levothyroxine - injection, Levothroid, Synthroid
GENERIC NAME: LEVOTHYROXINE - INJECTION (lev-oh-thigh-ROX in)
BRAND NAME(S): Levothroid, Synthroid
Warning |
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects |
Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |
Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: This medication should not be used for weight loss. Normal doses of this medication will not cause weight loss in people with normal thyroid function. Large doses of this medication may cause very serious (possibly fatal) side effects, especially when taken with diet pills.
USES: Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It is a man-made substance that replaces the natural substance (thyroid hormone) that is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery. Having enough thyroid hormone in your bloodstream is important for maintaining normal mental and physical activity. In children, having enough thyroid hormone is important for normal mental and physical development.This medication is also used to treat other types of thyroid disorders (e.g., certain types of goiters, thyroid cancer). It is also used to test thyroid activity.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein or into a muscle by a health care professional, usually once a day or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, thyroid hormone levels, and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not stop using this medication without consulting with your doctor. Thyroid replacement treatment is usually taken for life.Symptoms of low thyroid levels include tiredness, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heartbeat, or sensitivity to cold. These symptoms should improve in a few days as your body adjusts to this medication. Tell your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.
SIDE EFFECTS: Some hair loss may occur during the first few months of starting this drug. This effect is usually temporary as your body adjusts to this medication. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Though unlikely, it is possible to have too much thyroid hormone. Your doctor may need to reduce the dose of this medication. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious signs of too much thyroid hormone occur: headache, mental/mood changes (e.g., nervousness, irritability), shaking, sweating, sensitivity to heat, diarrhea, weight loss, trouble sleeping, tiredness.Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, shortness of breath, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, swelling of the hands/feet, seizures.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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