Levothyroxine
Information about Levothyroxine
Levothyroxine Uses
Levothyroxine is used in the treatment of hypothyroidism.
How Levothyroxine works
Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It works by replacing the thyroid hormones that your thyroid gland cannot produce and relieves the symptoms of hypothyroidism (tiredness, weight gain, and depression).
Common side effects of Levothyroxine
Anxiety, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Palpitations, Nervousness, Weight loss, Tremors
Available Medicine for Levothyroxine
Expert advice for Levothyroxine
- Your doctor has prescribed Levothyroxine to replace the natural thyroid hormone that your own thyroid gland can no longer make.
- Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach (ideally, first thing in the morning). No food, milk, or tea should be taken 1 hour before and 2 hours after taking this medicine.
- It may take 6 to 8 weeks to get the full effect.
- For most people, Levothyroxine can be a lifelong medication. Do not discontinue it without discussing your doctor.
- Inform your doctor if you have diarrhea, nervousness, irritability, sleep disturbances, shaking hands, or chest pain. Your doctor may adjust your dose.
- Leave a gap of at least 4 hours before taking any antacids, calcium or iron supplements, and multivitamins, as these may interfere with the effect of the medicine.
- Get your hormone levels checked regularly and inform your doctor if you notice a significant change in your body weight. The dose may need to be adjusted.
- Inform your doctor before changing the brand of Levothyroxine as all brands may not have the same effect.
- Your doctor has prescribed Levothyroxine to replace the natural thyroid hormone that your own thyroid gland can no longer make.
- Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach (ideally, first thing in the morning). No food, milk, or tea should be taken 1 hour before and 2 hours after taking this medicine.
- It may take 6 to 8 weeks to get the full effect.
- For most people, Levothyroxine can be a lifelong medication. Do not discontinue it without discussing your doctor.
- Inform your doctor if you have diarrhea, nervousness, irritability, sleep disturbances, shaking hands, or chest pain. Your doctor may adjust your dose.
- Leave a gap of at least 4 hours before taking any antacids, calcium or iron supplements, and multivitamins, as these may interfere with the effect of the medicine.
- Get your hormone levels checked regularly and inform your doctor if you notice a significant change in your body weight. The dose may need to be adjusted.
- Inform your doctor before changing the brand of Levothyroxine as all brands may not have the same effect.