Desiccated Thyroid oral tablets and capsules

July 17, 2018

Desiccated Thyroid oral tablets and capsules

What is this medicine?

LEVOTHYROXINE (lee voe thye ROX een) and LIOTHYRONINE (lye oh THYE roe neen) Porcine, also known as Dessicated Thyroid, is a combination of 2 thyroid hormones. This medicine can improve symptoms of thyroid deficiency such as slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and feeling cold.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with water. It is best to take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Take this medicine at the same time each day. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children, precautions do apply.

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?

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.

Some brands of this medicine may have a strong odor. This does not mean that the drug is spoiled.

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