Synthroid (Levothyroxine)

Levothyroxine tablet

What is this medicine?

LEVOTHYROXINE 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).

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• angina
• diabetes
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• low levels of pituitary hormone
• dieting or on a weight loss program
• previous heart attack
• an unusual or allergic reaction to levothyroxine, other thyroid hormones, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

How should I take 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. 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.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

What may interact with this medicine?

• amiodarone
• antacids
• anti-thyroid medicines
• calcium supplements
• carbamazepine
• cholestyramine
• colestipol
• digoxin
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• iron supplements
• ketamine
• liquid nutrition products like Ensure
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines or herbals used to decrease weight or appetite
• phenobarbital or other barbiturate medications
• phenytoin
• prednisone or other corticosteroids
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• soy isoflavones
• sucralfate
• theophylline
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while taking 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.

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.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• chest pain
• excessive sweating or intolerance to heat
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• nervousness
• skin rash or hives
• swelling of ankles, feet, or legs
• tremors

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
• changes in menstrual periods
• diarrhea
• hair loss
• headache
• trouble sleeping
• weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can 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.