levothyroxine – oral, Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid

WARNING: This medication should not be used for weight loss. Normal doses will not work for weight loss, and large doses may cause serious, possibly fatal side effects, especially when taken with diet pills.

USES: Levothyroxine treats an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured or removed by surgery. Having enough thyroid hormone is important for maintaining normal mental and physical activity. In children, having enough thyroid hormone is important for normal mental and physical development. This medication also treats other types of thyroid disorders, such as certain types of goiters and thyroid cancer. It should not be used to treat infertility unless it is caused by low thyroid hormone levels.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast. Take this medication with a full glass of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. If you are taking the capsule form, swallow it whole. Do not split, crush, or chew. People who cannot swallow the capsule whole should use the tablet form. For infants or children who cannot swallow whole tablets, crush the tablet and mix in 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 milliliters) of water, and give using a spoon or dropper immediately. Do not prepare a supply in advance or mix the tablet in soy infant formula. Dosage is based on your age, weight, medical condition, laboratory test results, and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting with your doctor. Thyroid replacement treatment is usually taken for life. There are different brands of levothyroxine available. Do not change brands without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Certain medications can decrease the amount of thyroid hormone that is absorbed by your body. If you are taking any of these drugs, separate them from this medication by at least 4 hours. Symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels include tiredness, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heartbeat, or sensitivity to cold. Tell your doctor if your condition worsens or persists after several weeks of taking this medication.

SIDE EFFECTS: Hair loss may occur during the first few months of treatment. This effect is usually temporary as your body adjusts to this medication. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious effects of high thyroid hormone levels occur: increased sweating, sensitivity to heat, mental/mood changes, tiredness, diarrhea, shaking, headache, shortness of breath. Get medical help right away if any of these rare but serious effects of high thyroid hormone levels occur: chest pain, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, swelling hands/ankles/feet, seizures. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking levothyroxine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: increased thyroid hormones, decreased adrenal gland function, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use. Current information shows that this drug may be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Levothyroxine passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners", digoxin, sucroferric oxyhydroxide, theophylline.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, confusion, seizures.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up unless your doctor tells you to do so. Call your doctor if you miss 2 or more doses in a row. Ask your doctor ahead of time what to do about a missed dose and follow your doctor’s specific directions.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.