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Description
About Levothyroxine
This belongs to the group of medicines known as thyroid hormones.
Levothyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It is essential for normal metabolic processes, including mental and physical development.
An underactive thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroxine, which causes a condition known as hypothyroidism. This can lead to symptoms such as a pale, puffy appearance, dry coarse skin, brittle hair, a hoarse voice, slow heartbeat, muscle pain, joint pain, lethargy, constipation, loss of appetite and an intolerance to the cold. Levothyroxine is given as a medicine to correct this hormone imbalance.
Levothyroxine is also sometimes known as Levothyroxine Sodium or thyroxine. You may notice the use of either spelling on the packaging of your medicine.
Levothyroxine is available in tablet form.
It is also sometimes known as: Eltroxin. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.
Before Taking Levothyroxine
Before taking Levothyroxine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
* if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
* if you suffer from heart problems or have a history of heart problems
* if you have an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
* if you suffer from endocrine or hormone problems
* if you have blood pressure or circulation problems
* if you suffer from diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes)
* if you suffer from diabetes insipidus (a condition where there is over production of urine)
* if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
* if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines
How to Take Levothyroxine
* Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
* Always read the printed information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
* Try to take this medicine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
* Swallow the tablets whole with water. Levothyroxine should be taken onan empty stomach, usually before breakfast.
* If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking it at the usual time. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose; never take two doses at the same time to compensate. If in doubt speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
* Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of levothyroxine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
* This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Getting the most from your treatment
* Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside levothyroxine.
* Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking levothyroxine.
* Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
Can Levothyroxine cause problems?
You should experience no unwanted symptoms from taking levothyroxine, if you are taking the correct dose.
If your levothyroxine dose is too high, you may experience:
Chest pain, irregular or fast heart beat, palpitations (being aware of your heat beating), muscle cramps or weakness, diarrhoea, being sick, trembling, restlessness, excitability, problems sleeping, headaches, flushing, sweating, fever (high temperature), heat intolerance, excessive weight loss. Rash, itching and puffiness may also occur.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if any of the symptoms mentioned above continue or become troublesome. You should also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine.
How to store Levothyroxine
* Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
* Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
* Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.
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