AskTried or prescribed Levothyroxine? Share your experience.
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U.S. Brand Names
Levothroid®; Levoxyl®; Synthroid®; Unithroid®
Canadian Brand Names
Eltroxin®; Euthyrox; Levothyroxine Sodium; Synthroid®
Mexican Brand Names
Cynocuatro; Eutirox; Levhexal; Tiroidine
Pharmacologic Category
Thyroid Product
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
• This medicine should not be used to treat obesity or for weight loss.
Reasons not to take this medicine
• If you have an allergy to levothyroxine or any other part of this medicine.
• 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, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• If you have any of the following conditions: Overactive thyroid gland, recent heart attack, or weak adrenal gland.
How does it work?
• Levothyroxine works to fuel some metabolic processes. This includes growth and development, and glucose, protein, and fat production.
How is it best taken?
• Take this medicine on an empty stomach 30 minutes before breakfast.
• Take this medicine at a similar time of day.
• Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Injection (I.V.):
• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose, brand, or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What should I monitor?
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• If you are diabetic, you will need to monitor blood sugars closely.
• Check blood work (thyroid function). Talk with healthcare provider.
• Check weight weekly. Report a weight loss to healthcare provider.
How should I store this medicine?
Oral:
• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Injection:
• This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• 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.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Created: 2005-04-07 16:54:24.0
Modified: 2010-03-09 08:17:40.0
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