Levothyroxine (oral/injection)

What is Levothyroxine?

Levothyroxine is an oral medication used to treat hypothyroidism in children and adults (thyroid underactivity).Adults can also be treated with levothyroxine orally along with surgery and radioactive iodine to treat certain types of thyroid cancer.Only adults and children over 6 years of age can use Levothyroxine orally capsules.Adults are treated with levothyroxine to treat myxedema and coma.Levothyroxine is available in many different brands. This medication guide does not list all brands.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for levothyroxine.

Side effects of Levothyroxine

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.

Levothyroxine may cause serious side effects. If you experience:

• You may experience sudden hip, wrist, or back pain.
• Fast or irregular heartbeats
• Chest pain is pain that spreads to your jaw, shoulder, or neck.
• Wheezing;
• Fever or swollen lymph glands; itching; joint discomfort.
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea;
• High sugar: increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, and a fruity breath smell.

Levothyroxine side effects may include:

• Increased sweating.
• Tiredness;
• Skin rash, hair loss;
• Chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath
• Headache, leg cramps, muscle pain, or weakness;
• Sleep problems (insomnia);
• Increased or changed appetite
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Changes in your menstrual cycle;
• Vomiting, diarrhoea.

There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Levothyroxine may not be suitable for you if certain medical conditions exist. You should tell your doctor if there is an uncontrolled or untreated adrenal gland disorder or if you are experiencing heart problems like a recent attack.Levothyroxine is not recommended for treating obesity or weight issues.Levothyroxine is not more effective if you take more than the recommended dosage. There can be serious side effects.

Before you take this drug

Levothyroxine is not recommended for treating obesity or weight issues.Levothyroxine should not be used if you're allergic to glycerin or edetate diodium. It is also not recommended if your adrenal glands are uncontrolled or untreated.

Inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:

• A thyroid nodule
• Thyroiditis occurs when the thyroid gland is inflamed.
• Heart issues, including strokes or heart attacks.
• A blood clot, or blood clotting disorders;
• Diabetes
• Anaemia
• Weak bones (osteoporosis) or low bone mineral densities
• You may have problems with the pituitary gland or your adrenal gland.
• An allergic reaction is a reaction to food or drugs.
• Recently received radiation treatment with iodine, such as I-131;
• Kidney disease is a serious condition.

If you are planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Hypothyroidism can increase your risk of complications or premature birth. Treatment of hypothyroidism can be beneficial to both mother and baby.Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy.Inform your doctor that you are nursing. You may need a different dose if you are breastfeeding.Levothyroxine may increase your chances of breaking a bone. Speak to your doctor about how you can keep your bones strong.

How to take Levothyroxine?

Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.Levothyroxine is taken orally. Levothyroxine is injected into a vein.Levothyroxine oral should be taken on an empty stomach at least 30–60 minutes before breakfast with a glass of water. Take your medicine every day at the same time.Do not open, crush, chew, or break the capsule.If you can't swallow the tablet whole, crush it and mix 1 or 2 teaspoons with water. Give the mixture to her immediately. Don't save it to use later.If your child is unable to swallow the capsule in its entirety, tell your doctor.Use the measuring device provided to measure liquid medicines (not a spoon).Weight is used to determine the dose for children and adolescents. If your child loses or gains weight, the dose may change.If you change brands, strengths, or forms of levothyroxine, your dose requirements may be different. Use only the medication prescribed by your doctor to avoid medication mistakes.Continue to use this medication even if your symptoms are improving. This medicine may take several weeks to fully work.Your next dose could be delayed, depending on the results of your medical tests.Levothyroxine can interfere with certain medical tests. Inform any doctor that you see about your use of levothyroxine.Inform your doctor of any planned surgery or dental procedure.If you take more than the recommended dosage, this medication will not be as effective and can cause serious side effects.Keep the blister packs until you're ready to use each capsule or tablet.Keep Ermeza in the original bottle. Ermeza should be used within 90 days, and Thyquidity in 8 weeks after opening the bottle.Use Tirosint-Sol within 3 months from the date of opening.Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.

What happens if I miss the dose?

You are unlikely to miss a levothyroxine dose in a medical setting.Do not take two doses at once. Never take two doses in one go.

What happens if I overdose?

Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Overdoses can be deadly.Overdose symptoms include headaches, leg cramps, and tremors. They can also be accompanied by irritability, nervousness, or chest pain.

What should be avoided?

If you take levothyroxine orally, avoid the following foods within an hour: grapefruit, infant formula, soybeans, cotton seed, walnuts, and high-fibre foods.

Interaction with other drug

It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications at the same time. Levothyroxine can be less effective if certain drugs affect thyroid hormone levels.Avoid taking any of the drugs listed below within 4 hours prior to or 4 hours following levothyroxine.

• You can also use calcium carbonate in other products (alkamints, Caltrate Os-Cal Oyster Shell Calcium Rolaids, Soft Chew Tums, and others).
• Sevelamer, lanthanum;
• Cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol;
• Iron supplements;
• Sucralfate;
• Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kalexate, Kayexalate, Kionex);
• Stomach acid reducers--esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, rabeprazole, Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Zegerid, and others;
• Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium, such as Gaviscon, Maalox (milk of Magnesia), Mintox (mylanta), Pepcid Complete, and Mylanta

Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:

• Orlistat;
• Phenobarbital, rifampin;
• Ketamine, steroid medicines;
• Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and maprotiline.
• Heart or blood pressure medications;
• Diabetes medications
• Cancer medicine, such as imatinib
• A blood thinner: warfarin Coumadin Jantoven

The list of drugs that can affect levothyroxine is not exhaustive. Included are prescriptions, herbal and over-the counter products, as well as vitamins. The list is not exhaustive.