypothyroidism in adults and children. Hypothyroidism<\/a> is a condition in which thyroid hormones are underactive. This is caused by conditions that affect the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus, as well as autoimmune conditions. After thyroid removal due to thyroid cancer, thyroid hormones can also be low, depending on the amount of thyroid that was removed. Synthroid and levothyroxine work by replacing the circulating thyroid hormone T4 that would have been released by the thyroid gland.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are several branded formulations of levothyroxine, and Synthroid is one of them,\u201d Dr. Goddard says. \u201cThey’re used interchangeably, and they’re all a synthetic form of thyroid hormone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although Synthroid and generic levothyroxine are prescribed for the same indications and carry the same benefits and risks, there are some differences to consider between the two products.<\/p>\n

Dosage and forms<\/h3>\n

Synthroid and levothyroxine both contain the same active ingredient, levothyroxine. \u201cBut inactive ingredients such as fillers and dyes may differ, which can affect absorption or tolerability in some patients,\u201d shares Eve Elizabeth Pennie<\/a>, MD, general practitioner and clinical research professional at DrugWatch. \u201cBoth are taken orally once daily, typically on an empty stomach, for long-term thyroid hormone replacement,\u201d she says.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Both Synthroid and levothyroxine are round tablets, but the tablet color and markings vary by dosage and drug manufacturer. Synthroid comes in doses ranging from 25 mcg to 300 mcg per tablet. Generic levothyroxine tablets vary in dosage depending on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers provide doses ranging from 13 mcg to 200 mcg<\/a> per tablet, while others have doses from 25 mcg to 300 mcg<\/a> per tablet, similar to Synthroid. The dosages most commonly prescribed are 50 mcg to 200 mcg.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Generic levothyroxine is also available in injectable solution form, but Synthroid is only available as a tablet.<\/p>\n

Side effects and risks<\/h3>\n

Synthroid and generic levothyroxine contain levothyroxine sodium, a synthetic form of the hormone thyroxine (T4). Because the active ingredient is the same, Synthroid and generic levothyroxine have the same risks. The two drugs are classified as narrow therapeutic index (NTI) drugs<\/a> by the FDA, which means small differences in dosage of these drugs can result in under- or over-treatment.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Common side effects of Synthroid and levothyroxine are symptoms of hyperthyroidism<\/a>, which may include headache, rapid or irregular heartbeat, hair loss, anxiety, muscle spasms, and unintentional weight loss. These symptoms usually signal that the dose may be too high. This is easily corrected with a change in medication dosage.<\/p>\n

For that reason, careful monitoring is needed. Adults get blood tests every six to eight weeks when starting or adjusting therapy. Infants and children may require more frequent testing, sometimes every two weeks during initiation, because their thyroid hormone needs can change quickly. If you\u2019re on levothyroxine and you experience new or returning symptoms, talk to your healthcare professional to check your thyroid labs and discuss any subsequent adjustments needed.<\/p>\n

How to switch between thyroid drugs<\/h2>\n

\u201cIn theory, there shouldn’t be any significant difference between generic levothyroxine and Synthroid,\u201d Dr. Goddard says. However, there are important considerations to be aware of if you\u2019re considering switching.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In 2004, the American Thyroid Association<\/a>, along with other medical associations, advised patients not to switch between brand-name and generic thyroxine bioequivalents<\/a> due to concerns about the variability of active ingredients. The FDA classifies drugs as bioequivalent even if they have between 80 to 125% variability<\/a> in drug exposure. For an NTI drug like levothyroxine, a 20\u201325% difference in drug dosage can mean the difference between effective management and the onset of side effects.<\/p>\n

\u201cPharmacies can switch between generic manufacturers without disclosing this to patients. So, in theory, a patient prescribed 100 mcg of levothyroxine could get roughly 80 mcg one month and upwards of 125 mcg the next month. That can result in very different blood levels of the medication,\u201d Dr. Goddard explains.<\/p>\n

More recent research and FDA investigations<\/a> have tried to address these concerns. Studies show that switching between generic products<\/a> and switching between generic and branded<\/a> levothyroxine does not result in a significant difference in safety or effectiveness for most people. One published study concluded that Synthroid was better<\/a> at managing thyroid conditions than generic levothyroxine, but it\u2019s important to note that this particular study received funding from Synthroid manufacturer AbbVie.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re switching or staying on the same drug, it\u2019s important to stay consistent with your care. Take your thyroid medication at the same time of day. It is best to take it on an empty stomach and not to eat or drink for 30 minutes afterwards. Be sure to follow up with your healthcare professional for regular testing to make sure your levels remain stable.<\/p>\n

How much does generic Synthroid cost?<\/h2>\n

One of the biggest differences between Synthroid and its generic is the cost. Brand-name Synthroid costs on average $211 for 90, 75 mcg tablets without insurance<\/a>. However, generic levothyroxine costs an average of $71 for 90, 75 mcg tablets without insurance, about a third of the cost of branded Synthroid.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not using insurance to help pay for your Synthroid or generic levothyroxine prescription, a SingleCare coupon can help you save. With a SingleCare coupon, a prescription for Synthroid can cost $155 for 90, 75 mcg tablets, while a prescription for generic levothyroxine can cost $10 for 90, 75 mcg tablets.\u00a0<\/p>\n

SingleCare coupons are free to get and easy to use at many retail pharmacies. To start, search for your prescription on the SingleCare website or app<\/a> and choose the pharmacy where you wish to have your prescription sent.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\u00a0 \u00a0Brand vs. generic Synthroid prices<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nBrand-name Synthroid<\/b><\/td>\nSynthroid generic (levothyroxine)\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Average cost without insurance<\/b><\/td>\n$212 for 90, 75 mcg tablets of brand-name Synthroid<\/td>\n$71 per 90, 75 mcg tablets of generic levothyroxine\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare\u2019s lowest price<\/b><\/td>\n$155 for 90, 75 mcg tablets of brand-name Synthroid at Kroger or Harris Teeter<\/td>\n$10 per 90, 75 mcg tablets of generic levothyroxine at Walmart\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Free coupons<\/b><\/td>\nSynthroid coupons<\/a><\/td>\nLevothyroxine coupons<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code <\/i>23666 as of March 17, 2026<\/i>. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.\u00a0<\/i><\/small><\/small><\/p>\n

Is Synthroid covered by insurance?<\/h2>\n

Yes, brand-name Synthroid may be covered by many private insurance plans. According to AbbVie<\/a>, 81% of insured people have access to Synthroid, although it doesn\u2019t specify details about coverage exactly. Synthroid may also be covered by some Medicare Part D<\/a> and Medicaid plans.\u00a0<\/p>\n

On the other hand, generic levothyroxine is usually covered by insurance and has a lower out-of-pocket cost, Dr. Pennie says.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How do you get Synthroid covered by insurance?<\/h2>\n

Some insurance plans require prior authorization<\/a> or step therapy<\/a> before they\u2019ll cover brand-name Synthroid, meaning you may need to try and fail generic levothyroxine first or show a specific insurance-approved medical reason for using brand-name Synthroid.<\/p>\n

According to AbbVie, about 65% of insured patients do not need prior authorization or step therapy for Synthroid. If additional steps are required, your healthcare professional can submit documentation explaining why the brand-name product is medically necessary and your insurance will decide if they accept this reason.<\/p>\n

Generic alternatives to Synthroid<\/h2>\n

There are both generic and branded alternatives to Synthroid. Generic levothyroxine sodium tablets are currently made by the following manufacturers:<\/p>\n