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NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — Actress Sofia Vergara is helping to raise awareness about the importance of diagnosing and treating hypothyroidism — and adhering to prescribed medications — through a new campaign sponsored by AbbVie.
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Sofia Vergara |
Called "Follow the Script," the campaign aims to educate people with hypothyroidism about the need to follow the treatment their doctor prescribes and provides a "script" to ensure they consistently get their prescribed medication when they visit the pharmacy, according to AbbVie, the maker of Synthroid (levothyroxine sodium tablets), a prescription synthetic thyroid hormone.
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, which AbbVie said can be managed with levothyroxine.
"In 2000, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and had to have my thyroid removed. As a result, I have a hypothyroid condition and need to take medicine to treat it," Vergara said in a statement. "In my career, I’m known to ad lib and go off-script, but not when it comes to my health. I make sure to ‘Follow the Script’ so I get exactly what my doctor prescribed. This is so important to me, because you can’t enjoy what you have without your health."
To connect with the hypothyroidism community and encourage others to take an active role in maintaining health, Vergara shares her story at FollowTheScriptCampaign.com. The Follow the Script website also features interactive polls, symptom and treatment information, helpful "scripts" for speaking with the doctor and pharmacist, and stories and videos from other people with hypothyroidism.
"AbbVie is proud to work with Sofia Vergara and support this education campaign," stated Maria Rivas, vice president of global medical affairs at AbbVie. "Hypothyroidism is a complex condition that can be managed with the right tools and information. The hope and aim of this campaign is to increase awareness about hypothyroidism and empower patients to engage in dialogue and work with their health care providers throughout their treatment."
AbbVie reported that thyroid conditions, which are especially prevalent among women, affect an estimated 30 million people in the United States. About one in eight women will develop a thyroid condition in their lifetime.
