LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM

Drug Name: LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM

LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM DESCRIPTION:
THYROID REPLACEMENT - ORAL

COMMON LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM BRAND NAME(S):
Cytomel, Levotabs, Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid

LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM SIDE EFFECTS:
Symptoms of low thyroid levels include fatigue, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heart rate, sensitivity to cold or dry, brittle hair that tends to fall out easily. These symptoms should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Symptoms of high thyroid levels include headache, chest pain, increased pulse rate, rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, diarrhea, weight loss. If you experience any of these effects, contact your doctor. Your dose may need to be adjusted. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM:
LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM: Take LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM on an empty stomach. It is usually taken as a single daily dose before breakfast. Do not stop taking LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM unless consulting with your doctor. Replacement therapy is usually taken for life.

LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM WARNING:
LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM must not be used to treat obesity because serious, even life-threatening, effects could occur. Excessive levels of thyroid hormone can cause irregular heartbeats, nervousness, weight loss, and insomnia.

LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM USES:
Thyroid replacement therapy is prescribed when not enough thyroid hormone is secreted from the thyroid gland.

LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM PRECAUTIONS:
Before using LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart problems, diabetes, adrenal gland problems, any allergies (including drug allergies). Avoid using thyroid drugs for weight control. Current information shows that LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM may be used during pregnancy. Small amounts of LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM are excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM 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 LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM 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.

LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, headache, tremors, nervousness, stomach cramps, fever, chest pain, difficulty sleeping.

LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM 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 LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM.

MISSED LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM 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.

LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.