Levoxyl

What is Levoxyl?

Levoxyl is a thyroid medicine. It replaces the hormone that your thyroid gland produces to regulate energy and metabolism. When your thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone, you are given levothyroxine.Levoxyl is a prescription medication used to treat hypothyroidism.Levoxyl can also be used to treat or even prevent goitre, which is an enlarged thyroid gland that may be caused by hormonal imbalances, radiation, surgery, or cancer.Levoxyl can also be used to treat thyroid cancers that require surgery and radioiodine treatment. This type of cancer is called well-differentiated.

Warnings

Levoxyl may not be suitable for you if certain medical conditions exist. You should tell your doctor if any of the following conditions exist: an untreated or poorly controlled adrenal gland disorder; a thyroid condition called thyrotoxicosis; or recent or current symptoms that may indicate a heart attack.This medicine should not be taken to treat obesity.

Before you take this drug

Levoxyl is not to be used for treating obesity or weight issues. The misuse of levothyroxine can cause dangerous side effects or even death. This is especially true if you're taking other appetite suppressants or weight-loss medications.Levoxyl is available to almost everyone since thyroid hormone occurs in the body naturally. You may not be allowed to take Levoxyl if you suffer from certain medical conditions.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that levoxyl 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);
• Anaemia (low blood red cells)
• Weak bones (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.

Do not stop taking Levoxyl without consulting your doctor if you become pregnant. Low thyroid hormone levels could be harmful to both mother and child. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy.Inform your doctor that you are breastfeeding. You may need a different dose while breastfeeding.Levoxyl should not be given to children without consulting a doctor.

How to take Levoxyl?

Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.Levoxyl can be taken orally.Levoxyl 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 tablet should be swallowed whole with 8 ounces of water. The Levoxyl tablets may dissolve quickly and cause swelling in your throat.If you are giving Levoxyl tablets to children or infants who can't swallow them, they may be crushed. Pour the newly crushed tablet into a small amount of water (5 mL–10 mL, or 1–2 teaspoonfuls), and administer the medicine immediately with a spoon or dropper. Store the mixture in a cool, dry place. Do not mix the medicine with foods that decrease levothyroxine absorption.Levothyroxine may not start working for several weeks. Continue to take Levoxyl, even if your symptoms are normal. It may be necessary for you to continue using levoxyl throughout your life.

You may require frequent medical testing. Tell your doctor, dentist, or surgeon that you useStore away from heat and moisture at room temperature.Levoxyl 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 or pounding pulses, and a feeling of irritability.

What should be avoided?

Avoid these foods that can cause your body to absorb less levothyroxine.

side effects of Levoxyl

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

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 irritable or depressed
• 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.
• Menstruation irregular;
• Vomiting, diarrhoea, appetite changes, and weight changes.

Some side effects are more common in older adults.

Levoxyl 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, irritability, or feeling nervous
• Increased appetite
• Feeling hot
• Weight loss;
• Changes in your menstrual cycle;
• Diarrhoea;
• Skin rash, and partial hair loss.

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.

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 before, or 4 hours after, levothyroxine.

• Calcium Carbonate
• Cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol;
• Ferrous sulphate iron supplement;
• Sucralfate;
• Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kalexate, Kayexalate, Kionex);
• Prevacid, Nexium, Zegerid and other stomach acid reducers include esomeprazole lansoprazole rabeprazole Nexium (Prilosec) Prevacid Protonix
• Antacids that contain aluminium or magnesium: Gaviscon, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mintox Mylanta, Complete Pepcid, and other brands

Levothyroxine can interact with many drugs. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. The list is not exhaustive. Tell your doctor about all the medications that you currently take and any new ones you plan to start or stop using.