What is Euthyrox?
Euthyrox replaces a thyroid hormone that is normally produced to regulate your body's metabolism and energy. When the thyroid gland does not produce enough levothyroxine, it is prescribed.Euthyrox is used to treat hypothyroidism.Euthyrox can also be used to treat or prevent goiter, which is caused by hormonal imbalances, radiation, surgery, or cancer.
Side effects of Euthyrox
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Euthyrox, seek immediate medical attention: itching; difficulty breathing; swelling in your face, lips, or throat; or hives.
If you experience:
- Fast or irregular heartbeats
- Chest pain is pain that spreads to your jaw, shoulder, or neck.
- Shortness of breath
- Heat flashes;
- If you experience unusually cold temperatures or tremors,
- Weakness, tiredness, and sleep problems (insomnia);
- Memory problems; feeling depressed, irritable, or angry
- Headaches, cramps in the legs, and muscle aches are all symptoms of headaches.
- Feeling nervous or irritable
- Hair loss is dryness of the skin or hair.
- Menstrual irregularities;
- Vomiting, diarrhea, appetite changes, and weight changes.
Some side effects are more common in older adults.
Euthyrox may cause side effects such as:
- Chest pain and irregular heartbeats
- Shortness of breath
- Headache, cramps in the legs, or muscle pain and weakness
- Tremors, feeling nervous, irritable, or trouble sleeping
- Increased appetite
- Feeling hot
- Weight loss;
- Changes in your menstrual cycle;
- Diarrhea;
- Skin rash, and partial hair loss.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Warnings
Euthyrox may not be suitable for you if certain medical conditions exist. You should tell your doctor if any of the following conditions exist: untreated or uncontrolled disorders of the adrenal glands, a thyroid condition called thyrotoxicosis, or recent or current symptoms indicating a heart attack.
Before you take this drug
Levothyrox can cause dangerous side effects and even death if it is misused, especially when combined with other appetite suppressants for weight loss medications.Levothyroxine is available to almost everyone, as thyroid hormone is produced naturally by the body. Euthyrox may not be available to you if you suffer from certain medical conditions.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Euthyrox will be safe for you:
- Uncontrolled or untreated adrenal gland disease;
- A thyroid disorder known as thyrotoxicosis
- Heart attack symptoms (chest pain, heavy feeling or pain that spreads to the shoulder or jaw, nausea, or general feeling of unwellness).
- A thyroid nodule
- Heart problems, such as heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, or disorders of blood clotting;
- Diabetes (your diabetes medication may need to be adjusted);
- Anemia (low blood red cells)
- Osteoporosis or low bone mineral density;
- You may have problems with your pituitary.
- Allergies to food or drugs
- Plan to have surgery.
- Recently received radiation treatment with iodine, such as I-131;
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
Euthyrox should not be stopped without consulting your doctor if you become pregnant. Low thyroid hormone levels could be harmful to both mother and child. Your dose needs may differ during gestation.Inform your doctor that you are breastfeeding. You may need a different dose while breastfeeding.Do not administer this medicine without consulting a doctor.
How to take Euthyrox?
Be sure to carefully read your prescription label and any accompanying guides or instruction sheets.. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.Euthyrox is most effective if taken 30–60 minutes before breakfast on an empty stomach. Take the medication at the time prescribed by your doctor.The dose of levothyroxine is based on the weight of the child. If your child loses or gains weight, the dose needed may change.
Levothyroxine may not start working for several weeks. Continue to take this medication, even if it makes you feel better. Levothyroxine may be needed for the rest of your life.You may require frequent medical tests. Euthyrox should be disclosed to any doctors, dentists, or surgeons who treat you.Storage conditions at room temperature must avoid extremes of heat or moisture to preserve quality of material.This medicine should not be shared with anyone else, even if the other person has similar symptoms.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.Overdose symptoms include headaches, tremors, or leg cramps. They may also be accompanied by feelings of nervousness or irritation, chest pains, shortness of breath, pounding hearts, or feeling irritable or anxious.
What should be avoided?
Avoid these foods that can cause your body to absorb less levothyroxine.
Interaction with other drug
Your thyroid hormone level can affect many other medications. Levothyroxine can also be affected by other medications.Levothyroxine can be less effective when taken with certain medicines. Avoid taking any of these drugs within 4 hours prior to or after Euthyrox.
- Calcium Carbonate
- Ferrous sulfate iron supplement;
- Sucralfate;
- Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kalexate, Kayexalate, Kionex);
- Stomach acid reducers: esomeprazole (lansoprazole), omeprazole (rabeprazole), Nexium (Prilosec), Prevacid (Protonix), Zegerid, and others
- Antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum include Gaviscon, Maalox Milk of Magnesia, Mintox Mylanta Complete, and others.
Levothyroxine may also be affected by other medications. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
