The following information is a summary about Levoxyl. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Why is this Synthroid medication prescribed?
Synthroid/Levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone, is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Without this hormone, the body cannot function properly, resulting in poor growth, slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry thick skin, and increased sensitivity to cold. When taken correctly, Synthroid/levothyroxine reverses these symptoms. Synthroid/Levothyroxine also is used to treat congenital hypothyroidism (cretinism) and goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).
This Synthroid medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or Synthroid pharmacist for more Synthroid information.
How should this Synthroid medicine be used?
Synthroid/Levothyroxine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Synthroid usually is taken as a single dose before breakfast every day. To control the symptoms of hypothyroidism, you probably will need to take this Synthroid medicine for the rest of your life. It may take about 2 weeks before you notice any change in your symptoms. Follow the Synthroid directions on your Synthroid prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or Synthroid pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Synthroid/levothyroxine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Synthroid or take Synthroid more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take Synthroid/levothyroxine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Synthroid/levothyroxine without talking to your doctor.
What special Synthroid precautions should I follow?
Before taking Synthroid/levothyroxine,
tell your doctor and Synthroid pharmacist if you are allergic to Synthroid/levothyroxine, thyroid hormone, any other drugs, povidone iodine, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or foods such as lactose or corn starch. Levothroid and Eltroxin contain lactose, while Synthroid contains tartrazine and povidone. Eltroxin contains corn starch.
tell your doctor and Synthroid pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amphetamines; antacids; anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants or anti-anxiety agents; arthritis medicine; aspirin; beta-blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal) or timolol (Blocadren, Timoptic); cancer chemotherapy agents; cholesterol-lowering resins such as cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid); diabetes medications (insulin and tablets); digoxin (Lanoxin); estrogens; iron; methadone; oral contraceptives; phenytoin (Dilantin); sodium polystrene sulfonate (Kayexalate); sucralfate (Carafate); steroids; theophylline (TheoDur); and vitamins.
if you take cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), take it at least 4 hours before or 1 hour after taking Synthroid/levothyroxine.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes; hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis); kidney disease; hepatitis; cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), arrhythmias, or heart attack; or an underactive adrenal or pituitary gland.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Synthroid/levothyroxine, call your doctor.
if you have surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Synthroid/levothyroxine.
What special Synthroid dietary instructions should I follow?
Synthroid/Levothyroxine may cause an upset stomach. Take Synthroid/levothyroxine with food or milk.
Synthroid Side Effects
Although side effects from Synthroid/levothyroxine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Synthroid/symptoms are severe or do not go away:
weight loss
tremor
headache
upset stomach
vomiting
diarrhea
stomach cramps
nervousness
irritability
insomnia
excessive sweating
increased appetite
fever
changes in menstrual cycle
sensitivity to heat
temporary hair loss, particularly in children during the first month of Synthroid therapy
If you experience either of the following Synthroid symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
chest pain (angina)
rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse
What other Synthroid information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Synthroid.
Do not let anyone else take your Synthroid medication. Ask your Synthroid pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Synthroid prescription.
What should I do if I forget a Synthroid dose?
Take the missed Synthroid dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Synthroid dose, skip the missed Synthroid dose and continue your regular Synthroid dosing schedule. Do not take a double Synthroid dose to make up for a missed one.
Other uses for this Synthroid medicine
This Synthroid medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Synthroid information.
What storage conditions are needed for Synthroid?
Keep Synthroid in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Synthroid at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Synthroid medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Synthroid medication.
In case of Synthroid emergency/overdose
In case of Synthroid overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
