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| Pronunciation |
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 (lee
voe thye ROKS
een) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Levotabs®
Levo-T™; Levothroid®; Levoxyl®; Synthroid®;
Thyrox®; Unithroid™ |
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| Foreign Brand
Names |
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| Eltroxin® (Canada); Eutirox (Mexico);
PMS-Levothyroxine Sodium (Canada); Tiroidine (Mexico) |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Thyroid Product |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to levothyroxine or any other part of the
medicine.
- If you have any of the following conditions: Recent heart attack,
over-active thyroid gland, weak adrenal gland that is not being
treated.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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- This medicine is used as a replacement or supplement for people whose
thyroid gland does not work well.
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| How does it work? |
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- Levothyroxine works to fuel some metabolic processes. This includes
growth and development, and glucose, protein, and fat production in the
body.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Take on an empty stomach before breakfast.
- Do not take iron products, aluminum- and magnesium-containing
antacids, calcium carbonate, simethicone, sucralfate,
Kayexalate®, colestipol, or cholestyramine within 4 hours
of this medicine.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
- Do not change brand, dose, or stop taking medicine without talking
with healthcare provider.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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- Use caution if you have heart disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
- If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects.
- Do not use this medicine for weight loss. It is dangerous.
- Check medicines with healthcare provider. Some medicines may need
extra checking.
- Be cautious if you are allergic to tartrazine dye (some tablets
contain). Talk to your pharmacist.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms
involved.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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- Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, racing heart, shortness of breath,
decreased ability to exercise, increased nervousness or
agitation.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Check blood tests for thyroid activity. Talk with healthcare provider.
- If you are a diabetic check blood sugar regularly. You may see an
increase in blood sugar levels.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased
ability to walk.
- No improvement in condition or feeling worse. It may take 1-2 months
to feel better.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.
Protect from moisture.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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