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NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Feb. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- To further awareness about the importance of diagnosing and treating hypothyroidism, a thyroid condition that affects millions of Americans, AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) launched the Spanish-language website SigueElGuion.com. The website features information on symptoms of hypothyroidism and discusses one potential treatment option, and provides tips for speaking with a healthcare professional (HCP) about hypothyroid concerns. Additionally, the website includes a guide for how patients can communicate with a pharmacist to help ensure that the medication prescribed by the doctor is the medication received at the pharmacy.

Launched in 2013, the "Follow The Script" Campaign aims to educate individuals about hypothyroidism and, for those with the condition, about the importance of being consistent with the treatment their HCP prescribes. For the past two years, the "Follow The Script" Campaign has been led by Emmy-nominated actress and hypothyroidism patient Sofia Vergara, who has encouraged people living with the condition to share their stories. See Sofia's story and personal perspective on living with hypothyroidism at www.SigueElGuion.com.

"Hypothyroidism is highly personal, however patients can learn from one another by sharing their stories," said Jordan L. Geller, M.D., Vergara's endocrinologist. "People may experience different symptoms of hypothyroidism, but the condition can be diagnosed by a physician with a blood test. I work closely with my patients to ensure they understand their diagnosis and the medication and dose that are right for them."

Thyroid conditions affect millions of individuals in the U.S. and approximately one out of eight women will develop a thyroid condition in their lifetime. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the lower front of the neck, which produces thyroid hormones that helps regulate certain function of the body. Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland, is a common condition where the thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyroid hormone to keep the body functioning properly.

"AbbVie is proud to expand the reach of the "Follow The Script" Campaign to Spanish-speaking communities," said Maria Rivas, M.D., Vice President of Medical Affairs at AbbVie. "Hypothyroidism is a common thyroid condition that can be managed with the right resources and information. Through ongoing education efforts we hope to increase awareness about hypothyroidism and encourage patients to engage in conversations with their healthcare provider."

For English-speaking audiences, additional resources are available at www.FollowTheScriptCampaign.com.

About Synthroid

SYNTHROID^® (levothyroxine sodium tablets, USP) is a prescription, man-made thyroid hormone that is used to treat a condition called hypothyroidism, except in cases of temporary hypothyroidism, which is usually associated with an inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis). It is meant to replace a hormone that is usually made by your thyroid gland. Generally, thyroid replacement treatment is to be taken for life.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• Thyroid hormones, including SYNTHROID, should not be used either alone or in combination with other drugs for the treatment of obesity or weight loss. In patients with normal thyroid levels, doses of SYNTHROID used daily for hormone replacement are not helpful for weight loss. Larger doses may result in serious or even life-threatening events, especially when used in combination with certain other drugs used to reduce appetite.
• Do not use SYNTHROID if you have hyperthyroidism or over-active thyroid, uncorrected adrenal problems, are having symptoms of a heart attack, or are allergic to any of its ingredients.
• In women, long-term treatment with SYNTHROID has been associated with increased bone loss, especially in women who are on high doses or those who are on high doses after menopause.
• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any foods or drugs, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, are breast-feeding or are taking any other drugs, as well as prescription and over-the-counter products.
• Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you may have, especially heart disease, diabetes, blood clotting problems, and adrenal or pituitary gland problems. The dose of other drugs you may be taking to control these conditions may have to be changed while you are taking SYNTHROID. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels and/or the glucose in your urine, as ordered by your doctor and immediately tell your doctor if there are any changes. If you are taking blood thinners, your blood clotting status should be checked often.
• Use SYNTHROID only as ordered by your doctor. Do not stop or change the amount you take, or how often you take it, unless told to do so by your doctor.
• Products such as iron and calcium supplements and antacids can lower your body's ability to absorb SYNTHROID, so SYNTHROID should be taken 4 hours before or after taking these products.
• Take SYNTHROID as a single dose, preferably on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast. Your body's ability to absorb SYNTHROID is improved when you take it on an empty stomach.
• Tell your doctor if you develop any of the following symptoms: rapid or abnormal heartbeat, chest pain, difficulty catching breath, leg cramps, headache, feeling nervous, irritability, sleeplessness, shaking, change in appetite, weight gain or loss, throwing up, diarrhea, increased sweating, unable to tolerate heat, fever, changes in menstrual periods, swollen red bumps on the skin or skin rash, or any other unusual medical event.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking SYNTHROID before any surgery.
• Once your body's response to SYNTHROID has stabilized, it is important to have lab tests done, as ordered by your doctor, at least once a year.

This is the most important safety information you should know about SYNTHROID. For more information, talk with your doctor.

Please click to see full Prescribing Information or visit: www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/synthroid.pdf

Synthroid is a prescription medication. For more information, visit www.synthroid.com

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.

Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

If you cannot afford your medication, contact http://www.pparx.org for assistance.

About AbbVie

AbbVie is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company formed in 2013 following separation from Abbott Laboratories.  The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to develop and market advanced therapies that address some of the world's most complex and serious diseases.  AbbVie employs more than 26,000 people worldwide and markets medicines in more than 170 countries.  For further information on the company and its people, portfolio and commitments, please visit www.abbvie.com.  Follow @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.

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SOURCE AbbVie