What is Westhroid?
The combination of hormones is used to control the energy levels in your body. When the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, it is prescribed Desiccated Thyroid.
Hypothyroidism is treated by desiccated thyroid (low thyroid hormone). The use of Desiccated Thyroid is to treat or prevent goitre (enlarged thyroid gland), as well as to be given in conjunction with a thyroid disorder medical test.The treatment of obesity and weight problems should not include the use of Desiccated Thyroid.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Desiccated Thyroid.
Side effects of Westhroid
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.Temporary hair fall is a common side effect, especially in children.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Westhroid may not work for you if your thyroid condition is called thyrotoxicosis or if there's a problem with the adrenal glands that cannot be controlled.
If you experience symptoms of thyroid toxicity such as heart palpitations, rapid or pounding beats, feelings of heat or anxiety, or excessive sweating, call your doctor.
Before you take this drug
Desiccated thyroid hormone is available to almost everyone, as thyroid hormone is produced naturally by the body. You may not be allowed to take this medication if your thyroid condition is called thyrotoxicosis or if you are suffering from an adrenal gland disorder that cannot be controlled.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that desiccated thyroid is safe for you:
- Heart disease Angina
- Coronary arterial disease
- Congestive heart failure;
- Any type of diabetes
- Adrenal gland problems
The unborn child is unlikely to be harmed by a desired thyroid, but the dose you need may change during pregnancy. If you get pregnant while taking this medication, tell your doctor.
Desiccated thyroid is expected to pass through breast milk in small amounts, but it will not harm the nursing infant. Do not take this medication if you are breastfeeding a child without first consulting your doctor.
How to take Westhroid?
Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor may change the dose from time to time in order to get you the best results. Use Westhroid only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dose or use it for longer.You may need to have frequent blood tests if you use desiccated thyroid.
Even if you are feeling well, continue to take this medication as prescribed. You may have to take thyroid medicine for the rest of your life.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor: chest pain, rapid or pounding pulses, feeling nervous or hot, or sweating excessively.Tell the surgeon that you use desiccated thyroid if you require surgery. It may be necessary to temporarily stop taking the medication.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid taking cholestyramine or colestipol (Colestid) within 4 hours of desiccated thyroid.Avoid taking antacids within four hours of desiccated thyroxine. Antacids may make desiccated thyroids harder to absorb.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or stopping any that you currently take during treatment for desiccated thyroid.
- Hormonal replacement therapy or birth control pills
- A blood thinner, such as Warfarin Coumadin Jantoven
- Insulin is a diabetes medication that you can take orally.
- Iodine-containing medications (such as I-131);
- Salicylates, such as aspirin or other salicylates, like Nuprin Backache Caplet (also known as Nuprin Backache Caplet), kneerelief (also known as kneerelief), Pamprin Cramp Formula (also known as Pamprin Cramp Formula), Tricosal Trilisate, Tricosal Trilisate, etc.
- Steroids such as Prednisone and others.
This list is incomplete. There are other drugs that may interact with desiccated thyroid, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
