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 essential for normal mental and development that is physical.
This medication is also used to treat other types of thyroid disorders (such as for example certain kinds of goiters, thyroid cancer).
This medication ought not to be used to treat infertility unless it is brought on by low thyroid hormone levels.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily on an stomach that is empty 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast. Take this medication with a glass that is full of unless your physician directs you otherwise.
If you are taking the capsule form of this medication, swallow it whole. Do not split, crush, or chew. People who cannot swallow the capsule whole (such as infants or small children) should use the tablet kind of the medication.
For infants or children who cannot swallow whole tablets, crush the tablet and mix in 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 milliliters) of water, and give using a spoon or dropper immediately. Do not prepare a supply in advance or mix the tablet in soy infant formula. Consult your pharmacist for more information.
Dosage is situated on your own age, weight, medical condition, laboratory test results, and reaction to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to be able to get the benefit that is most from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Don't stop taking this medication without first consulting along with your doctor. Thyroid replacement treatment is often taken for life.
There are different brands of levothyroxine available. Do not change brands without first consulting your pharmacist or doctor.
Particular medications (such as cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam, antacids, sucralfate, simethicone, iron, salt polystyrene sulfonate, calcium supplements, orlistat, sevelamer, among others) can decrease the amount 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 hormones levels include tiredness, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, fat gain, slow heartbeat, or sensitivity to cold. Tell your doctor if your trouble worsens or persists after a few weeks of taking this medication.
Hair loss might 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 because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of adverse effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious adverse effects.
Inform your medical practitioner immediately if some of these unlikely but severe aftereffects of high thyroid hormones levels happen: increased sweating, sensitivity to heat, mental/mood changes (such as nervousness, mood swings), tiredness, diarrhea, shaking tremor that is(, frustration, difficulty breathing.
Get help that is medical away if any among these rare but serious ramifications of high thyroid hormone levels occur: chest pain, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, swelling hands/ankles/feet, seizures.
An extremely severe allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you observe any apparent symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This isn't a complete list of possible adverse effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the usa -
Call your medical professional for medical advice about unwanted effects. You may report adverse effects to Food And Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about unwanted effects. You may report effects that are side wellness Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before using levothyroxine, tell your physician or pharmacist in the event that you have any other allergies if you are allergic to it; or. This product may contain ingredients that are inactive which may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before utilizing this medication, tell your medical professional or pharmacist your medical history, particularly of: increased thyroid hormones (thyrotoxicosis), decreased gland that is adrenal, heart disease (such as coronary artery condition, irregular heartbeat), high bloodstream pressure, diabetic issues.
Before having surgery, tell your medical professional or dentist about all these products you utilize (including prescription drugs, nonprescription medications, and herbal items).
Current information demonstrates that this drug might be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant because your dose may need to be adjusted.
Levothyroxine passes into breast milk but is not likely to harm a medical infant. Consult your physician before breast-feeding.
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