Eltroxin (Synthroid)
Generic Name: Levothyroxine
Packets of 1000 x 0.05 mg Tablets
Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline
Use
Levothyroxine is a naturally occurring hormone produced by your thyroid. It is important for normal energy and metabolism. Levothyroxine is also used to prevent and treat goiter (growth or enlargement of the thyroid gland). Causes of goiter include hormonal imbalances, radiation, surgery, and cancer.
Dosage
Take this medicine as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. Take the dosage with a full glass of water and in the morning to prevent insomnia at night.
Side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking levothyroxine and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); vomiting; or chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take levothyroxine and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication if you experience tremor, nervousness, or irritability; headache; insomnia; diarrhea, changes in appetite, or weight loss; leg cramps; menstrual irregularities; or fever, sweating, or heat sensitivity. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions
Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in your body, almost anyone can take this drug. In general, levothyroxine should not be taken if you have other hormonal problems that are not being adequately treated. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have a heart disease such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, or angina. These conditions may be affected by thyroid therapy, and closer monitoring may be necessary at the start of therapy. Changes in blood sugar may occur if you have diabetes, and special monitoring may be necessary. Levothyroxine is in the FDA pregnancy category A. This means that levothyroxine is safe for use during pregnancy. It is also safe to take thyroid hormones if you are breast-feeding a baby. This drug does pass into breast milk, but it will not harm a nursing infant.
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