Levothyroxine (By Mouth)
Levothyroxine (lee-voe-thye-ROX-een)
Treats hypothyroidism (the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone).
Brand Name(s):Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, Unithroid
There may be other brand names for this medicine. When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any type of thyroid hormone. How to Use This Medicine:
Tablet
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Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
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Take your medicine at the same time every day.
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Take the medicine on an empty stomach.
If a dose is missed:
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Take your medicine as soon as you remember that you missed a dose.
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Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose
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You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
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Store at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.
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Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
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Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
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If you are taking cholestyramine (Questran®), take it either 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take levothyroxine.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
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Talk with your doctor before taking levothyroxine if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes
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Do not change brand names of levothyroxine, unless you talk to your doctor. Look at your tablets when you get your prescription refilled. If these tablets are a different color or size than before, check with your pharmacist.
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Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
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Skin rash or hives with intense itching
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Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
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Chest pain
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Severe irritability or nervousness, tremors
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Fast or irregular heartbeat
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Severe diarrhea or intense sweating
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
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Anxiety
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Headache
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Trouble sleeping
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Appetite changes, weight loss
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Menstrual irregularities
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
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