Thyroid Drug Concerns FDA

The Wall Street Journal reports on June 1, 2001 that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has told the maker of the thyroid medication Synthroid that its "history of problems" cannot allow the drug to be classified as "safe and effective".

Synthroid has been a popular drug for thyroid problems for the last forty years. During that time, the drug has never been officially approved for use. Four years ago, the FDA ruled that the makers of thyroid drugs like Synthroid would have to apply for and get FDA approval if they were going to continue marketing them.

Current FDA information on the drug indicates that it may well be taken off the market due to its checkered history of side effects.