Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery. Having enough thyroid hormone is important for maintaining normal mental and activity that is physical. In kids, having enough thyroid hormone is very important to normal mental and development that is physical.
This medication is also utilized to deal with other types of thyroid disorders (such as for instance certain types of goiters, thyroid cancer).
This medicine ought not to be used to treat infertility unless it is brought on by low thyroid hormones amounts.
Take this medicine by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast. Take this medication with a glass that is full of unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
It whole if you are taking the capsule form of this medication, swallow. Do not split, crush, or chew. People who cannot swallow the capsule whole (such as infants or children that are small should use the tablet form of the medication.
For infants or children who cannot swallow tablets that are whole crush the tablet and mix in one to two teaspoons (5 to 10 milliliters) of water, and provide using a spoon or dropper straight away. Do not prepare a supply in advance or mix the tablet in soy infant formula. Consult your pharmacist to get more information.
Dosage relies in your age, weight, medical condition, laboratory test outcomes, and reaction to treatment.
Utilize this medication regularly in order to get the benefit that is most from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Usually do not stop taking this medication without first consulting together with your doctor. Thyroid replacement treatment is frequently taken for life.
There will vary brands of levothyroxine available. Do not change brands without first consulting your pharmacist or doctor.
Certain medications (such as for example cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam, antacids, sucralfate, simethicone, iron, salt polystyrene sulfonate, calcium supplements, orlistat, sevelamer, amongst others) can decrease the quantity of thyroid hormone that is absorbed by your body. From this medication by at least 4 hours if you are taking any of these drugs, separate them.
Symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels consist of tiredness, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heartbeat, or sensitivity to cold. Tell your physician if your condition worsens or persists after a few weeks of taking this medicine.
Hair loss may occur during the first few months of treatment. This effect is usually temporary as your body adjusts to this medication. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your pharmacist or doctor immediately.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of adverse effects because he or. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your medical practitioner straight away if some of these unlikely but serious aftereffects of high thyroid hormones amounts happen: increased sweating, sensitivity to heat, mental/mood changes (such as nervousness, mood swings), tiredness, diarrhoea, shaking tremor that is(, headache, shortness of breath.
Get medical help right away if any among these unusual but serious effects of high thyroid hormone levels occur: chest pain, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, swelling hands/ankles/feet, seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is simply not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the usa -
Call your physician for medical advice about side effects. You may report effects that are side FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your medical practitioner for medical advice about unwanted effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking levothyroxine, tell your medical practitioner or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain ingredients that are inactive which causes allergic reactions or other problems. Speak to your pharmacist for lots more details.
Before utilizing this medicine, tell your physician or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: increased thyroid hormones (thyrotoxicosis), decreased gland that is adrenal, cardiovascular disease (such as for instance coronary artery condition, irregular heartbeat), high bloodstream pressure, diabetic issues.
Before having surgery, tell your physician or dentist about all the merchandise you utilize (including prescribed drugs, nonprescription medications, and herbal products).
Current information suggests that this drug may be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant because your dose might should be adjusted.
Levothyroxine passes into breast milk it is unlikely to harm a medical infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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