Levothyroxine tablets
Levothyroxine tablets
What is this medicine?
LEVOTHYROXINE (lee voe thye ROX een) is a thyroid hormone. This medicine can improve symptoms of thyroid deficiency such as slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and feeling cold. It also helps to treat goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland). It is also used to treat some kinds of thyroid cancer along with surgery and other medicines.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with plenty of water. It is best to take on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children and infants as young as a few days of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply. For infants, you may crush the tablet and place in a small amount of (5-10 ml or 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls) of water, breast milk, or non-soy based infant formula. Do not mix with soy-based infant formula. Give as directed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
anxious
breathing problems
changes in menstrual periods
chest pain
diarrhea
excessive sweating or intolerance to heat
fast or irregular heartbeat
leg cramps
nervousness
swelling of ankles, feet, or legs
tremors
trouble sleeping
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
changes in appetite
headache
irritable
nausea
weight loss
What may interact with this medicine?
amiodarone
antacids
anti-thyroid medicines
calcium supplements
carbamazepine
certain medicines for depression
certain medicines to treat cancer
cholestyramine
clofibrate
colesevelam
colestipol
digoxin
female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections
iron supplements
kayexylate
ketamine
liquid nutrition products like Ensure
lithium
medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
medicines for diabetes
medicines or dietary supplements for weight loss
methadone
niacin
orlistat
oxandrolone
phenobarbital or other barbiturates
phenytoin
rifampin
sevelamer
simethicone
soy isoflavones
steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
sucralfate
testosterone
theophylline
warfarin
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Addison's disease or other adrenal gland problem
angina
bone problems
diabetes
dieting or on a weight loss program
fertility problems
heart disease
pituitary gland problem
take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots
an unusual or allergic reaction to levothyroxine, thyroid hormones, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Be sure to take this medicine with plenty of fluids. Some tablets may cause choking, gagging, or difficulty swallowing from the tablet getting stuck in your throat. Most of these problems disappear if the medicine is taken with the right amount of water or other fluids.
Do not switch brands of this medicine unless your health care professional agrees with the change. Ask questions if you are uncertain.
You will need regular exams and occasional blood tests to check the response to treatment. If you are receiving this medicine for an underactive thyroid, it may be several weeks before you notice an improvement. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve.
It may be necessary for you to take this medicine for the rest of your life. Do not stop using this medicine unless your doctor or health care professional advises you to.
This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar as directed.
You may lose some of your hair when you first start treatment. With time, this usually corrects itself.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018