Common use

Levothroid (Levothyroxine) is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine is also used to help decrease the size of enlarged thyroid glands (also called a goiter) and to treat thyroid cancer.

Dosage and direction

This medicine will need to be taken for the rest of your life. Do not stop taking this medicine or change your dose without first checking with your doctor. You may have to take this medicine for 4 to 8 weeks before your symptoms start to get better. Take this medicine in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 to 60 minutes before eating breakfast. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not cut, chew, or crush it. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Precautions

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: Adrenal gland insufficiency (underactive adrenal gland), untreated or Heart attack, acute or recent or Thyrotoxicosis (overactive thyroid), untreated - Should not be used in patients with these conditions; Adrenal gland problems or Anemia, pernicious or Angina (severe chest pain), history of or Blood clotting problems, or history of or Diabetes or Heart or blood vessel disease (eg, coronary artery disease, heart failure), history of or Heart rhythm problems (eg, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation), history of or Osteoporosis, history of; Hypoproteinemia (low levels of protein in the blood), severe or Kidney disease (eg, nephrosis) or Liver disease (eg, hepatitis), severe or Pituitary gland problems (eg, acromegaly) or Porphyria (enzyme problem).

Contraindications

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines.
Levothroid should not be used for the treatment of obesity or for the purpose of losing weight. This medicine is not effective for weight reduction.
For patients with diabetes: It is very important that you keep track of your blood or urine sugar levels as instructed by your doctor. Check with your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your sugar levels.
If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Possible side effect

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: chest pain, discomfort, or tightness; decreased urine output; difficult or labored breathing; difficulty with swallowing; dilated neck veins; extreme fatigue; fainting; fast, slow, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse; fever; heat intolerance; hives or welts, skin itching, rash, or redness; irregular breathing; irritability; menstrual changes; nausea; pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck; sweating; swelling of the eyes, face, lips, throat, or tongue; tremors.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: change in appetite; crying; diarrhea; false or unusual sense of well-being; fear or nervousness; feeling not well or unhappy; feeling of discomfort; feeling of warmth; feeling things are not real; feelings of suspicion and distrust; hair loss; headache; increased appetite; mental depression; muscle weakness; quick to react or overreact emotionally; rapidly changing moods; redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest; restlessness; stomach cramps; trouble getting pregnant; trouble sitting still; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting; weight gain or loss.

Drug interaction

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Overdose

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur: change in consciousness; cold, clammy skin; confusion; disorientation; fast or weak pulse; lightheadedness; loss of consciousness; sudden headache; sudden loss of coordination; sudden slurring of speech.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.