thyroid replacement-oral (cont.)
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially about: warfarin, drugs that may increase heart rate or blood pressure such as decongestants or caffeine (decongestants may be found in nonprescription cough-and-cold medicines), estrogen products (including estrogen-containing birth control pills), digoxin, diabetes medicines. Certain medicines may decrease absorption of this drug into your bloodstream. Therefore, take this 4 hours apart from: calcium or iron supplements, aluminum or calcium antacids, cholestyramine or colestipol, sucralfate or sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, headache, tremors, nervousness, stomach cramps, fever, chest pain, difficulty sleeping.
NOTES: There are different brands of thyroid hormones available. Do not change brands without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Lab tests may be done periodically to monitor the effectiveness of this medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. Call your doctor if you miss 2 or more doses in a row.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2005
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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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